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Boyce ODEch 3 S 4 P 24
Boyce ODEch 3 S 4 P 24
4 - Problem 24 Page 1 of 2
Problem 24
In each of Problems 23 through 30, use the method of reduction of order to find a second solution
of the given differential equation.
Solution
Because this ODE is homogeneous, any constant multiple of y1 (t) is also a solution: cy1 (t) = ct.
According to the method of reduction of order, the general solution is obtained by allowing c to
vary as a function of t.
y(t) = c(t)t
Substitute this formula for y(t) into the ODE.
d 4 0
[t c (t)] = 0
dt
Integrate both sides with respect to t.
t4 c0 (t) = C1
Divide both sides by t4 .
C1
c0 (t) =
t4
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Boyce & DiPrima ODEs 10e: Section 3.4 - Problem 24 Page 2 of 2
C3
y(t) = + C2 t;
t2
the second solution is y2 (t) = 1/t2 .
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