Sample Problems

1. How to use the characteristic equation to solve a 2 nd order ODE?

2. When can we use the method of reduction of order to solve a 2 nd order ODE?
3. How to use the method of reduction of order to solve a homogeneous 2 nd order ODE? Will the solution
identical to that by the separation of variable?
4. How to use the Euler’s method to solve a 2nd order ODE?
5. What is the finite difference method? How to use it to solve a 2 nd order ODE?
6. How to use the method of undetermined coefficient to solve a heterogeneous 2 nd order ODE?
7. Please give an example in hydrology, geology, or other disciplinary that can be expressed by a 2 nd order
ODE.
8. Considering a groundwater aquifer where the precipitation and municipal water supply are the
dominant hydrological processes controlling the water balance. Use the mass balance (or continuity
equation) to express this hydrological system by a 2nd order ODE.
9. Considering a solute transport in a river. The hydrological processes dominate the transport are
diffusion and advection. Use the mass balance (or continuity equation) to express this hydrological
system by a 2nd order ODE.