SSCE1793

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

CHAPTER 2
LINEAR SECOND ORDER ODE
___

Last update: February 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

2.1 Basic Definition and Terminologies 3

2.2 Solutions to Homogeneous Equation 4

2.3 Solutions to Non-Homogeneous Equation

2.3.1 Method of Undetermined Coefficient 8

2.3.2 Solving Higher Order Linear Ordinary 16

Differential Equation

2.3.3 Method of Variation of Parameters 21

2.4 Applications of Second Order Ode

2.4.1 Mechanical Vibrations 25

2.4.2 RLC Circuit 30

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2.1 BASIC DEFINITION AND TERMINOLOGIES

Linear Differential Equations

The general form of a linear differential equation can be expressed in the form
𝑑𝑛 𝑦 𝑑 𝑛−1 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎𝑛 (𝑥) 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 (𝑥) 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 (𝑥) + 𝑎0 (𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
where
∎ 𝑎0 (𝑥), 𝑎1 (𝑥), ⋯ , 𝑎𝑛 (𝑥) are called coefficients
∎ 𝑓(𝑥) is a function in terms of 𝑥.

If 𝑓(𝑥) = 0, then the equation is called linear homogeneous equation.

If 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 0, then the equation is called linear non-homogeneous equation.

Linear Combination of Solutions

If 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 are linearly independent, and each of them are the solutions for
the differential equation
𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎 2+𝑏 + 𝑐 𝑦 = 0,
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
then, the general solution for the differential equation is
𝑦 = 𝐴𝑦1 + 𝐵𝑦2

Linear Superposition Principle

If 𝑦1 , 𝑦2 , 𝑦3 , ⋯ , 𝑦𝑛 are linearly independent, and each of them are the
solutions for the differential equation

𝑑𝑛 𝑦 𝑑𝑛−1 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎𝑛 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 + 𝑎0 𝑦 = 0,
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
then the general solution for the differential equation is
𝑦 = 𝑐1 𝑦1 + 𝑐2 𝑦2 + ⋯ + 𝑐𝑛 𝑦𝑛
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2.2 SOLUTIONS TO HOMOGENEOUS EQUATION

Consider a second order homogenous equation:

d2y dy
a 2 + b + cy = 0. (i)
dx dx
Our aim in this section is to find the solution to (i).

▪ Assume the solution is in the form of y = e . Thus, we have

mt

dy d2y
y=e ; mt
= me ;
mt
2
= m 2e mt
dt dt (ii)

▪ If the solution to (i) is y = e , thus it must satisfy (i). Therefore, if we

mt

substitute all the terms in (ii) into (i), we obtain the characteristic
(auxiliary) equation:

am2 + bm + c = 0 (iii)

▪ Find the roots of equation (iii), i.e

−b  b 2 − 4ac
m1 , m2 =
2a
For b − 4ac  0  roots are real and distinct (m1  m2)
2

For b − 4ac = 0  roots are real and equal (m1 = m2)

2

For b − 4ac  0  roots are complex conjugate numbers

2

▪ The solution of the homogeneous equation (i) depends on the type of

roots.

Case 1: Roots are real and distinct, m1  m2

m1 x m2 x
General solution: y = Ae + Be

Example 1:
Solve y ''+ 5 y '+ 6 y = 0 .
 5

Solution:

Use the characteristic equation:

m2 + 5m + 6 = 0.
Find the roots: (m+3) (m+2) = 0  m1 = -3; m2 = -2.
Therefore, the general solution is y = Ae −3 x + Be −2 x

Example 2:
Solve y − y − 11y = 0.

Solution:

Case 2: Roots are real and equal, m1 = m2

m1 x
General solution: y = ( A + Bx)e

Example 3:
Solve y + 6 y + 9 y = 0

Solution:
Use the characteristic equation:
m 2 + 6m + 9 = 0
Find the roots: ( m + 3) = 0 ⇒ m = −3, −3
2

Therefore, the general solution is

y( x) = ( A + Bx)e−3x
 6

Case 3: Roots are complex numbers, m =   i

x
General solution: y ( x) = e ( A cos  x + B sin  x)

Example 4:
Solve y − 10 y + 26 y = 0.

Solution:

Use the characteristic equation:

m 2 − 10m + 26 = 0.
10  100 − 4(26)
m=
Find the roots:
2
10  −4 10  4i 2
= = = 5i
2 2
  = 5,  = 1

Therefore, the general solution is

y ( x) = e5 x ( A cos x + B sin x)

Example 5:
Solve the initial value problem: y + 6 y + 16 y = 0 ; y(0) = 1, y(0) = 0.

Solution:

i) Form the characteristic equation and find the roots:

ii) The general solution is

iii) Use the initial conditions to find the constants value

 7

−3 x  3 
iv) The solution is y ( x ) = e  cos 7 x + sin 7 x 
 7 

Past Year Test 1

1)

2)
 8

2.3 SOLUTIONS TO NON-HOMOGENEOUS EQUATION

The solution to the non-homogeneous equation

ay + by + cy = f ( x)
is given by
y( x) = yh ( x) + y p ( x)
where

yh ( x) is the solution of the homogeneous equation and y p ( x) is called the

particular integral.

Two methods to determine y p ( x) :

1. Method of undetermined coefficient

2. Method of variation of parameters

2.3.1 Method of Undetermined Coefficient

The form of y p depends on the form of f ( x) .
▪ Case 1: f ( x) is a polynomial of degree n ;
Pn = An x n + An−1 x n−1 + ... + A1 x + A0
▪ Case 2: f ( x) is in the form of Ce ; where C and m are constants
mx

▪ Case 3: f ( x) is sine or cosine function

▪ Case 4: f ( x) is sums of the above cases

Case 1: Polynomial f ( x) = A x + A
n
n
n −1
x n −1 + .... + A1 x + A0
with n as highest degree.
(
Try y ( x) = x r C x n + C
p n n −1
x n −1 + .... + C1 x + C0 )
Note: Choose the smallest r, (r = 0,1,2). Chosen to ensure that no term in
y p ( x) is similar to the terms in the corresponding yh ( x) .
 9

Example 6:
Solve y + y − 2 y = 2 x − 4 x
2
(i)

Solutions:
Step 1 : Find yh ( x) :
m2 + m − 2 = 0
(m + 1)(m + 2) = 0  m = −2,1
 yh ( x) = Ae−2 x + Be x

Step 2: Find 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥). Try r = 0.

 y p ( x) = C2 x 2 + C1 x + C0 (ii)

Step 3: Compare y p ( x) and yh ( x) . Any similar term? YES/NO?

Step 4: If YES - do some modification on yp by taking different values of r.

Then repeat Step 3. If NO – Proceed to find yp and yp

yp ( x) = 2C2 x + C1 


y p ( x) = 2C2  (iii)

Step 5: Substitute (ii,iii) into (i) and equate coefficient power of x.

( 2C2 ) + ( 2C2 x + C1 ) − 2 ( C2 x 2 + C1 x + C0 ) = 2 x 2 − 4 x

Therefore,
1
C2 = −1 C1 = 1 C0 = −
2
1
 y p ( x) = − x 2 + x −
2

Therefore, the final answer:

 10

Example 7:
d2y dy
Solve + 2 = x using method of undetermined coefficient.
dx 2 dx

Solution:
Step 1 : Find yh ( x)

Step 2 : Find 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥). Try r = 0.

Compare yh ( x) and 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥). Is there any similar term? YES

Step 3 : Choose new y p with r = 1;

Final answer:

Case 2: Exponent form. f ( x) = Cemx

(
Try y = x r Demx
p )
Note: Choose the smallest r, (r = 0,1,2). Chosen to ensure that no term in
y p ( x) is similar to the terms in the corresponding yh ( x) .

Example 8:
Solve y + y − 2 y = 5e .
3x
 11

Solutions:

Step 1: Find y (x) .

h

Step 2: Find y p ( x) . Try r = 0;

Compare y p ( x) and y (x) . Is there any similar term?

h

Step 3: Determine the constant in y p ( x)

Final answer:
1
 y ( x) = y + y = Ae −2 x + Be x + e3 x
h p
2
 12

Example 9:

d2y dy −2 x
Solve + 2 = 3e .
dx 2 dx
Solutions:

Step 1: Find y (x) .

h

Step 2: Find y p ( x) . Try r = 0;

Compare y p ( x) and y (x) . Is there any similar term?

h

Step 3: Change y p
; Try r = 1.

Compare again. Is there any similar term?

Step 4: Determine the constant.

Final answer:
 13

Case 3: Sine or Cosine. f ( x) = A 1sin  x or f ( x) = A 1cos  x

Try y p = x r ( C sin  x + D cos  x )
Note: Choose the smallest r, (r = 0,1,2). Chosen to ensure that no term in
y p ( x) is similar to the terms in the corresponding yh ( x) .

Example 10:
Solve y + y − 2 y = sin x.

Solutions:

Step 1: Find y (x) .

h

Step 2: Find y p ( x) . Try r = 0;

Compare y p ( x) and y (x) . Is there any similar term?

h

Step 3: Determine the constants.

Final answer:
 14

Case 4: Sums of cases 1, 2, 3

If f ( x) = f1 ( x)  f 2 ( x)  f 3 ( x)  .....  f n ( x)
then
y p ( x) = y p1 ( x)  y p 2 ( x)  y p 3 ( x)  .....  y pn ( x) .

The solution become:

y( x) = yh ( x)  y p1 ( x)  y p 2 ( x)  y p 3 ( x)  .....  y pn ( x)
Note: Choose the smallest r, (r = 0,1,2). Chosen to ensure that no term in
y p ( x) is similar to the terms in the corresponding yh ( x) .

Example 11:
−x
Solve y  − y  − 2 y = e + x.

Solution:

Step1: Find y (x) :

h

Step 2: Find y p ( x) .
Since 𝑓(𝑥) is a summation of Case 2 and Case 1, therefore let’s write
y p = y p1 + y p 2 .

a) Find y p1
 15

b) Find y p2

Final answer:

y ( x) = yh ( x) + y p1 ( x) + y p 2 ( x)
1 1 1
= Ae 2 x + Be − x − xe − x − x +
3 2 4

Questions from Past Year Test 1

1)

2)

3)
 16

2.3.2 SOLVING HIGHER ORDER LINEAR ORDINARY

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

In this subsection, we will solve 3rd order and 4th order linear ODE.

A. Third order ODE

Consider a 3rd order linear ODE given as:

𝑑3𝑦 𝑑2𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎3 (𝑥) 3 + 𝑎2 (𝑥) 2 + 𝑎1 (𝑥) + 𝑎0 (𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Steps of solutions for 3rd order linear ODE are basically the same as in 2nd
order.

The corresponding characteristic equation is a cubic equation, i.e:

a3m3 + a2 m2 + a1m + a0 = 0 .
Hence, there are three roots involved; m1 , m2 , and m3 .

No Case Homogenous solution

Roots are real and distinct:
1. 𝑚1 ≠ 𝑚2 ≠ 𝑚3 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = 𝐴𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐵𝑒 𝑚2 𝑥 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑚3 𝑥

Roots are real and equal:

2. 𝑚1 = 𝑚2 = 𝑚3 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = (𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶𝑥 2 )𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥
Combination of real, distinct
3.
and equal roots: 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = (𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 )𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑚3 𝑥
𝑚1 = 𝑚2 ≠ 𝑚3

Combination of distinct and

complex roots,
4. 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = 𝐴𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑒 𝛼 𝑥 (𝐶cos𝛽𝑥 + 𝐷sin𝛽𝑥)
𝑚1 , (𝑚2 , 𝑚3 ) = 𝛼 ± 𝑖𝛽

For a non-homogenous 3rd order linear ODE, the final solution is 𝑦(𝑥) =
𝑦ℎ (𝑥) + 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥). Steps for 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥) follows exactly the same procedure as in 2nd
order.
 17

B. Fourth order Linear ODE

Consider a 4th order linear ODE given as:

𝑑4𝑦 𝑑3𝑦 𝑑2𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎4 (𝑥) 4 + 𝑎3 (𝑥) 3 + 𝑎2 (𝑥) 2 + 𝑎1 (𝑥) + 𝑎0 (𝑥) 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Steps of solutions for 4th order linear ODE are basically the same as in 3rd
order, except that now we are dealing with quartic characteristic equation, i.e:
a 4 m4 + a3m3 + a2 m2 + a1m + a0 = 0 .
Hence, there are four roots involved; m1 , m2 , m3 , and m4 .

No Case General solution

Roots are real and distinct:
𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = 𝐴𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐵𝑒 𝑚2 𝑥 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑚3 𝑥
1. 𝑚1 ≠ 𝑚2 ≠ 𝑚3 ≠ 𝑚4
+ 𝐷𝑒 𝑚4 𝑥
Roots are real and equal:
2. 𝑚1 = 𝑚2 = 𝑚3 = 𝑚4 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = (𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶𝑥 2 + 𝐷𝑥 3 )𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥

Combination of real, distinct

and equal roots: 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = (𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 )𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐶𝑒 𝑚3 𝑥
3. 𝑚1 = 𝑚2 , 𝑚3 ≠ 𝑚4
+ 𝐷𝑒 𝑚4 𝑥
(or any other possible form, e.g 3
equal, 1 distinct)
Combination of real, equal
and complex roots, 𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = (𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 )𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 +
4.
𝑚1 = 𝑚2 , (𝑚3 , 𝑚4 ) = 𝛼 ± 𝑖𝛽 𝑒 𝛼 𝑥 (𝐶cos𝛽𝑥 + 𝐷sin𝛽𝑥)

Combination of real, distinct

𝑦ℎ (𝑥 ) = 𝐴𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐵𝑒 𝑚2 𝑥 +
5. and complex roots,
𝑒 𝛼 𝑥 (𝐶cos𝛽𝑥 + 𝐷sin𝛽𝑥)
𝑚1 ≠ 𝑚2 , (𝑚3 , 𝑚4 ) = 𝛼 ± 𝑖𝛽

(other possible cases: two pairs of equal roots, two pairs of different complex
roots, two pairs of same complex roots)

For a non-homogenous 4th order linear ODE, the final solution is 𝑦(𝑥) = 𝑦ℎ (𝑥) +
𝑦𝑝 (𝑥). Steps for 𝑦𝑝 (𝑥) follows exactly the same procedure as in 2nd order.
 18

Example 12:
Solve y + y + 4 y + 4 y = 0 .

Solutions:
Step 1: Find the roots. (can be obtained by calculator)

m3 + m 2 + 4m + 4 = 0
m1 = ,(m2 , m3 ) =

Step 2: Based on the type of roots, identify the corresponding

solutions.

Final answer:

Example 13:
Solve 2 y + 11y '''+ 18 y + 4 y '− 8 y = 0 . (Hint: One of the roots is -2)

Solutions:
Step 1: Find the roots. (-2 is the factor, find the other linear factors)

Step 2: Based on the type of roots, identify the corresponding

solutions.

Final answer:
 19

Example 14:
Solve y + 4 y = 16 + 15e
( iv ) t

Solutions:

Step 1: Determine 𝒚𝒉 (𝒕)

Step 2: Identify f(t) and determine 𝒚𝒑 (𝒕)

Final answer: y (t ) = A + Bt + C cos 2t + D sin 2t + 2t + 3et

2
 20

Questions from Past Year Test 2 and Final Exam

1)

2)

3)

4)
 21

2.3.3 Method of Variation of Parameters

Method of variation of parameters (MVP) can be used to determine the
particular solution, y p ( x) . This method is applied when the coefficients of the
differential equations are in function of x.

MVP can also solve non-homogeneous second order ODE with constant
coefficients.
d2y dy
a 2 + b + cy = f ( x).
dx dx
1
Advantage: MVP can handle all types of f ( x) such as tan x,sec x, ,
x2
ln x,sin(e x ) and etc.

Steps in method of variation of parameters:

Step 1 : Identify a and f ( x)

Step 2 : Determine homogeneous solution, yh ( x) .

Choose y1 and y 2

Step 3 : Find Wronskian, W for y1 and y 2

y1 y2
W= = y1 y2 − y2 y1
y1 y2

Step 4 : Find u and v, where

y2 f ( x)
u ( x) = −  dx + C ; v( x) = 
y1 f ( x)
dx + D
aW aW

Step 5 : The general solution for particular solution of

differential equation is given by:
y p = uy1 + vy2
Step 6 : Final answer: y = yh + y p .
 22

Example 15:
Find the solution for y + y = sec x .

Solutions:
 23

Example 16:
Find the solution for y − 4 y + 4 y = ( x + 1) e 2 x by using method of
variation of parameters.

Solutions:
 24

Questions from Past Year Test 2

1)

2)

3)

4)
 25

2.4 APPLICATIONS OF SECOND ORDER ODE

2.4.1 Mechanical Vibrations

𝑚𝑦 ′′ + 𝑏𝑦 ′ + 𝑘𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑡)
Mechanical General m mass, b damping coefficient
Vibrations equation k spring constant
f(t) force/external vibration

means no damping, no vibration involved

Undamped free
𝑚𝑦 ′′ + 𝑘𝑦 = 0
vibration
Then, we have a homogenous equation!
Types of vibration

means no vibration involved

Damped free
𝑚𝑦 ′′ + 𝑏𝑦 ′ + 𝑘𝑦 = 0
vibrations
Then, we have a homogenous equation!

means no damping involved

Undamped forced
𝑚𝑦 ′′ + 𝑘𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑡)
vibrations
Then, we have a non-homogenous equation!

means all elements involved

Damped forced
𝑚𝑦 ′′ + 𝑏𝑦 ′ + 𝑘𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑡)
vibrations
Then, we have a non-homogenous equation!

Subject to initial conditions:

𝑦(0) = 𝛼 (initial displacement)

⟩ upward ∶ −sign, downward: + sign
𝑦 ′ (0) = 𝑣 (initial velocity)

y(t) is a displacement of the spring at time t.

 26

Example 17:
The response of an overdamped system to constant force is governed by
d2y dy
+ 8 + 6 y = 18, y (0) = 0, y(0) = 0.
dt 2 dt
Compute the displacement, y(t) and what happen when 𝑡 → ∞?

Solutions:
 27

Example 18:

A 3kg object is attached to spring and it stretches the spring 392mm by itself.
There is no damping in the system and a forcing function f (t ) = 10cos5t is
acting on the system. The object is initially displaced 20cm downward from
its equilibrium position, and given an initial velocity of 10cm/s2 upward.
(assume gravity, g = 9.8 m/s2)

a) write down the governing equation of the above spring system.

b) find the displacement at any time, t.

mg
(the spring constant, k is given by the formula k = , where L is a length
L
of a stretched spring.

Solutions:
a) Standardize the unit system. (mm→ 𝐦), and extract information.

𝑚 = 3𝑘𝑔, 𝐿 = 0.392, no damping: 𝑏 = 0, 𝑓(𝑡) = 10cos5𝑡

k=

Initial conditions:
y (0) = 0.2
y '(0) = −0.1

Therefore, the governing equation is:

3 y + 75 y = 10cos5t

b) Step 1: Determine 𝑦ℎ

Step 2: Determine 𝑦𝑝
 28

Step 3: Use the initial conditions to determine the constants.

1 1 1
Final answer: y (t ) = cos5t − sin 5t + t sin 5t
5 50 3
 29

Questions from Past Year Final Exam

1)

2)
 30

2.4.2 RLC Circuit

Series RLC Circuit notations:

V - the voltage of the power source (measured in volts V)

I - the current in the circuit (measured in amperes A)
R - the resistance of the resistor (measured in ohms = V/A);
L - inductance of the inductor (measured in henrys, H)
C - the capacitance of the capacitor (measured in farads, F)
q - the charge across the capacitor (measured in coulombs C)

The governing equation for RLC circuit is given by:

dI q
L + RI + = E ( t ) ;
dt c
with initial conditions:
q(0) = q 0
(initial charge)
I (0) = I 0
(initial current)
dq
and I = .
dt

Our aim in this subsection is to determine the current, I(t) or the charge,
q(t). (or both)

Two methods are available to solve RLC circuit problem:

• Solve in q terms.
• Solve in I terms.

For discussions, let us consider the following problem:

The series RLC circuit has a voltage source given by E ( t ) = 100V , a

resistor R = 20 , an inductor L = 10H , and a capacitor c = ( 6260 ) . If
−1

the initial current and the initial charge on the capacitor are both zero,
determine the current, I(t) and the charge, q(t) in the circuit for t > 0.
 31

A. Method 1: Solve the Problem in q Terms

The governing equation is
dI q
L + RI + = E ( t ) ;
dt c
where
L = 10 , R = 20 , E ( t ) = 100 , c = ( 6260 )
−1

Initial conditions: I ( 0 ) = 0, q ( 0 ) = 0 .
Therefore, we have:
dI
10 + 20 I + 6260q = 100; (i)
dt

Step 1: Change the dependent variable from I to q

dq
Since I = , therefore equation (i) becomes:
dt
d 2q dq
10 2 + 20 + 6260q = 100
dt dt
Or in a simplified form:
d 2q dq
+ 2 + 626q = 10 (ii)
dt 2 dt
Equation (ii) is a non-homogenous equation that can be solved using method
of undetermined coefficients.

Step 2: Solve the non-homogenous equation.

Find qh .
m2 + 2m + 626 = 0
 m = −1  25 i
Therefore, qh = e ( A cos 25t + B sin 25t )
−t

Find q p .
f (t ) = 10,
 q p = C0 (no similar term in qh )

Determine C0 .
 32

qp  qp = 0.
10
 from (ii): 0 + 2(0) + 626C0 = 10  C0 =
626
10
Therefore, q (t ) = qh + q p = e − t ( A cos 25t + B sin 25t ) +
626

Step 3: Use the initial conditions to determine the constants A and B

10 10
q ( 0) = 0  0 = A +  A=−
626 626
 10  10
Therefore, q (t ) = e − t  − cos 25t + B sin 25t  + (iii)
 626  626

I ( 0 ) = 0, but we don’t have the equation I(t) to apply the condition. But we
dq
know I = . Therefore, use product rules to differentiate equation (iii) to
dt
get I(t).

dq  250   10  
I= = e − t  − B  sin 25t +  + 25B  cos 25t  (iv)
dt  626   626  
Apply I ( 0 ) = 0, i.e
10 1
0= + 25 B B=−
626 1565

Therefore, the charge, q (t ) is given by:

 10 1  10
q (t ) = e − t  − cos 25t − sin 25t  +
 626 1565  626

Step 4: Determine the current, I(t)

From (iv):
 250 1   10  −1   
I = e − t  +  sin 25t +  626 + 25   cos 25t 
 626 1565    1565   
2
= e −t sin 25t
5
 33

Now we shall look at a different approach to get q (t ) and I(t)

B. Method 2: Solve the Problem in I Terms

The governing equation is
dI q
L + RI + = E ( t ) ;
dt c
where
L = 10 , R = 20 , E ( t ) = 100 , c = ( 6260 )
−1

Initial conditions: I ( 0 ) = 0, q ( 0 ) = 0 .
Therefore, we have:
dI
10 + 20 I + 6260q = 100; (i)
dt

Step 1: Differentiate equation (i) w.r.t t, we have

d 2I dI dq
10 2 + 20 + 6260 =0
dt dt dt
dq
Since I = , therefore:
dt
d 2I dI
10 2 + 20 + 6260 I = 0
dt dt
Or in a simplified form:
d 2I dI
+ 2 + 626 I = 0 (ii)
dt 2 dt
Equation (ii) is a homogenous equation.

Note: If E ( t ) is not a constant, equation (ii) will be a non-homogeneous

equation that can be solved using method of undetermined coefficients.

Step 2: Find I(t) by solving equation (ii)

m2 + 2m + 626 = 0
 m = −1  25 i
Therefore, I ( t ) = e ( A cos 25t + B sin 25t )
−t
(iii)

Step 3: Determine the constants A and B

 34

I ( 0) = 0  0 = A
Therefore, I ( t ) = Be − t sin 25t (iv)
How to find B?
We have the initial condition q ( 0 ) = 0 , but we don’t have the equation q(t)
to apply the condition. However, we have the simplified form of equation (i),
i.e:
dI
+ 2 I + 626q = 10; (v)
dt

Now, evaluate equation (v) at t = 0. Thus, we obtain:

dI
+ 2 I ( 0 ) + 626 q(0) = 10
dt t =o
By the initial conditions, I ( 0 ) = 0, q ( 0 ) = 0 , therefore:
dI
= 10
dt t =o
or can be written as I (0) = 10 . This is the new condition that we have
formed. In order to use this new condition, we must have the equation for
I (t ).

Step 4: Form I (t ) and use the new condition to determine the constant
B.

From equation (iv), perform the product differentiation to obtain:

I (t ) = B ( −e−t sin 25t + e−t 25cos 25t )
Apply I (0) = 10 , i.e
2
10 = 25 B, B =
5
2 −t
Hence the equation for the current is given by: I ( t ) = e sin 25t .
5

Step 5: Determine the equation for the charge, q(t)

 35

dq 2
Since I = , integrate I ( t ) = e − t sin 25t w.r.t to t to get q(t). But this
dt 5
process is very much relying on the complexity of I (t ). Tips: you might want
to consider the first method at the first place if you were asked to get q(t).

Anyway,
2
q ( t ) =  e − t sin 25t dt
5
By integration by parts/tabular method, we obtain:

 10 1 
q (t ) = e − t  − cos 25t − sin 25t  + C
 626 1565 

Apply q ( 0 ) = 0 to get C, i.e.

10 10
0=− +C C =
626 626
Therefore, the charge, q(t) is given by:

 10 1  10
q (t ) = e − t  − cos 25t − sin 25t  +
 626 1565  626

Questions from Past Final Exam

1)
 36

2)

3)