Second-Order Linear ODEs

Let us return to first-order homogeneous and linear DE, with constant coefficients

(1)
If we substitute

Since is never zero for real values of x, the last equation is satisfied only when m is a
solution or root of the first-degree polynomial equation am + b = 0.
For this single value of m, y = is a solution of the DE.
For example

Form the equation 2m + 5 = 0 and solve it for m. From m = -5/2 we conclude that
is a solution of the DE (1), and its general solution for all real values of x is

The foregoing procedure can produce exponential solutions for homogeneous linear 2 nd-
order DEs with constant coefficients.
The general solution is

Note
Examples
 From the initial conditions

Solving this system gives

Solution to the differential equation is then

From the initial conditions
Solving this system gives

Solution to the differential equation is then

Solving this system gives

Solution to the differential equation is then

 H. W: Solve the following IVPs

(1)

(2)

(3)