-17.2.9 Solve \ y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2} by undetermined coefficients

In summary: So either the textbook is incorrect, or you need to provide more information about what you're doing.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
3,269
5
ok going to see if i can do the steps
$\textrm{17.2.9 Solve the given equation by the method of undetermined coefficients.}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2}
\end{align*}
$\textit{ textbook answer is:}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=c_1e^{-x}+c_2 e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^{2}-6\\
\end{align*}
 
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  • #2
Could if be that the given ODE is:

\(\displaystyle y''-y=2e^{-x}+3x^2\)

And the textbook answer is equivalent to:

\(\displaystyle y(x)=c_1e^x+c_2e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6\) ?
 
  • #3
I will proceed as if what I posted is correct, and give my solution below:

We see that the characteristic roots are:

\(\displaystyle r=\pm1\)

And so the homogeneous solution is:

\(\displaystyle y_h(x)=c_1e^{x}+c_2e^{-x}\)

We will assume our particular solution then will take the form:

\(\displaystyle y_p(x)=Axe^{-x}+Bx^2+Cx+D\)

Differentiating, we find:

\(\displaystyle y_p''(x)=-2Ae^{-x}+Axe^{-x}+2B\)

Substitution into the ODE gives us:

\(\displaystyle -2Ae^{-x}+Axe^{-x}+2B-\left(Axe^{-x}+Bx^2+Cx+D\right)=2e^{-x}+3x^2\)

\(\displaystyle -2Ae^{-x}-Bx^2-Cx-D+2B=2e^{-x}+3x^2+0x+0\)

Equating coefficients, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle -2A=2\implies A=-1\)

\(\displaystyle -B=3\implies B=-3\)

\(\displaystyle C=0\)

\(\displaystyle -D+2B=0\implies D=-6\)

And so our particular solution is:

\(\displaystyle y_p(x)=-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6\)

And thus, the solution to the ODE is:

\(\displaystyle y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=c_1e^{x}+c_2e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6\)
 
  • #4
probably

however the mml just closed so I can't check.
but the rewrite you gave is probably the one I submitted that was correct
unfortunately I got the answer from W|A
but didn't know the steps:confused:

wow, thanks again I would of spent a lot of time trying to get it
 
Last edited:
  • #5
karush said:
ok going to see if i can do the steps
$\textrm{17.2.9 Solve the given equation by the method of undetermined coefficients.}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2}
\end{align*}
$\textit{ textbook answer is:}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=c_1e^{-x}+c_2 e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^{2}-6\\
\end{align*}
That "text book answer" very clearly is NOT correct. For one thing, [tex]c_1e^{-x}+ c_2e^{-x}= (c_1+ c_2)e^{-x}= ce^{-x}[/tex]. I presume you meant [tex]c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}[/tex]. But even [tex]y= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 3x^2- 6[/tex] does NOT satisfy the given equation. For that y, [tex]y'= c_1e^x- c_2e^{-x}- e^{-x}+ xe^{-x}- 6x[/tex] and [tex]y''= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}+ 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6[/tex] so that [tex]y''- y= 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6[/tex] NOT [tex]2e^{-x}+ 3e^2[/tex].
 

FAQ: -17.2.9 Solve \ y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2} by undetermined coefficients

1. What is the undetermined coefficient method?

The undetermined coefficient method is a technique used to solve non-homogeneous linear differential equations. It involves assuming a particular form for the solution and then solving for the coefficients using the given differential equation.

2. How do you determine the form of the particular solution?

The form of the particular solution is determined by the non-homogeneous term in the differential equation. In this case, the terms 2e^(-x) and 3e^(2x) suggest that the particular solution will be of the form Ae^(-x) + Be^(2x).

3. How do you solve for the coefficients?

After determining the form of the particular solution, we substitute it into the original differential equation and solve for the coefficients A and B by equating like terms. In this case, we would equate the coefficients of e^(-x) and e^(2x) separately.

4. What is the general solution to this differential equation?

The general solution is the sum of the particular solution and the complementary solution. The complementary solution is found by solving the associated homogeneous equation, which in this case is y''-y=0. The general solution would be y = y_p + y_c, where y_p is the particular solution and y_c is the complementary solution.

5. Are there any special cases when using the undetermined coefficient method?

Yes, there are a few special cases to be aware of when using the undetermined coefficient method. These include when the non-homogeneous term is a polynomial, when the non-homogeneous term has repeated roots, and when the non-homogeneous term is a linear combination of terms with different forms. In these cases, additional steps may be needed to find the particular solution.

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