solution of non-homogEnEous diffErEntial Equations 14.

that the function will be a multiple of the diminishing Table 14.4

values in the e−t column. As the complementary function
t y = et y = e–t
(CF) normally shows the divergence of an economic
variable from equilibrium, if the CF diminishes towards 0 1 1
1 2.718 0.367879
zero then the function as a whole approaches its equilib-
2 7.389 0.135335
rium value.
3 20.086 0.049787
4 54.598 0.018316
Checking differential equation solutions using 5 148.413 0.006738
a spreadsheet 6 403.429 0.002479

If you wish to check that you have derived the correct

solution to a differential equation you can use a spreadsheet. Just enter a series of values
for t in one column and then enter the formula for the solution in the first cell in the
next column, using the Excel EXP formula, and copy it down the column. For example,
if the first value for t = 0 is in cell A5 then the formula to enter for the first value of
the function y = 2e−1.5t + 8 from Example 14.16 above, to go in cell B5 will be:

=2*EXP(-1.5*A5)+8

When t = 0 the formula should give the given initial value of y0 and if the exponent
of e is negative then the values of y should converge on the particular solution. If they
do not then you may have made some mistake in your derivation of the solution and
it is worth checking through your calculations again.

Questions 14.5
For each of the differential equations below:

(a) derive the definite solution,

(b) use this solution to predict the value of y when t is 5, and
(c) say whether values of y converge or diverge as t increases.

dy
1. = 0. 4 y − 80 with initial value y0 = 180
dt
dy
2. = −1 .5 y + 48 with initial value y0 = 12.8
dt
dy
3. = −0 .75 y + 90 with initial value y0 = 100
dt
dy
4. = 0. 08 y + 24 with initial value y0 = −225
dt

515