Understanding Arbitrary Constants in Second Order Nonhomogeneous Equations

[jason17349]

The following equation was derived from a RLC circuit:

\frac{d^2}{dt^2} (V(t)) + 6 \frac{d}{dt} (V(t)) + 5V(t) = 40

Setting up the equation:

s^2 +6s + 5 = 0

yields s = -1 and s = -5

Giving me the general equation:

V(t) = k_{1}e^{-t} + k_{2}e^{-5t}

But the general equation shown in the solution is:

V(t) = k_{1}e^{-t} + k_{2}e^{-5t} + k_{3}

It's been a little while since my differential equations class and I'm not sure where the k3 comes from. Is it because the equation is nonhomogeneous and if that's the case will all second order nonhomogeneous equations that equal a constant have similar general equations?

 

[Pyrrhus]

Yes it is because is nonhomogenous, the particular solution for this equation will have been 8. v(t)_{p} = 8

 

[dextercioby]

Shouldn't k_{3}=8 ??

Daniel.

 

[jason17349]

Okay guys I got it, thanks for your help. And yes k_{3} = 8

 

[HallsofIvy]

V(t) = k_{1}e^{-t} + k_{2}e^{-5t} + k_{3}

In my opinion, that is really bad notation! The fact that the same symbol is used for k_1, k_2, k_3 implies that they are to be treated the same. In fact, k₁ and k₂ are arbitrary constants while k₃ must be 8.