Discrete Mathematics

BCSC0010
Module 1

Recurrence Relations
(Lecture13)
Case IV. When f(n) is a polynomial
• Solve the recurrence relation yn+2 – yn+1 – 6yn = n2.
The characteristic equation for homogeneous part is:
r2 – r – 6 = 0
or, r = – 2, 3
So, the homogeneous solution is:
yn(h) = C1 (–2)n + C2 (3)n
Let particular solution is of the form yn = C1n2 + C2n + C3
Therefore,
C1(n+2)2 + C2(n+2) + C3 – [C1(n+1)2 + C2(n+1) + C3] –6[C1n2 + C2n + C3] = n2
BCSC0010 Discrete Mathematics 2
Case IV. When f(n) is a polynomial

or, (C1– C1– 6C1)n2 + (4C1 + C2– 2C1– C2– 6C2)n + (4C1+ 2C2 + C3 – C1– C2– C3–
6C3) = n2 + 0.n + 0
Comparing the coefficients of n2, n and constant terms both sides,
C1 = –1/6, C2 = –1/18, C3 = –5/54
So, yn(p) = (–1/6) n2 –(1/18) n –(5/54)
Hence, the general solution is given as,
yn = C1 (–2)n + C2 (3)n + (–1/6) n2 – (1/18) n – (5/54)

BCSC0010 Discrete Mathematics 3

Next Topic
• Generating Functions