ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
THE ODE OF HIGHER ORDER
(SOLUTION, MODELLINGAND APPLICATIONS)
Dr. Ernesto T. Anacta, BSCE, MSCE, Ph.D.CE
I.3 Methods of Solution of ODE
of Higher Order
Solving an ODE of Higher Order is very much
easier than solving an ODE of Order One. As
you may recall in Module 4, an ODE of Order
One has no definite method of solution. In fact,
each type of ODE has distinct method of
solution (although some can be solved by
several methods). Also, solving an ODE of
Order One (we have, so far, discussed ten
methods) involves rigid Algebra and Calculus,
and the determination of appropriate constant is
equally tough.
But not in the case of ODE of Higher Order
wherein no Calculus is involved – only a little
Algebra and a bit of reasoning. Here, we will be
using a “template and ready-made” solution
which will out rightly bring us to the final answer.
We will cover three methods here:
1. Auxiliary Equation Method (AEM)
2. Method of Undetermined Coefficient
(MOUC); and
3. Variation of Parameters (VOP)
We will go to their details in the succeeding
sections.l
I.3.1 The Auxiliary Equation
Method (AEM)
The Auxiliary Equation Method is used to
solve an ODE of Higher Order in the form of
either (1), (2), (5) and (7). Specifically, these
type of equations are called “Homogenous
Linear ODE of Higher Order with Constant
Coefficients”. The word “homogeneous” here is
used in different context with the same word we
used in HDE. This means that the RHS of the
equation R(x) should be zero, as shown in (1),
(2), (5) and (7). If R(x) is not zero, we call the
same as “Nonhomogeneous Linear ODE of
Higher Order with Constant Coefficients”, which
can be solved using Method of Undetermined
Coefficient (MOUC) – our next topic.
The Procedure (TSBS)
STEP 1: Transform the ODE into AE form.
STEP 2: Obtain the roots
STEP 3: Formulate the GS.
STEP 4: Formulate the PS when necessary.
Explanation
STEP 1: Transforming the ODE into its
equivalent AE form is done following our
previous discussions (see Example 2).
STEP 2: The roots may be obtained following
the procedure outlined in Section I.2.4.1. (You
may use DESMOS) Note that we have four
cases here and each case has corresponding
GS. We have:
CASE 1: Distinct roots: m1, m2, m3,…, mn.
CASE 2: Repeated roots: m, m, m, …
CASE 3: Complex roots: a  bi
CASE 4: Combination of roots
Your task here is merely to get the roots and
classify whether the same belong to Case 1,
Case 2, Case 3 or Case 4. (See Example 3.)
Arrangement of roots may be made in some
distinct manner to avoid segregation of the
general solution. Here are some suggested
Rules:
Rule 1: Distinct roots maybe arranged in any
order.
For instance:
m = 1, 2, 3 = 1, 3, 2 = 2, 1, 3 = 3, 2, 1, etc.
Rule 2: Repeated roots should be placed
intact.
For instance: the conditions assigned to Higher Order ODE
involve derivatives of DV up to the order of “n –
m = 1, 2, 2 = 2, 2, 1 not 2, 1, 2 1” paired to the IV. For instance if the ODE is of
m = 1, –1, 2, 2 = 2, 2, –1, 1 not 1, 2, –1, 2 Order 3, its given conditions should be “when x
= a, y = b, y’ = c and y” = d”.
m = 1, 1, 1, 2 = 2, 1, 1, 1 not 1, 2, 1, 2
m = 1, 1, 2, 2 = 2, 2, 1, 1 not 1, 2, 1, 2 Note: Eqs. (8) through (11) are ready-made
GS. Meaning, everything that appear in the
m = 1, 1, 2, 2, 3 = 2, 2, 1, 1, 3 equation are fixed (and hence, should not be
= 3, 1, 1, 2, 2 = 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 altered) except for the values of m1, m2, m3,…, mn
for Case 1, ms’ for Case 2 and a and b for Case
Rule 2: Complex roots are always paired. 3. All you need to do is to get the correct roots
of the AE, arrange them, and substitute the
m = 1, 2,  3i =  3i, 2, 1 = same to the appropriate Case number.
Finally, to give you a guide in the formulation of
m = 1, 1, 1  2i = 1  2i, 1, 1, GS for Case 4, your Sir Anacta provides Table 2
below. Remember that you must rearrange first
STEP 3: The formulation of the GS will depend the roots before formulating the GS.
on the roots obtained in Step 2. As a rule, the
number of terms in the GS corresponds to the
degree of the ODE (which is also the highest Table 2. Formulation of General Solution
value of the exponent in the AE). It follows that
your number of roots should corresponds to the No. Roots Cases General Solution
degree of the ODE. Each term in the GS is
affixed with distinct arbitrary constant (which is y = c1ex + c2e2x
1 1, 2, 2 1&2
normally symbolized by a subscripted c). + c3xe2x
–1, 3, y = c1e–x + c2e3x
We have also four cases here. Again, the GS is 2 1&2
in a “template” format which calls for a very –2, –2 + c3e–2x + c4xe–2x
precise placement of roots. y = c1e2x + c2ex sin 3x
3 2, 1  3i 1&3
+ c3ex cos 3x
CASE 1: Distinct roots: m1, m2, m3,…, mn.
y = c1e2x + c2ex
m1 x m2 x m3 x mn x 2, 1,
GS: y = c1e + c2 e + c3 e + … + cn e 4 1&3 + c3sin 3x
 3i
(8) + c4cos 3x
CASE 2: Repeated roots: m, m, m, …
y = c1e3x + c2e–2x
3, –2,
GS: y = c1e mx + c2 xemx + c3 x 2 e mx + … 5 1&3 + c3e–2x sin 2x
–2  2i
+ c4e–2x cos 2x
+ cn x n 1e mx (9)
y = c1e3x + c2e–2x
or y= e mx
c  c x  c x
1 2 3
2
 ...  cn x n 1
 6
3, –2,
–2,  2i
1, 2 &
3
+ c3xe–2x + c4sin 2x
(10) + c5cos 2x
CASE 3: Complex roots: a  bi
y = c1ex + c2xex
7 1, 1, –2, 2&1
GS: y = c1e ax sin bx + c2 e ax cosbx (11) + c3e–2x
y = c1 + c2x + c4e–2x
y = e ax c1 sin bx  c2 cosbx
0, 0,
or (12) 8 2&2
–2, –2 + c5 xe–2x
CASE 4: Combination of roots. y = c1ex + c2e–x
1, –1, –1
9 1&2 + c3xe–x + c4e–2x
STEP 4: The formulation of PS is mandatory 2, 2
+ c5xe–2x
when BCs or ICs are given. Similar with the
ODE of Order One, the PS is derived from the y = c1e3x + c2xe3x
GS by imposing BC or IC. But differently from 3, 3,
10 2&3 + c3e3x sin x
the case of Order One wherein there is only 3i
+ c4e3x cos x
one set of DV (say y) paired to an IV (say x),
 y = c1e3x + c2xe3x and y’’’ = 6.
3, 3,
11 2&3 + c3x2e3x + c4sin x CASE 3:
3,  i
+ c5cos x 10. y” + 4y = 0
y = c1 + c2e2x 11. (D2 – 4D + 7) y = 0
0, 2, 3, 3, 1, 2 & + c3e3x + c4xe3x
12
3i 3 + c5e3x sin x d2y dy
12. 2
–2 + 5y = 0
+ c6e3x cos x dx dx
y = c1sin 7x when x = 0, y = 1 and y’ = 1.
 7 i, + c2cos 7x CASE 4:
13 3&3
5  3i + c3e5x sin 3x
13. (D3 + 3D2 – 4) y = 0
+ c4e5x cos 3x
when x = 0, y = 2, y’ = 1 and y’’ = 6.
y = c1ex sin 3x
14. (D3 + 2D2 + D + 2) y = 0
1  3i, + c2ex cos 3x
14 2&3
15. (D4 – 2D3 + 5D2 – 38D + 4) y = 0
1  3i + c1x ex sin 3x
+ c2x ex cos 3x when x = 0, y = y’’ = 3 and y’ = –y’’ = 5.
4x
y = c1e sin 5x
4  5i, + c2e4x cos 5x 16. yIV – 4y’’’ – 2y” + 12y’ + 9y = 0
15 3&3
–3  4i + c3e–3x sin 4x
d5y d3y
+ c4e–3x cos 4x 17. –5 =0
dx 5 dx3
when x = 0, y = 6, y’ = –2 + 5 , y” = 5,
Example 4
y’’’ = 5 5 and yIV = 25.
Obtain the solution of the following: 18. (2D4 + 2D3 + 5D2 + 4D + 2) y = 0
CASE 1: 19. (4D5 – 7D3 + D2 + 3D – 1) y = 0
d2y dy 20. (D6 + 4D5 + 4D4 – D2 – 4D – 4) y = 0
1. 2
+ – 6y = 0
dx dx
when x = 0, y = y’ = y’’’ = 0, y” = yIV = 15
2. 3y” + 2y’ – y = 0 , and yV = –30.
when x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1.
Solution:
3 2
d y d y dy
3. –3 – + 3y = 0 d2y dy
dx3 dx2 dx 1.
2
+ – 6y = 0 (1a)
dx dx
4. (D3 + 2D2 – 3D) y = 0
STEP 1: Transform to AE
when x = 0, y = 2, y’ = –5 and y” = 7.
m2 + m – 6 = 0
5. (D4 – 2D3 – 13D2 + 38D – 24) y = 0
STEP 2: Obtain the roots
CASE 2:
Using factoring:
2
d y dy (m – 2)(m + 3) = 0 or (m + 3)(m – 2) = 0
6. 4 –4 +y=0
2 dx
dx
m = 2, –3 m = –3, 2 (Case 1)
7. (D2 – 6D + 9) y = 0
m1 = 2 m2 = –3 m1 = –3 m2 = 2
when x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1.
STEP 3: Formulate the GS using (8)
8. y’’’ + 6y” + 12y’ + 8y = 0
4 y = c1e m1 x + c2 e m 2 x
d y
9. = 0, when x = 0, y = y” = 0, y’ = 2
dx 4 Replacing values:
 y = c1e 2 x + c 2 e 3 x Answer 1. Simplifying (1g):
3 x 2x y” + 3y’ = 2(y’ + 3y)
or y = c1e + c2 e Answer 2.
y” + 3y’ = 2y’ + 6y
Comments:
y’’’ + y’ – 6y = 0
1. The solution is very easy because the same
is calculus-free and based on a template GS; d2y dy
2
+ – 6y = 0 Answer.
2. In Step 1, transform the ODE to its AE form dx dx
mentally. There is no need If you find it hard,
go back to the previous Sections particularly Which is the given ODE!!!
Illustration 3 and Example 2; Let us proceed with our examples…
3. In Step 2, always resort first to factoring. If
you cannot factor, that is the only time for 2. 3y” + 2y’ – y = 0 (2a)
you to use another method. when x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1.
3. Arrangement of roots for Case 1 is
commutative and is based on the manner of STEP 1: Transform to AE
factoring (which is also commutative); and
3m2 + 2m – 1 = 0
4. The two answers are the same because the
arbitrary constants c1 and c2 can take any STEP 2: Obtain the roots
value except zero. (m + 1)(3m – 1) = 0  m = –1, 1/3 (Case 1)

Question: Sir, how are you sure that your m1 = – 1 and m2 = 1/3
answer is correct?
STEP 3: Formulate the GS using (8)
Answer: Not so sure for now, but let us verify. y = c1e m1 x + c2 e m 2 x
Do you still remember our topic “Getting the y = c1 e–x + c2 ex/3 (GS)
DEs of Functions and Equations”? Well, if not,
kindly go to Section F.3.2, page 15, of your STEP 4: Formulate the PS
Module 3.
Note: We need to differentiate the GS once
Note that our answer is a function, so we will since the Order of the ODE is 2, we have
check if, after doing the 4-step procedure, we
y = c1 e–x + c2 ex/3 (2b)
will go back to (1a). Here we go…
1
y’ = –c1 e–x +c2 ex/3
y = c1e 2 x + c 2 e 3 x
(2c)
(1b) 3
Substituting x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1 in (2b) and
Since n = 2, we will differentiate GS twice, thus
(2c) gives
y’ = 2 c1e 2 x – 3 c 2 e 3 x (1c) 3 = c1 + c2 (2c)
1
y” = 4 c1e 2 x + 9 c 2 e 3 x (1d) 1 = –c1 + c2 (2d)
3
We have 3 equations with 3 unknowns. Solving
We came up with two equations with two
these by elimination we have
unknowns. Solving these simultaneously (do
(1b)*3 + (1c): this!) gives

y’ + 3y = 5 c1e 2 x (1e) c1 = 0 and c2 = 3.

Finally, substituting these values to the GS
(1c)*3 + (1d): gives the PS as
y” + 3y’ = 10 c1e 2 x (1f) y = 3ex/3 Answer.
(1f)  (1e):
d3y d2y dy
2x
3. –3 – + 3y = 0
y"  3 y' 10c1e dx 3
dx2 dx
= =2 (1g)
y'  3 y 5c1e 2 x STEP 1: Transform to AE
 Subst. x = 0, y = 2, y’ = –5 and y” = 7 into (4b),
m3 – 3m2 – m + 3 = 0 (4c) and (4d).
STEP 2: Obtain the roots 2 = c1 + c2 + c3 (4e)
Sir Anacta’s suggestion: Use Desmos. –5 = c2 – 3c3 (4f)
7 = c2 + 9c3 (4g)
Solving (4e), (4f) and (4g) simultaneously gives:
c1 = 3 c2 = –2 and c3 = 1
Substituting these values to (GS) gives
y = 3 – 2ex + e–3x Answer.
Which is the PS.

5. (D4 – 2D3 – 13D2 + 38D – 24) y = 0

m4 – 2m3 – 32m2 + 38m – 24 = 0

m1 = –1 m2 = 1 m2 = 3 (Case 1)
Using Desmos or SD:
STEP 3: Formulate the GS using (8) m = 1, 2, 3, –4
y = c1e m1 x + c2 e m 2 x + c3e m3 x y = c1e m1 x + c2 e m 2 x + c3e m3 x + c 4 e m4 x
y = c1 e–x + c2 ex + c3 e3x Answer.
y = c1e x + c 2 e 2 x + c3 e 3 x + c 4 e 4 x Answer.
Comment: Desmos does not recognizes
variables other than x and y. Therefore, your AE
should be reworded as CASE 2 Examples

y = x3 – 3x2 – x + 3 d2y dy
6. 4 –4 +y=0 (6a)
2 dx
or simply dx

x3 – 3x2 – x + 3 4m2 – 4m + 1 = 0
(2m – 1)(2m – 1) = 0
Note: Our succeeding Examples will be solved
straight forwardly. m = ½, ½ (Case 2)

4. (D3 + 2D2 – 3D) y = 0 (4a) y = c1e mx + c2 xemx

when x = 0, y = 2, y’ = –5 and y” = 7. y = c1e x 2 + c2 xex 2 = e x 2 (c1+c2x) Answer.
3 2
m + 2m – 3m = 0 2
7. (D – 6D + 9) y = 0 (7a)
m(m – 1)(m + 3) = 0
when x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1.
m = 0, 1, –3
m2 – 6m + 9 = 0
m1 x m2 x m3 x
y = c1e + c2 e + c3 e
(m – 3)(m – 3) = 0
0 x –3x
y = c1e + c2 e + c3 e m = 3, 3 (Case 2)
x –3x
y = c1 + c2 e + c3 e (GS)
y = c1e mx + c 2 xe 3 x
Solving for PS:
y = c1e 3 x + c2 xe3 x (GS)
y = c1 + c2 ex + c3 e–3x (4b)
y’ = c2 ex – 3c3 e–3x (4c) y = e 3x (c1 + c2x) (PS)
x –3x
y” = c2 e + 9c3 e (4d) Solving for PS:
 y = e 3x (c1 + c2x)
y’ = 3 e 3x (c1 + c2x) + c2 e 3x
When x = 0, y = 3 and y’ = 1:
1 = e 0 (c1)
2. Desmos does not recognize repeated roots.
It will be you who will determine how many
times the root is repeated. For instance, the
Desmos graph of Item 8 shows only one root
(m = 2). So it will be actually you who will
determine that there are three repeated
 c1 = 1 roots.

3 = 3 e 0 (c1) + c2 e 0 = 3c1 + c2
3 = 3(1) + c2  c2 = 0

y = e 3x (1+ 0)  y = e 3x Answer.

8. y’’’ + 6y” + 12y’ + 8y = 0 (1a)

3 2
m + 6m + 12m + 8 = 0
(m + 2)(m + 2)(m + 2) = 0
m = –2, –2, –2 (Case 2)
Desmos graph of m3 + 6m2 + 12m + 8 = 0.
mx mx 2 mx
y = c1e + c2 xe + c3 x e +
CASE 3 Examples
y = c1e2 x + c2 xe2 x + c3 x 2 e 2 x
10. y” + 4y = 0
y = e 2 x (c1+ c2x + c3x2) Answer.
m2 + 4 = 0
d4y m2 = –4
9. =0 (9a)
dx 4
m =   4 = 0  2i (Case 3)
when x = 0, y = y” = 0, y’ = 2 and y’’’ = 6.
a = 0, b = 2
m4 = 0  m = 0, 0, 0, 0 (Case 2)
y = c1e ax sin bx + c2 e ax cosbx
mx 2 3
y= e (c1+ c2x + c3x + c4x )
y = c1e 0 sin 2 x + c 2 e 0 cos 2 x
y = e 0 (c1+ c2x + c3x2 + c4x3)
y = c1 sin 2 x + c 2 cos 2 x Answer.
y = c1+ c2x + c3x2 + c4x3 (GS)
11. (D2 – 4D + 7) y = 0
Solving for PS:
m2 – 4m + 7 = 0
2 3
y = c1+ c2x + c3x + c4x
Using QF (no choice!):
y’ = c2 + 2c3x + 3c4x2
y” = 2c3 + 6c4x 4  16  28 4   12
m= =
2(1) 2
y’’’ = 6c4
Subst. x = 0, y = 0, y’ = 2, y” = 0 and y’’’ = 6. 4  (3)(4)(1) 4  2 3i
m= =
0 = c1 2 = c2 0 = 2c3 6 = 6c4 2 2

c1 = 0 c2 = 2 c3 = 0 c4 = 1 m=2 3i  a = 20, b = 3

y = 2x + x3 = x(x2 + 2) Answer. y = c1e ax sin bx + c2 e ax cosbx

Comments:
y = c1e 2 x sin 3 x + c 2 e 2 x cos 3 x
1. For Case 2, always resort first to factoring. If
you cannot factor, that is the only time for
you to use another method (SD or Desmos).
 d2y dy (m – 1)(m + 2)2 = 0
12. –2 + 5y = 0
dx2 dx m = 1, –2, –2 (Cases 1 and 2)
when x = 0, y = 1 and y’ = 1. m1 = 1, m = –2, –2
m2 – 2m + 5 = 0
y = c1e m1 x + c 2 e mx + c3 xemx
Using the QF gives (See Item 3, Example 3)
y = c1e x + c 2 e 2 x + c3 xe 2 x (GS)
m = 1  2i (Case 3)
a = 1, b = 2 y = c1ex + e–2x (c2 + c3x) (GS)
Solving for PS:
y = c1e ax sin bx + c2 e ax cosbx
y = c1ex + e–2x (c2 + c3x)
y = e (c1 sin 2 x  c 2 cos 2 x)
x
(GS) y’ = c1ex – 2e–2x (c2 + c3x) + c3e–2x
Solving for PS: y” = c1ex + 4e–2x (c2 + c3x) – 4c3e–2x

y = e x (c1 sin 2 x  c 2 cos 2 x) Substituting x = 0, y = 2, y’ = 1 and y’’ = 6.

y’ = e x (c1 sin 2 x  c 2 cos 2 x) 2 = c1 + c2

1 = c1 – 2c2 + c3
+ e x (2c1 cos 2 x  2c 2 sin 2 x)
6 = c1 + 4c2 – 4c3
Subst. x = 0, y = 1 and y’ = 1.
Solving the three equations simultaneously
gives
1 = e 0 (c1 sin 0  c 2 cos 0)  c2 = 1
c1 = 2 c2 = 0 c3 = –1
1 = e (c1 sin 0  c 2 cos 0)
0
and substituting these values to the GS gives

+ e 0 (2c1 cos 0  2c 2 sin 0) y = 2 c1e x + xe 2 x Answer.

1 = c 2 + 2c1 = 1 + 2c1  c1 = 0 which is the PS.

Subst. to GS: 14. (D3 + 2D2 + D + 2) y = 0

y = e x (0  sin 2 x  1  cos 2 x) m3 + 2m2 + m + 2 = 0

y = cos x Answer. (m + 2)(m2 – 2m + 3) = 0

Comments: m = –2, 1  2 i (Cases 1 and 3)

1. Be very specific with the value of a and b. Do m1 = 1, a = 1, b = 2

not interchange them;
y = c1e m1 x + c 2 e ax sin bx + c3 e ax cos bx
2. If you suspect that the AE cannot be
factored, then its root are complex and you
must use the quadratic formula. y = c1e x + c 2 e x sin 2 x + c 3 e x cos 2 x

3. Desmos does not give a complex root (see

Illustration 4 for Item 3), so do not use the 15. (D4 – 2D3 + 5D2 – 38D + 4) y = 0
same.
when x = 0, y = y’’ = 3 and y’ = –y’’ = 5.
CASE 4 Examples
m4 – 2m3 + 5m2 – 8m + 4 = 0
13. (D3 + 3D2 – 4) y = 0 (m – 1)2(m2 + 4) = 0
when x = 0, y = 2, y’ = 1 and y’’ = 6.
m = 1, 1, 0  2i (Cases 2 and 3)
m3 + 3m2 – 4 = 0
m = 1, 1 a=0 b=2
 m5 – 5m3 = 0
y = c1e mx + c2 xemx
m3(m2 – 5) = 0
+ c3 e ax sin bx + c 4 e ax cos bx
m3(m – 5 )( m + 5 ) = 0
x x
y = c1e + c 2 xe
m = 0, 0, 0, 5,– 5 (Cases 2 and 1)
+ c3 e 0 sin 2 x + c 4 e 0 cos 2 x
m = 0, 0, 0, m1 = 5 , m2 = – 5
x x
y = c1e + c 2 xe + c 3 sin 2 x + c 4 cos 2 x
y = c1e mx + c2 xemx + c3 x 2 e mx
x
y = e (c1 + c2x) + c3 sin 2x + c4 cos 2x (GS)
+ c 4 e m1x + c5 e m2 x
Solving for PS:
y = ex (c1 + c2x) + c3 sin 2x + c4 cos 2x y = c1e 0 + c2 xe0 + c3 x 2 e 0 + c 4 e 5 x + c5 e  5 x

y’ = ex (c1 + c2x) + c2 ex + 2c3 cos 2x – 2c4 sin 2x

y = c1 + c2x + c3x2 + c 4 e 5 x + c5 e  5 x
x x
y” = e (c1 + c2x) + 2c2 e – 4c3 sin 2x – 4c4 cos 2x
y’’’ = ex (c1 + c2x) + 3c2 ex – 8c3 cos 2x + 8c4 sin 2x Solving for PS:
y = c1 + c2x + c3x2 + c 4 e 5 x + c5 e  5 x
Subst. x = 0, y = y’’ = 3 and y’ = –y’’ = 5.
3 = c1 + c4 y’ = c2 + 2c3x + 5c 4 e 5x
– 5c5 e  5x

5 = c1 + c2 + 2c3
y” = 2c3 + 5c 4 e 5 x + 5c5 e  5 x
3 = c1 + 2c2 – 4c4
– 5 = c1 + 3c2 – 8c3
y’’’ = 5 5c4 e 5 x – 5 5c5 e  5 x
Solving these four equations simultaneously
gives yIV = 25c4 e 5 x + 25c5 e  5 x
c1 = 3 c2 = 0 c3 = 1 c4 = 0 Plugging in x = 0, y = 6, y’ = –2 + 5 , y” = 5,
Finally, substituting these values to the GS y’’’ = 5 5 and yIV = 25 reduces these five
gives the PS as equations into
y = 3ex – 2 sin 2x Answer. 6 = c1 + c4 + c5

–2 + 5 = c2 + 5c 4 – 5c5
IV
16. y – 4y’’’ – 2y” + 12y’ + 9y = 0
5 = 2c3 + 5c4 + 5c5
m4 – 4m3 – 2m2 + 12m + 9 = 0
5 5 = 5 5c 4 – 5 5c5
(m + 1)2(m – 3)2 = 0
25 = 25c4 + 25c5
m = –1, –1, 3, 3 (Double Case 2)
And simultaneously solving these equations
m1 = –1, –1 m2 = 3, 3 gives
y = c1e m1 x + c 2 xe m1x + c3 e m2 x + c 4 xe m2 x c1 = 5 c2 = –2 c3 = 0 c4 = 1 c5 = 0

which converts the GS into

y = c1e  x + c 2 xe  x + c3 e 3 x + c 4 xe 3 x
y = 5 – 2x + e 5 x Answer.
5 3
17. d y – 5 d y = 0 4 3 2
dx 5 dx3 18. (2D + 2D + 5D + 4D + 2) y = 0

when x = 0, y = 6, y’ = –2 + 5 , y” = 5, 2m4 + 2m3 + 5m2 + 4m + 2 = 0

y’’’ = 5 5 and yIV = 25. (m2 + 2)(2m2 + 2m + 1) = 0

 m = 0  2 i, – ½  ½ i (Double Case 3) In solving for PS, we need to differentiate five
times since the degree of the ODE is six:
a1 = 0, b1 = 2 , a2 = – ½, b2 = – ½,
y = c1ex + c2e–x + e–2x (c3 + c4x)
y = c1e a1x sin b1 x + c 2 e a1x cos b1 x
+ c5 sin x + c6 cos x
a2 x a2 x
+ c3 e sin b2 x + c 4 e cos b2 x
y’ = c1ex – c2e–x – 2e–2x (c3 + c4x) + c4e–2x
+ c5 cos x – c6 sin x
y = c1e 0 sin 2 x + c 2 e 0 cos 2 x

 x  x y” = c1ex + c2e–x + 4e–2x (c3 + c4x) – 4c4e–2x

+ c3 e  x 2 sin   + c 4 e  x 2 cos  
 
2 2 – c5 sin x – c6 cos x

y = c1 sin 2 x + c 2 cos 2 x y’’’ = c1ex – c2e–x – 8e–2x (c3 + c4x) + 12c4e–2x

– c5 cos x + c6 sin x
x 2  x  x
+ c3 e sin   + c 4 e  x 2 cos  
2 2 yIV = c1ex + c2e–x + 16e–2x (c3 + c4x) – 32c4e–2x
+ c5 sin x + c6 cos x
5 3 2
19. (4D – 7D + D + 3D – 1) y = 0
yV = c1ex – c2e–x – 32e–2x (c3 + c4x) – 80c4e–2x
4m5 – 7m3 + m2 + 3m – 1 = 0 + c5 cos x – c6 sin x
2 2
(m – 1)(m + 1) (2m + 1) = 0
Substituting x = 0, y = y’ = y’’’ = 0, y” = yIV = 15
m = 1, -1, -1, ½, ½ (Case 1 and and yV = –30 to the above equations, we have
Double Case 2) 0 = c1 + c2 + c3 + c 6
m1 = 1, m2 = -1, -1, m3 = ½, ½
0’ = c1 – c2 – 2c3 + c4 + c5
m1 x m2 x m2 x 15 = c1 + c2 + 4c3 – 4c4 – c6
y = c1e + c2 e + c3 xe
0 = c1 – c2 – 8c3 + 12c4 – c5
+ c 4 e m3 x + c5 xe m3 x
15 = c1 + c2 + 16c3 – 32c4 + c6
x x x x 2 x 2
y = c1e + c 2 e + c3 xe + c4 e + c5 xe –30 = c1 – c2 – 32c3 – 80c4 + c5
We have 6 equations with 6 unknowns, and the
20. (D6 + 4D5 + 4D4 – D2 – 4D – 4) y = 0
usual Algebraic method (which is by elimination
when x = 0, y = y’ = y’’’ = 0, y” = yIV = 15 and substitution) will be a very lengthy and
error-prone procedure. So we will just use here
and yV = –30.
a matrix method called the Gauss-Jordan
m6 + 4m5 + 4m4 – m2 – 4m – 4 = 0 Method*. This will give us
(m2 – 1)(m + 2)2(m2 + 1) = 0 c1 = 5 c2 = 0 c3 = 1

m = 1, –1, –2, –2, 0  i (Cases 1, 2 and 3) c4 = 0 c5 = –3 c6 = –6

m1 = 1, m2 = 1 m3 = –2, –2, a = 0, b = 1 Finally, substituting these values to the GS

gives
y = c1e m1 x + c2 e m 2 x + c3 e m3 x + c 4 xe m3 x
y = 5ex + e–2x – 3 sin x – 6 cos x Answer.
ax ax
+ c5 e sin bx + c6 e cos bx
Self-Assessment Test 3
y = c1e x + c 2 e  x + c3 e 2 x + c 4 xe 2 x

+ c5 e 0 sin x + c 6 e 0 cos x Obtain the solution of the following ODEs:

x x 2 x 2 x
1. (D2 – 4D + 4) y = 0
y = c1e + c 2 e + c3 e + c 4 xe
2. (D2 – 2D + 5) y = 0
+ c5 sin x + c 6 cos x (GS)
3. (D2 – 5D + 6) y = 0
4. (D3 + D2 – 2D + 5) y = 0
5. (D3 + D2 – 2D + 5) y = 0

6. (D3 – 3D – 2) y = 0
when x = 0, y = y” = 0, y’ = 9.
7. (9D3 + 6D2 + D) y = 0
8. (D3 + D2 – 2D + 5) y = 0
d4y d3y
9. + =0
dx4 dx3
10. (D4 + 2D3) y = 0
11. (D4 + 2D3) y = 0
12. (D5 – 2D3 – 2D2 – 3D – 2) y = 0
13. (D5 + D4 – 7D3 – 11D2 – 8D – 12) y = 0
14. (D3 + 5D2 + 3D – 9) y = 0
when x = 0, y = –1, when x = 1, and also as
x , y = 0.
15. (D4 + 6D3 + 9D2) y = 0
when x = 0, y = y’ = 0, y” = 6 and as x ,
y’ = 1. For this PS find the value of y when
x = 1.