Solve the second order ODE, giving a general solution: x'' + 2x' - 3x = 2e^-t

First find an auxiliary equation, for the complimentary function:m^2 + 2m - 3 = 0, (m+3)(m-1)=0m=1 or m=-3So the complimentary function is: x= Ae^t + Be^-3tFor the particular integral (PI), let x = Ue^-tthen x' = -Ue^-tand x'' = Ue^-tBy substituting these in : U(e^-t) - 2U(e^-t) -3U(e^-t) = 2e^-tDividing by e^-t, -4U=2, U=-0.5So the PI is: x= 0.5e^-tAnd, finally, the general solution is: x= Ae^t +Be^-3t +0.5e^-t

IF
Answered by Isaac F. Further Mathematics tutor

2546 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using a Taylor's series or otherwise; derive Euler's Formula


Prove that matrix multiplication is not commutative.


P(A)=0.2, P(A|B) = 0.3 and P(AuB)=0.6. Find i P(B) ii P(B'|A')


Find the set of values of x for which (x+4) > 2/(x+3)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning