Solution to a Differential Equation

A solution of a differential equation is an equation for the dependent variable in terms of the
independent one(s) which satisfies the relation. For example, 𝑦 = 𝑒2𝑥 is a solution of the equation

There are two types of solution to a differential equation: the general and particular
solutions. The general solution includes all of the possible solutions and typically includes
arbitrary constants or arbitrary function. An arbitrary constant is a constant whose value could
be assumed to be anything, just so long as it doesn’t depend on the variables in the equation or
expression. Note that the number of arbitrary constants is equal to the order of the differential
equation, and a differential is free from arbitrary constants. A particular solution of a
differential equation is a solution obtained from the general solution by assigning specific values
to the arbitrary constants. These specific values can only be obtained depending on the conditions
to be satisfied. These conditions may appear as an initial condition, a boundary condition or may
be hinted like:
“When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 = 2, 𝑦’ = 3.”
“The curve passes through its inflection point (1, 3).” “(0)
= 𝑦’(0) = 1”

Getting the general solution of a differential equation may undergo some methods depending on
the type of equation given, and these methods will be elaborated on the next unit. At this point,
verifying the solution whether it is a solution to the given differential equation will be discussed.
Here are the steps in verification:
Step 1 : Differentiate the given function times, where is the order of the given DE.
Step 2 : Substitute the equivalent of these derivatives to given DE.
Step 3 : Simplify and compare both sides of the resulting equation whether they are equal. If they
are, then the given function is a solution to the differential equation; else, not a solution.

For example, prove that 𝑦 = 𝑒2𝑥 is a solution of the equation .

Step 1 (Differentiation)
Step 2 (Substitution)

(4𝑒2𝑥) + (2𝑒2𝑥) − 6(𝑒2𝑥) = 0

Step 3 (Simplification and Comparison)

(4𝑒2𝑥) + (2𝑒2𝑥) − 6(𝑒2𝑥) = 0

0=0

Hence, 𝑦 = 𝑒2𝑥 is a solution to the differential equation .

Another example is to verify if 𝑥 = sin 𝑘𝑡 is a solution to the equation 𝑥′′ + 𝑘2𝑥 = 0.

𝑥 = sin 𝑘𝑡

𝑥′ = 𝑘 cos 𝑘𝑡

𝑥′′ = −𝑘2 sin 𝑘𝑡

(−𝑘2 sin 𝑘𝑡) + 𝑘2(sin 𝑘𝑡) = 0

0=0

Therefore, 𝑥 = sin 𝑘𝑡 is a solution to the equation 𝑥′′ + 𝑘2𝑥 = 0.

And for the last example in this topic, verify if 𝑦 = 3𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥 is a solution to the
equation 𝑦′′ − 3𝑦′ + 2𝑦 = 0.
𝑦 = 3𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥

𝑦′ = −6𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥

𝑦′′ = 12𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥

(12𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥) − 3(−6𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥) + 2(3𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥) =

12𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥 + 18𝑒−2𝑥 − 12𝑒𝑥 + 6𝑒−2𝑥 + 8𝑒𝑥 = 0

36𝑒−2𝑥 ≠ 0

Hence, 𝑦 = 3𝑒−2𝑥 + 4𝑒𝑥 is not a solution to the equation 𝑦′′ − 3𝑦′ + 2𝑦 = 0.

 Assignment 2
Determine whether the following equation is a solution to the corresponding differential
equation.
1. 𝑦 = 𝑐1𝑒−𝑥 + 𝑐2 cos 3𝑥 + 𝑐3 sin 3𝑥 ; 𝑦′′′ + 𝑦′′ + 9𝑦′ + 9𝑦 = 0

4. 𝑥 = 𝐴 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦2 + 𝐷𝑒−4𝑦 ; 𝑥𝐼𝑉 + 4𝑥′′′ = 0

5. 𝑦 = sin 5𝑥 cos 3𝑥 ; 𝑦′ = − sin 2𝑥 − 32 sin 8𝑥