mj478 said:Actually I think the problem is y'''' - 3y'' -4y. But I am still not sure what to do.
A 2nd order ODE (ordinary differential equation) is an equation that relates a function and its derivatives up to the second order (e.g. y'', y''', etc.). It is commonly used in mathematical modeling to describe physical phenomena.
To solve a 2nd order ODE, you can use various methods such as separation of variables, substitution, or the characteristic equation. Each method involves manipulating the equation to isolate the dependent variable and its derivatives.
This is the general form of a 2nd order ODE. The term "y^4" represents the highest order derivative (in this case, the fourth derivative) of the function y. The coefficients -3 and -4 represent the coefficients of the second and first derivatives, respectively.
Yes, this ODE can be solved analytically using various methods as mentioned in question 2. The solution will be a function of the independent variable (x) and will depend on the initial conditions of the problem.
Solving a 2nd order ODE allows us to find a mathematical expression for the relationship between a function and its derivatives, which can then be used to make predictions or analyze the behavior of a system. This is particularly useful in the fields of physics, engineering, and economics.