Second Order Differential Nonhomogeneous Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order nonhomogeneous differential equation using the method of undetermined coefficients. Participants are exploring the process of finding a particular solution while clarifying the distinction between specific and general solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the particular solution by proposing a form for Yp and substituting it into the differential equation. They express uncertainty about their approach after attempting to solve for constants.
  • Some participants suggest comparing coefficients after substituting Yp into the original equation to determine the correct form for Yp.
  • Others mention alternative methods, such as the D Operator method and variation of parameters, as potentially useful but do not elaborate on them.
  • There is a question regarding the accuracy of the roots obtained from the auxiliary equation, with some participants noting discrepancies.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to proceed with finding the particular solution. There is an acknowledgment of different methods and some exploration of the implications of the roots, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of using the method of undetermined coefficients and are discussing the implications of the roots of the auxiliary equation, which have been noted to be potentially incorrect. There is also mention of the need for clarity in the setup of the problem.

GogumaDork
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Homework Statement


Use the method of undetermined coefficients to find one solution of
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6844/4ab921ad6ba6851cc91401c.png
Note that the method finds a specific solution, not the general one.

Homework Equations


Y = Yc + Yp
Yc = C1e^(r1t)+C2e^(rt) when roots are not the same.

The Attempt at a Solution


For the homogeneous part I used the quadratic equation to get the roots -1 and -4.
Y = Yc + Yp
Yc = C1e^-t +C2e^-4t

I tried Yp = (At^2+Bt+C)*De^(4t) but it doesn't seem correct after solving a bunch of derivatives and plugging it back into y'' + 3y' -4y and solving for constants.

How to determine the Y-particular for this problem?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Hii. Method of undetermined coefficients is sometimes lengthy but it sure does give the correct particular integral. As u have already written the rough Yp,what u have to do now is just replace it for y in the original equation and compare the coefficients of (e^4t)t^2,(e^4t)t and e^4t on both sides of the equation and u will get the expression for Yp. There are however other useful and short methods for finding Yp. One is the D Operator method and the other is the variation of parameters method. These are too long for me to describe elaborately here,but u must check these out in the net or any other reference books.Any standard engineering mathematics book would contain these topics.Personally I recommend using the D Operator method as it is very useful when exploited efficiently.
 
And welcome to Physics Forums...
 
GogumaDork said:

Homework Statement


Use the method of undetermined coefficients to find one solution of
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6844/4ab921ad6ba6851cc91401c.png
Note that the method finds a specific solution, not the general one.

Homework Equations


Y = Yc + Yp
Yc = C1e^(r1t)+C2e^(rt) when roots are not the same.

The Attempt at a Solution


For the homogeneous part I used the quadratic equation to get the roots -1 and -4.
Y = Yc + Yp
Yc = C1e^-t +C2e^-4t

I tried Yp = (At^2+Bt+C)*De^(4t) but it doesn't seem correct after solving a bunch of derivatives and plugging it back into y'' + 3y' -4y and solving for constants.

How to determine the Y-particular for this problem?

Can you show what you did and where it went wrong? The numbers aren't pretty but it certainly seems to be working fine for me. You don't need the D parameter. Set it equal to 1. Then I'll get you started. A=(-1/24).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
And one more thing, the roots of your auxiliary equation are 1 and -4 respectively.
 
sagardip said:
And one more thing, the roots of your auxiliary equation are 1 and -4 respectively.

That would be true. Nice catch. But you don't need them to find the particular solution.
 

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