Differential Equation, nonhomogeneous equation

In summary, the problem is to find the general solution for the given equation y'' - y' - 2y = -2t + 4t^2 and the attempted solution involves setting Y(t) = At^2 + B^t + C and finding the values of A, B, and C. However, there are mistakes in the substitution process, which can be corrected by breaking it into smaller steps.
  • #1
oneamp
219
0

Homework Statement



Find the general solution:
y'' - y' - 2y = -2t + 4t^2


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



r_1 = 2, r_2 = (-1)

Set Y(t) = At^2 + B^t + C
Y' = 2At + B
Y'' = 2A

2A - 2At + B - 2At^2 + Bt + C = -2t + 4t^2

-2At^2 + (B-2A)t + 2A + B + C = -2t + 4t^2

-2A = 4
B - 2A = (-2)
2A + B + C = 0

The solution should have -2 = A, 3 = B, and -7/2 = C.
But when I solve it, given the equations above, I don't get that. I only have A right.

What's wrong?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
oneamp said:
Set Y(t) = At^2 + B^t + C
Y' = 2At + B
Y'' = 2A

2A - 2At + B - 2At^2 + Bt + C = -2t + 4t^2
The method is right, but there are several mistakes when you substitute into the equation. Maybe do this in a couple of steps, instead of one.
 
  • #3
Thanks
 

Related to Differential Equation, nonhomogeneous equation

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is an equation that involves one or more derivatives of an unknown function, and can be used to model relationships between various quantities in a system.

What is a nonhomogeneous equation?

A nonhomogeneous equation is a type of differential equation where the highest derivative is not equal to zero, and the equation contains terms that do not depend on the unknown function.

How do you solve a nonhomogeneous differential equation?

To solve a nonhomogeneous differential equation, you can use the method of undetermined coefficients or variation of parameters. These methods involve finding a particular solution and combining it with the general solution of the corresponding homogeneous equation.

What is the difference between a homogeneous and nonhomogeneous differential equation?

A homogeneous differential equation has a zero on the right-hand side and can be solved by setting the unknown function equal to a constant. A nonhomogeneous differential equation, on the other hand, has a non-zero term on the right-hand side and requires additional methods to solve.

What are some real-life applications of nonhomogeneous differential equations?

Nonhomogeneous differential equations are used in many fields, including physics, engineering, and economics, to model a wide range of real-life phenomena, such as population growth, fluid dynamics, and electrical circuits.

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