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2: Higher order linear ODEs

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    We have already studied the basics of differential equations, including separable first-order equations. In this chapter, we go a little further and look at second-order equations, which are equations containing second derivatives of the dependent variable. The solution methods we examine are different from those discussed earlier, and the solutions tend to involve trigonometric functions as well as exponential functions. Here we concentrate primarily on second-order equations with constant coefficients.

    • 2.1: Second order linear ODEs
      This page discusses second-order linear differential equations, focusing on the homogeneous case where the written form is \(y'' + p(x)y' + q(x)y = 0\). Key theorems include the superposition theorem, which allows solutions to be combined linearly, and the existence and uniqueness theorem ensuring a unique solution for given initial conditions.
    • 2.2: Constant coefficient second order linear ODEs
      The document covers solving second-order linear homogeneous differential equations with constant coefficients. It starts by demonstrating how to solve equations like \(y'' - 6y' + 8y = 0\) using characteristic equations, leading to solutions of exponential form. The text discusses various cases such as distinct, repeated, and complex roots, and outlines methods for each, including when roots are complex using Euler???s formula.
    • 2.3: Higher order linear ODEs
      The basic results about linear ODEs of higher order are essentially the same as for second order equations, with 2 replaced by nn . The important concept of linear independence is somewhat more complicated when more than two functions are involved.
    • 2.4: Mechanical Vibrations
      Let us look at some applications of linear second order constant coefficient equations.
    • 2.5: Nonhomogeneous Equations
      What about nonhomogeneous linear ODEs? For example, the equations for forced mechanical vibrations.
    • 2.6: Forced Oscillations and Resonance
      Let us consider to the example of a mass on a spring. We now examine the case of forced oscillations, which we did not yet handle.
    • 2.E: Higher order linear ODEs (Exercises)
      These are homework exercises to accompany Libl's "Differential Equations for Engineering" Textmap. This is a textbook targeted for a one semester first course on differential equations, aimed at engineering students. Prerequisite for the course is the basic calculus sequence.


    This page titled 2: Higher order linear ODEs is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jiří Lebl via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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