Second order differential equation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation with specific initial conditions. Participants clarify the form of the particular solution, emphasizing that it should not include an x factor unless the right-hand side matches a root of the left-hand side. The correct approach involves identifying constants A, B, and C for the particular solution, rather than introducing a variable p. The importance of recognizing complex conjugate roots in the complementary function is highlighted, as it affects the form of the solution. Overall, the conversation focuses on refining the solution process for the differential equation.
Tan Bee Yong
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Homework Statement


This question concerns the second-order differential equation

dy^2/dx^2 -4(dy/dx) + 5y = 25x - 3e^2x. Find the solution of the differential equation that satisfies the initial conditions y=0 and dy/dx= 0 when x=0.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Tan Bee Yong! Welcome to PF!

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
particular solution = Ax + B + pxe^2x
differential once : A + pe^2x + 2pxe^2x
differential again 2pxe^2x + 2pxe^2x + 4pxe^2x=4pe^2x + 4pxe^2x

substitute the above into the DE. i get:

4pe^2x + 4pxe^2x -4A-4pe^2x - 8pxe^2x + 5Ax + 5B + 5pxe^2x

=-4A + 5Ax + 5B + pxe^2x

by comparing with the right-hand side of DE;

5Ax = 25x
A= 5,

-4A + 5B = 0
B = 4

pxe^2x = -3e^2x
px=-3
p= -3/x (this is the part i don't understant. why is there an x?, i thought p should be a constant)

sori i don't know how to use the button to show ^
 
Yp = Ax + B + pxe2x
Yp' : A + pe^2x + 2pxe2x
Yp'' 2pxe2x + 2pxe2x + 4pxe2x=4pe2x+ 4pxe2x

substitute the above into the DE. i get:

4pe2x + 4pxe2x -4A-4pe2x - 8pxe2x + 5Ax + 5B + 5pxe2x

=-4A + 5Ax + 5B + pxe2x

by comparing with the right-hand side of DE;

5Ax = 25x
A= 5,

-4A + 5B = 0
B = 4

pxe2x = -3e2x
px=-3
p= -3/x (this is the part i don't understant. why is there an x?, i thought p should be a constant)
 
Hi Tan Bee Yong! :smile:

(if you click the "QUOTE" button, that takes you to the Reply page, and there's a row of icons above the reply box :wink:)

Your original RHS was 25 - 3e2x

your particular solution should therefore be Ax + B + Ce2x.

(btw, why use capital A and B and small p? it's not illegal, but I think C is neater! :wink:)

You only need to use xe2x if e2x is a solution to the LHS (which in this case, it isn't!). :smile:
 
LHS has a pair of complex conjugate roots, hence my Yc = e2x(Dcos(x) + Ecos(x))

i thought this is a special case, that's why I use Cxe2x

Did I make a mistake at the complementary function?
 
No, the roots are 2 ± i, that's not the same as 2 ! :wink:

You only need x if the RHS exponent is exactly the same as a LHS root.
 
tiny-tim said:
No, the roots are 2 ± i, that's not the same as 2 ! :wink:

You only need x if the RHS exponent is exactly the same as a LHS root.

Ok .. will give it another try.. thank you so much for helping
 
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