Solving 2nd order homogenous linear ODE with a squared coefficient I am attempting to solve a di

Malachi Novak

Malachi Novak

Answered question

2022-04-21

Solving 2nd order homogenous linear ODE with a squared coefficient
I am attempting to solve a differential equation of the form:
d2fdx2γ2f=0
I have set up and solved the characteristic equation as:
z2γ2z+0z=0z(zγ2)=0
which is satisfied when z=0 and when z=γ2
There are two distinct roots (r1 and r2) hence the general solution should be of the form
f(x)=Aer1x+Ber2x
In this case:
f(x)=Ae0×x+Beγ2x =A+Beγ2x
Apparently, this solution is incorrect as in the answers it is given as:
f(x)=Aeγx+Beγx
I would like to know where I went wrong to give me the incorrect solution

Answer & Explanation

bobthemightyafm

bobthemightyafm

Beginner2022-04-22Added 16 answers

Without appealing directly to the characteristic equation, you can also proceed as follows
fγ2f=0 (fγf)+(γfγ2f)=0   (fγf)+γ(fγf)=0   g+γg=0
where g=fγf.

kweefomucy9

kweefomucy9

Beginner2022-04-23Added 13 answers

Solve is as follows:
d2fdx2γ2f=0(d dx +γ)(d dx γ)f
Therefore, 
{(ddx+γ)u=0u=(ddxγ)f
Answer:
{u=c1eγx(ddxγ)f=c1eγxf=c2eγxc1eγx2γ=c2eγx+c3eγx

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