Find the general solution of the differential equation d^2y/dx^2 - 5*dy/dx + 4y = 2x

Solve complimentary function: Let y = emx then,
d2y/dx2 - 5dy/dx + 4y = 0
m2emx - 5memx + 4emx = 0 (substituting for y)
emx(m2 - 5m + 4) = 0
emx(m - 4)(m - 1) = 0
Therefore m=4 and m=1, so the c.f. is y = Ae4x + Bex where A,B are constants

Solve particular integral: Let y = ax + b and substitute into the differential equation
0 - 5a + 4(ax + b) = 2x
4ax + (4b - 5a) = 2x
Therefore 4a=2 and 4b-5a=0 so a=1/2, b =5/8

Hence the general solution is y = c.f + p.i =  Ae4x + Bex + 1/2 x + 5/8

PM
Answered by Peter M. Further Mathematics tutor

12952 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using de Moivre's theorem demonstrate that "sin6x+sin2x(16(sinx)^4-16(sinx)^2+3)"


Does the following matrix A = (2 2 // 3 9) (upper row then lower row) have an inverse? If the matrix A^2 is applied as a transformation to a triangle T, by what factor will the area of the triangle change under the transformation?


Find the integrating factor of the following first order ODE: dx/dt = -2tx +t.


Show that the sum from 1 to n of 1/(2n+1)(2n-1) is equal to n/(2n+1) by Induction


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning