How would I solve the following equation d^2x/dt^2 + 5dx/dt + 6x = 0

Our given equation is d2x/dt2 + 5dx/dt + 6x = 0, which we need to recognise as a second order differential equation. Therefore we need to begin by solving the auxilary funtion m2+5m +6= 0. ( Side note: Most of the mathematical equations we solve are expressed in x and y, but in this equation it's expressed in terms of x and t, where x is the dependent variable). Solving the auxiliary funtion gives us values of -3&-2 for m. Because these are real values that are not equal to each other we can use the complimentary funtion y= Aect + Bedt where y is the dependent variable, t is our independent variable and A&B are constants of intergration. If we plug in our values the auxiliary funtion becaomes x = Ae-3t+Be-2t. Which is our final answer.

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the General Second Order Differential Equation Using Substitution (A2 Further Maths)


Solve the following simultanious equations: zy=28 and 2z-3y=13


Rationalise and simplify (root(3) - 7)/(root(3) + 1) . Give your answer in the form a + b*root(3) where a, b are integers.


Why is it that when 'transformation A' is followed by 'transformation B', that the combined transformation is BA and not AB?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences