Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

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Lesson 1: Introduction to Differential Equations

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students are able to:
1. define a differential equation
2. classify a differential equation according to its type, order, degree and linearity
3. obtain a differential equation by eliminating arbitrary constants

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

From the previous lesson, we have already stated that when solving for an nth-order
differential equation F (x, y , y 0 , ..., y n ), we are actually to determine an n-parameter
family of solutions G (x, y , c1 , c2 , ..., cn ) = 0.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

From the previous lesson, we have already stated that when solving for an nth-order
differential equation F (x, y , y 0 , ..., y n ), we are actually to determine an n-parameter
family of solutions G (x, y , c1 , c2 , ..., cn ) = 0. In this lesson, what we are going to
do is to determine the differential equation whose family of solutions is the given
n-parameter family of solutions G (x, y , c1 , c2 , ..., cn ) = 0.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

From the previous lesson, we have already stated that when solving for an nth-order
differential equation F (x, y , y 0 , ..., y n ), we are actually to determine an n-parameter
family of solutions G (x, y , c1 , c2 , ..., cn ) = 0. In this lesson, what we are going to
do is to determine the differential equation whose family of solutions is the given
n-parameter family of solutions G (x, y , c1 , c2 , ..., cn ) = 0. To be able to this, we
are going to use differentiation techniques to eliminate the arbitrary constants in the
given n-parameter family of solutions

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Consider the following in eliminating the arbitrary constants.

4/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Consider the following in eliminating the arbitrary constants.

1. the number of times of differentiating the given equation is the same as the
number of arbitrary constants to be eliminated

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Consider the following in eliminating the arbitrary constants.

1. the number of times of differentiating the given equation is the same as the
number of arbitrary constants to be eliminated
2. the order of the differential equation is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants in the equation

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Consider the following in eliminating the arbitrary constants.

1. the number of times of differentiating the given equation is the same as the
number of arbitrary constants to be eliminated
2. the order of the differential equation is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants in the equation
3. the obtained equation is free from arbitrary constant

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2
x 2 y 0 − y (2x)
0=
x4

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2
x 2 y 0 − y (2x)
0=
x4
1 0 2
Thus, 2
y − 3y = 0
x x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2
x 2 y 0 − y (2x)
0=
x4
1 0 2 2y
Thus, 2 y − 3 y = 0 or y 0 =
x x x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2
x 2 y 0 − y (2x)
0=
x4
1 0 2 2y
Thus, 2 y − 3 y = 0 or y 0 =
x x x
2y
This actually means that a one-parameter family of solutions of y 0 = is of the form
x
y = cx 2 .
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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

1. y = cx 2
y
Solution: Since there is only one arbitrary constant to eliminate, we write c = 2 and then
x
differentiate both sides with respect to x.
y
c=
x2
x 2 y 0 − y (2x)
0=
x4
1 0 2 2y
Thus, 2 y − 3 y = 0 or y 0 =
x x x
2y
This actually means that a one-parameter family of solutions of y 0 = is of the form
x
y = cx 2 .
5/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

Add 3 times equation (1) and equation (2)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

Add 3 times equation (1) and equation (2)

3y = 3c1 e 2x + 3c2 e −3x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

Add 3 times equation (1) and equation (2)

3y = 3c1 e 2x + 3c2 e −3x
0
+ y = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
2. y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x
Solution:

Differentiate the given up to second order.

y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
0
y = 2c1 e 2x
− 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

Add 3 times equation (1) and equation (2)

3y = 3c1 e 2x + 3c2 e −3x
0
+ y = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x
0
y + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)
Add 3 times equation (2) and equation (3)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)
Add 3 times equation (2) and equation (3)
3y 0 = 6c1 e 2x − 9c2 e −3x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)
Add 3 times equation (2) and equation (3)
3y 0 = 6c1 e 2x − 9c2 e −3x
+ y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)
Add 3 times equation (2) and equation (3)
3y 0 = 6c1 e 2x − 9c2 e −3x
+ y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x (1)
y 0 = 2c1 e 2x − 3c2 e −3x (2)
y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x (3)
Add 3 times equation (2) and equation (3)
3y 0 = 6c1 e 2x − 9c2 e −3x
+ y 00 = 4c1 e 2x + 9c2 e −3x
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)
Add −2 times equation (4) and equation (5)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)
Add −2 times equation (4) and equation (5)
−2y 0 − 6y = −10c1 e 2x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)
Add −2 times equation (4) and equation (5)
−2y 0 − 6y = −10c1 e 2x
+ y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)
Add −2 times equation (4) and equation (5)
−2y 0 − 6y = −10c1 e 2x
+ y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x
y 00 + y 0 − 6y = 0

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Example:
y 0 + 3y = 5c1 e 2x (4)
y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x (5)
Add −2 times equation (4) and equation (5)
−2y 0 − 6y = −10c1 e 2x
+ y 00 + 3y 0 = 10c1 e 2x
y 00 + y 0 − 6y = 0

Therefore, the desired differential equation is y 00 + y 0 − 6y = 0.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Alternative Solution:

9/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Alternative Solution:
Suppose that each of the functions f1 (x), f2 (x),...,fn (x) possesses at least n − 1
derivatives.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Alternative Solution:
Suppose that each of the functions f1 (x), f2 (x),...,fn (x) possesses at least n − 1
derivatives. The determinant
f1 (x) f2 (x) ··· fn (x)
f10 (x) f20 (x) ··· fn0 (x)
.. .. ..
. . ··· .
(n−1) (n−1)
f1 (x) f2 (x) · · · fn (n−1)

where primes denote derivatives, is called the Wronskian of the functions.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x .

10/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0.

10/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

10/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R,

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R, we can write
y 1 1
2x
c1 e c2 e −3x
y 0 2 −3 = 0
y 00 4 9

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R, we can write
y 1 1
2x
c1 e c2 e −3x
y 0 2 −3 = 0 =⇒
y 00 4 9

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R, we can write
y 1 1 y 1 1
2x
c1 e c2 e −3x 0
y 2 −3 = 0 =⇒ y 0 2 −3 = 0
y 00 4 9 y 00 4 9

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R, we can write
y 1 1 y 1 1
2x
c1 e c2 e −3x 0
y 2 −3 = 0 =⇒ y 0 2 −3 = 0
y 00 4 9 y 00 4 9

We now have, (18y − 3y 00 + 4y 0 ) − (2y 00 − 12y + 9y 0 ) = 0

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Given y = c1 e 2x + c2 e −3x , let f1 (x) = y , f2 (x) = c1 e 2x and f3 (x) = c2 e −3x . Equate
then the determinant to 0. That is,
y c1 e 2x c2 e −3x
0
y 2c1 e 2x
−3c2 e −3x = 0
y 00 4c1 e 2x 9c2 e −3x

Assuming c1 , c2 6= 0, by some properties of determinants and since e 2x , e −3x 6= 0 for

all x in R, we can write
y 1 1 y 1 1
2x
c1 e c2 e −3x 0
y 2 −3 = 0 =⇒ y 0 2 −3 = 0
y 00 4 9 y 00 4 9

We now have, (18y − 3y 00 + 4y 0 ) − (2y 00 − 12y + 9y 0 ) = 0 =⇒ y 00 + y 0 − 6y = 0.

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x ,

11/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)
Subtracting equation (3) and equation (2), we will have,

11/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)
Subtracting equation (3) and equation (2), we will have,

y 00 = y0 + Be x

11/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)
Subtracting equation (3) and equation (2), we will have,

y 00 = y0 + Be x
− (y 0 = y + Be x )

11/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)
Subtracting equation (3) and equation (2), we will have,

y 00 = y0 + Be x
− (y 0 = y + Be x )
y − y0
00
= y0 − y

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in the following
form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
3. y = Ae x + Bxe x , where A and B are the parameters to be eliminated.
Solution:
y = Ae x + Bxe x (1)
y 0 = Ae x + Bxe x + Be x , but y = Ae x + Bxe x
=⇒ y 0 = y + Be x (2)
00 0 x
y = y + Be (3)
Subtracting equation (3) and equation (2), we will have,

y 00 = y0 + Be x
− (y 0 = y + Be x )
y − y0
00
= y0 − y

Therefore, the differential equation is y 00 − 2y 0 + y = 0.

11/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)

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Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)

12/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)
y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt (3)

12/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)
y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt (3)
Add k 2 times equation (1) and equation (3)

12/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)
y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt (3)
Add k 2 times equation (1) and equation (3)
k 2y = k 2 c1 sin kt + k 2 c2 cos kt

12/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)
y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt (3)
Add k 2 times equation (1) and equation (3)
k 2y = k 2 c1 sin kt + k 2 c2 cos kt
+ y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt

12/14
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
Example:
Eliminate the arbitrary constants in each equation and express the final answers in
the following form: an (x)y (n) + an−1 (x)y (n−1) + · · · + a1 (x)y 0 + a0 (x)y − g (x) = 0 .
dy
4. y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt where k is a parameter not to be eliminated, y 0 =
dt
Solution:
y = c1 sin kt + c2 cos kt (1)
0
y = kc1 cos kt − kc2 sin kt (2)
y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt (3)
Add k 2 times equation (1) and equation (3)
k 2y = k 2 c1 sin kt + k 2 c2 cos kt
+ y 00 = −k 2 c1 sin kt − k 2 c2 cos kt
∴ y 00 + k 2 y = 0
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References
I Rainville, E.D., Bedient, P.E., and Bedient, R.E., Elementary Differential
Equations, 8th Edition, Pearson, 1996
I Zill, D.G., Differential Equations with Modeling Applications 7th Edition,
Brooks/Cole, 2000
I Blanchard P., Devaney, R.L., and Hall, G.R., Brooks/Cole, Differential
Equations, 4th Edition, 2002
I Zill, D.G. and Cullen, M.R., Differential Equations with Boundary-Value
Problem, 7th Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2009
I Boyce, W. E. and DiPrima, R.E., Elementary Differential Equations, 10th
Edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2012
I Dawkins, Paul, Differential Equations,
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/DE.aspx
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The End
Thanks for your attention! =)

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