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

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) y'' - y = 2e^{-x} + 3e^{2} using the method of undetermined coefficients. Participants question the correctness of the textbook answer, suggesting it may not align with the original equation. They point out that the proposed solutions do not satisfy the ODE, indicating a misunderstanding of the terms involved. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying solutions against the original equation. Ultimately, the need for clarity in the formulation and solution of ODEs is emphasized.
karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
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*}
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Could if be that the given ODE is:

$$y''-y=2e^{-x}+3x^2$$

And the textbook answer is equivalent to:

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

We see that the characteristic roots are:

$$r=\pm1$$

And so the homogeneous solution is:

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

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

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

Differentiating, we find:

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

Substitution into the ODE gives us:

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

$$-2Ae^{-x}-Bx^2-Cx-D+2B=2e^{-x}+3x^2+0x+0$$

Equating coefficients, we obtain:

$$-2A=2\implies A=-1$$

$$-B=3\implies B=-3$$

$$C=0$$

$$-D+2B=0\implies D=-6$$

And so our particular solution is:

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

And thus, the solution to the ODE is:

$$y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=c_1e^{x}+c_2e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6$$
 
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:
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, c_1e^{-x}+ c_2e^{-x}= (c_1+ c_2)e^{-x}= ce^{-x}. I presume you meant c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}. But even y= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 3x^2- 6 does NOT satisfy the given equation. For that y, y'= c_1e^x- c_2e^{-x}- e^{-x}+ xe^{-x}- 6x and y''= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}+ 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6 so that y''- y= 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6 NOT 2e^{-x}+ 3e^2.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K