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Linear Second-Order Homogeneous Equations
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General form of a second-order homogeneous differential equation




Solving involves finding the roots of the characteristic equation, which can be real and distinct, repeated, or complex. The general solution will depend on the nature of the roots.




Wronskian and Linear Independence




The Wronskian determinant of two solutions of a second-order differential equation can be used to test for their linear independence, which is required for the general solution to span all solutions.




Characteristic equation with complex roots




The solution involves trigonometric functions:




Cauchy-Euler Equations




A type of variable coefficient homogeneous second-order differential equation that can be transformed into a constant coefficient equation:




Homogeneous Equations with Variable Coefficients




These differential equations have no general method for solution but can sometimes be solved using power series, the method of Frobenius, or by recognizing a special form.




Reduction of Order




A technique used to find the second solution of a linear second-order differential equation when one solution is known: Assume the second solution has the form




Characteristic equation with real and distinct roots




The solution is the sum of two exponential functions:




Superposition Principle




For linear homogeneous differential equations, the sum of two solutions is also a solution. Therefore, the general solution can be expressed as a linear combination of independent solutions.




Auxiliary or Characteristic Equation




The characteristic equation of a second-order homogeneous differential equation is




Characteristic equation with repeated roots




The solution is an exponential function times a polynomial:
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