Y''+4y'+4y = 6.5e^(-2t), I guessed y = At^2*e^(-2t) but still wrong any ideas?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a particular solution to the differential equation y'' + 4y' + 4y = 6.5e^(-2t). The original poster attempts to solve this by guessing a form for the solution involving a polynomial multiplied by an exponential function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriateness of the original guess for the particular solution and suggest alternative forms. There are questions about the process of equating coefficients and the implications of repeated roots in the characteristic equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on correcting the approach to finding the particular solution, while others are still exploring the reasoning behind the choice of the guessed solution form. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the equating of coefficients.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to consider the nature of the roots in the characteristic equation and how that affects the choice of the particular solution. The original poster's submission was marked incorrect, prompting further discussion on the assumptions made in their approach.

mr_coffee
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Hello everyone!
I'm stuck on this problem! as usual.

Find a particular solution to
y'' + 4 y' + 4 y = 6.5 e^{-2 t}.

Here is my work:
y''+4y'+4y = 6.5e^(-2t)
r^2+4r+4 = 0;
r = -2, repeated root
So i made the guess:

y = A*t^2*e^(-2t);
y' = A(2t*e^(-2t) + t^2(-2)*e^(-2t))
y'' = A(2*e^(-2t)+t^2*4*e^(-2t))So i equated co-efficents of e^(-2t) and got:
2A +4A = 6.5
6A = 6.5
A = 13/12

y = c1*e^(-2t)+c2*t*e^(-2t)+(13/12)*t^2*e^(-2t);
So as the answer i submitted was:
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/42/a68981ceebd32318c1f96a3eee5ab31.png
but it was wrong any ideas why?
Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Your second derivative is wrong; besides, try an expansion y=(At^2+Bt)e^-2t
 
Thanks for the help arildno, but I'm still stuck now. I don't seem to know what to do about equating co-efficents, here is my work:
http://suprfile.com/src/1/1suf6p/lastscan.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
N/m, i got it right now, seems like you only equate e^(-2t) for A's because verything else must go to Zero! i got
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/f2/6fbe99cb135fd7a93100695be3cdab1.png
Thanks for the help. Quick question though, how did you know to guess:
y=(At^2+Bt)e^-2t ? and not just y = At^2*e^(-2t)?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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