Very simple diff eq [concept help needed for exam]

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    Diff eq Exam
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation, specifically y' = 4x - y + 9 with the initial condition y(0) = 6. The original poster expresses anxiety about their upcoming exam and their struggle to recall fundamental concepts related to differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the original poster's attempt to apply second-order methods to a first-order equation, questioning the appropriateness of this approach. There is discussion about the integrating factor method and the nature of forced solutions.

Discussion Status

The conversation highlights a divergence in approaches, with some participants advocating for the standard first-order methods while the original poster seeks to understand forced solutions in the context of second-order equations. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance on polynomial particular solutions is provided.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a preference for second-order methods due to their exam preparation, despite the problem being first-order. They also express uncertainty about the feasibility of applying second-order techniques to this specific problem.

Tom McCurdy
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Homework Statement



Find the exact solution to this problem
y'=4x–y+9;y(0)=6


The Attempt at a Solution



I am panicing because I have an exam tomorrow and I can't remeber a lot of the basics for diff eq. I tried to solve this using 2nd order style...

first I made it

y'-y=4x+9

For natural solution i do
r+1=0
r=-1

natural solution = A*e^(-x)

How do I get the forced soution?


And how would I do it on a second order equation so like

y''+By'+y = some x terms

I know how to do natural solutions... its the forced that keeps getting me
 
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You do realize that that is a first order differential equation right? Do you know the standard method of integrating factors for finding the solution of a first order differential equation?
 
I am trying to avoid first order methods, I would like to be able to solve it using second order method... since r is a real root it would take the natural form A*e(-rx)

Really I guess I picked a bad example... I thought it would be easier than second order... I am trying to figure out how to solve for a second order "forced solution"
 
Why are you trying to avoid first order methods for a first order equation? It really is easiest to just find an integrating factor and solve the equation that way.
 
I know its the easiest way, but I don't have any first order problems on my upcomming exam, I just thought it would be easier to learn how to do forced solutions on a first order problem (which I don't even know if it is possilbe) I know how to do the integrating factor method.
 
If your forcing function is a polynomial, the particular solution will be a polynomial of the same degree. In your case
[tex]y_p = Ax + B[/tex]
Substitute [tex]y_p[/tex] and its derivative in the differential equation to obtain the parameters A and B.
 
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