Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

In practice, differential equations arise in many ways, some of which

we shall encounter later. There is one way of arriving at a differential
equation, however, that is useful in that it gives us a feeling for the
kinds of solutions to be expected.

The number of derivatives that need be used is the same as the

number of arbitrary constants to be eliminated. We shall in each case
determine the differential equation that is

• of order equal to the number of arbitrary constants in the given

relation.
• consistent with the relation.
• free from arbitrary constants.

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 In each of the following, eliminate the arbitrary constants.

1. 𝑦 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 3𝑥

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 In each of the following, eliminate the arbitrary constants.

2. 𝑥 − 𝑎 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2

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 3. 𝑥 2 𝑦 = 1 + 𝑐𝑥 4. 𝑐𝑦 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦

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 5. 𝑥 = 𝐴 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛽); 𝜔 a parameter 6. 𝑥 = 𝐶1 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐶2 sin 𝜔𝑡

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