Chapter 3: Problem 19
Find the general solutions of the differential equations in Problems. \(y^{(3)}+y^{\prime \prime}-y^{\prime}-y=0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The general solution is \( y(x) = C_1e^x + C_2e^{-x} + C_3xe^{-x} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify and write the auxiliary equation
The given differential equation is a linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients: \( y^{(3)} + y'' - y' - y = 0 \). The auxiliary equation is found by substituting \( y = e^{rx} \) into the differential equation, which yields the characteristic polynomial: \( r^3 + r^2 - r - 1 = 0 \).
02
Factor the characteristic polynomial
To solve \( r^3 + r^2 - r - 1 = 0 \), try to find rational roots using the Rational Root Theorem. Testing possible roots, we find that \( r = 1 \) is a root. Thus, the polynomial can be factored as \((r - 1)(r^2 + 2r + 1) = 0\).
03
Solve the quadratic equation
The quadratic \( r^2 + 2r + 1 = 0 \) can be factored further as \((r + 1)^2 = 0\), which means \( r = -1 \) is a root of multiplicity 2.
04
Write the general solution
The roots of the characteristic equation are \( r = 1, -1, -1 \). Therefore, the general solution to the differential equation is \( y(x) = C_1e^x + C_2e^{-x} + C_3xe^{-x} \), where \( C_1, C_2, \) and \( C_3 \) are arbitrary constants.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Characteristic Equation
In the context of solving differential equations, the **characteristic equation** is fundamental for finding solutions to linear homogeneous differential equations with constant coefficients. When given such a differential equation, like the example here, the characteristic equation is derived by assuming a solution of the form \( y = e^{rx} \). By substituting this assumed solution back into the differential equation, we transform it into a polynomial. This polynomial is known as the characteristic equation.
- For example, the given differential equation is \( y^{(3)} + y'' - y' - y = 0 \).
- By substituting \( y = e^{rx} \), we transform it into a characteristic equation: \( r^3 + r^2 - r - 1 = 0 \).
Auxiliary Equation
The **auxiliary equation** in differential equations is often synonymous with the characteristic equation in the context of linear differential equations. After forming the characteristic polynomial by assuming \( y = e^{rx} \), the next step is to solve this characteristic polynomial, which is often referred to as the auxiliary equation.
- The process starts with identifying the polynomial, such as \( r^3 + r^2 - r - 1 = 0 \).
- This polynomial is then solved to find its roots, which are essential to determine the general solution of the differential equation.
General Solution
The **general solution** of a differential equation is a broad solution encompassing all possible specific solutions. It's a key part of solving differential equations as it involves determining expressions that satisfy the original differential equation.
- Once the roots of the characteristic or auxiliary equation are known, they are used to construct the general solution.
- In our problem, the roots are \( r = 1, -1, -1 \).
Homogeneous Differential Equation
A **homogeneous differential equation** is one where every term is a function of the unknown variable and its derivatives, typically set equal to zero. This property simplifies the process of finding solutions, as the equation represents a system in equilibrium. In the given example, the equation \( y^{(3)} + y'' - y' - y = 0 \) is homogeneous.
- This is because all terms involve the function \( y \) and its derivatives, with no additional constants or functions of \( x \).
- This form allows us to use techniques like substitution and the characteristic polynomial to find solutions.