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Chapter 4: Higher Order Linear Equations: Definitions

This chapter review covers higher order linear differential equations and boundary value problems. It defines key terms like nth order linear ODEs and fundamental set of solutions. It presents two theorems on existence and uniqueness of solutions, and general solutions. It discusses skills for solving higher order equations, including deriving characteristic polynomials and equations, and using methods like variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients to find particular solutions. Relevant applications include double and multiple spring mass systems.

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56 views1 page

Chapter 4: Higher Order Linear Equations: Definitions

This chapter review covers higher order linear differential equations and boundary value problems. It defines key terms like nth order linear ODEs and fundamental set of solutions. It presents two theorems on existence and uniqueness of solutions, and general solutions. It discusses skills for solving higher order equations, including deriving characteristic polynomials and equations, and using methods like variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients to find particular solutions. Relevant applications include double and multiple spring mass systems.

Uploaded by

Anonymous OrhjVLXO5s
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter Review Sheets for

Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 8e

Chapter 4: Higher Order Linear Equations

Definitions:
• n th Order Linear ODE
• Fundamental Set of Solutions, General Solution
• Homogeneous and nonhomogeneous equation
• Linear Dependence and Independence
• Characteristic Polynomial, Characteristic Equation
• Variation of parameters

Theorems:
• Theorem 4.1.1: Existence and uniqueness of solutions to higher order linear ODE's.
• Theorem 4.1.2: General solutions to higher order linear ODE's and the fundamental set of solutions

Important Skills:
• The methods for solving higher order linear differential equations are extremely similar to those in the
last Chapter. There is simply n times the fun! The general solution to an n th order homogeneous linear
differential equation is obtained by linearly combining n linearly independent solutions. (Equation 5, p.
220)
• The generalization of the Wronskian is given on page 221. It is used as in the last Chapter to show the
linear independence of functions, and in particular homogeneous solutions.
• For the situation where there are constant coefficients, you should be able to derive the
characteristic polynomial, and the characteristic equation, in this case each of n th order. Depending
upon the types of roots you get to this equation, you will have solution sets containing function similar
to those in the second order case. (Examples 2-4, p. 227-229)
• The general solution of the nonhomogeneous problem easily extends to the n th order case. (Equation 9,
p. 225)
• Both variation of parameters, and the method of undetermined coefficients generalize to determine
particular solutions in the higher dimensional situation. (Example 3, p. 234; Example 1, p. 239)

Relevant Applications:
• Double and multiple spring mass systems

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