Higher order diff.eq undetermined coefficient

In summary, the conversation discusses the method of finding the particular integral by using the undetermined coefficients method and the power series representation of exponential functions. The experts also mention the possibility of using inverse differential operators as an alternative method.
  • #1
Raghav Gupta
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What to do here if D=d/dx
(D2+2D+4)y= x2e2x ?
How to find particular integral by method of undetermined coefficient?
if R.H.S would have been x2+ e2x then we could have taken
yp= Ax2+ Bx+C + De2x
but here in product, what to do?
 
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  • #2
There may be a better way to do this but: Suppose you can solve ## (D^2 + 2D + 4)y = Cx^m ## for an arbitrary integer ## m ## and constant ## C ##. Then expand the exponential on the right hand side of the real problem using the power series representation ##e^{2x} = \sum_0^\infty \frac{2^n x^n}{n!} ##. The right hand side of the real problem will become a power series in ## x ##. Since you know how to solve ## (D^2 + 2D + 4)y = Cx^m ## for arbitrary ## C ## and ## m ##, you can solve the equation for each separate term of the series. Then the full (particular) solution is the sum of the solutions for each separate power of ## x ##.
 
  • #3
We have been not yet taught the power series. Any other method you know. Or apart from method of undetermined coefficients any other thing?
 
  • #4
The term on the right side of the equation is proportional to [itex]e^{2x} [/itex] so you should guess a particular solution that is proportional to [itex] e^{2x} [/itex]. So let [itex] y_p = f(x)e^{2x} [/itex] where [itex] f(x) [/itex] is a undermentioned function. Plug this expression for [itex] y_p [/itex] into the original differential equation. After applying the chain rule you'll be able to cancel at the factors of [itex]e^{2x} [/itex]. This will leave you with a differential equation for [itex] f(x) [/itex]. You only need to find one solution, and you should be able to do so using the method of undetermined coefficients.
 
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  • #5
I'm arriving at f''(x)+4f'(x)+7f(x)=f(x)
Is there also a method of inverse differential operator?
 
  • #6
You should double check your work. I get something different. For starters the right side of the equation should be x^2. Once you have an differential for f(x) you can solve it using what you have already learned. Remember that f(x) and y(x) are arbitrary symbols. You know how to solve an differential equation for y. The same methods are used to solve a differential equation for f.
 
  • #7
An alternative - I multiply the equation through by e-2x.

Then set a new variable Y = e-2xy

Work out what Y' and Y" are.

I got (D2 - 9) Y = x2

I could have made a mistake, and if not it is not guaranteed beforehand or in other cases the LHS is quite so simple, but I think it is guaranteed you get the LHS still a 2nd order linear d.e. LHS in Y with constant coeffs and of course the RHS now of more well recognised type.
 
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FAQ: Higher order diff.eq undetermined coefficient

What are higher order differential equations?

Higher order differential equations are equations that involve derivatives of a function up to a certain order. They are commonly used to model physical systems and can be solved using various methods, such as undetermined coefficients.

What is the method of undetermined coefficients?

The method of undetermined coefficients is a technique used to solve a particular type of higher order differential equation called linear non-homogeneous equations. It involves finding a particular solution that satisfies the non-homogeneous part of the equation by assuming a form for the solution and solving for the unknown coefficients.

When is the method of undetermined coefficients applicable?

The method of undetermined coefficients is only applicable to linear non-homogeneous equations with constant coefficients. It cannot be used for non-linear or non-constant coefficient equations.

What are the steps involved in using the method of undetermined coefficients?

The steps involved in using the method of undetermined coefficients are: (1) identifying the type of equation, (2) finding the complementary solution by solving the homogeneous equation, (3) guessing a particular solution based on the non-homogeneous part of the equation, (4) substituting the guess into the original equation, (5) solving for the unknown coefficients, and (6) combining the complementary and particular solutions to get the general solution.

What are some common pitfalls when using the method of undetermined coefficients?

Some common pitfalls when using the method of undetermined coefficients include: (1) choosing an incorrect form for the particular solution, (2) not considering all possible cases for the particular solution, (3) not verifying the solution by plugging it back into the original equation, and (4) not including all necessary terms in the complementary solution.

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