#1

FLEX Course Material

Introduce the basic
terminology of differential
equations.
Formulate differential
equations by eliminating
arbitrary constants of a
given solution.
Examine how differential
equations arise in an
attempt to describe or
BASIC
model physical
phenomena in
mathematical terms.
CONCEPTS

 Definitions and Terminologies

 Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
 Family of Curves

Prepared by:
Joseph D. Retumban, ChE, MS EnE
Department Chair – General Engineering
Definitions and Terminologies

Differential Equation
A differential equation (DE) is an equation containing the derivatives of one or
more dependent variables, with respect to one or more independent variables.

TERMINOLOGY NOTATION
Dependent variable is a variable For a function y = f(x), the notations
that represents a quantity that for the first derivative are as follows:
changes based on other quantities dy
y’, y’ x , f ’(x),
being manipulated. dx
Moreover, for nth derivative, the
Independent variable is a variable notation are as follows:
that is being manipulated directly. dn y
y (n) , y (n) x , 𝑓 (𝑛) (x),
dx n

Classification of DEs According to Type

1. Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE)

A differential equation containing only ordinary derivatives of one or more functions

with respect to a single independent variable.

2. Partial Differential Equation (PDE)

A differential equation involving only partial derivatives of one or more functions of two
or more independent variables.

Example: Identify if the following differential equations is ODE or PDE.

 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variable is y.

dy  What is/are the independent variable/s?
− 3y = ex
dx
The independent variable is x.

Since we only have 1 independent variable, the equation is

an ODE.

2
Definitions and Terminologies
 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variable is y.

 What is/are the independent variable/s?

y ′′ x + 5y ′ x − 7y x = 0
The independent variable is x.

Since we only have 1 independent variable, the equation

is an ODE.

 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variables are x and y.

dy dx  What is/are the independent variable/s?
+ = 2x + 5y
dt dt
The independent variable is t.

Since we only have 1 independent variable, the equation

is an ODE.

 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variables are u and v.

𝜕u 𝜕v  What is/are the independent variable/s?

=
𝜕y 𝜕x The independent variables are x and y.

Since we have 2 independent variables, the equation is a

PDE.

 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variable is u.

𝜕 2u 𝜕2u  What is/are the independent variable/s?

+ =0
𝜕x 2 𝜕y 2 The independent variables are x and y.

Since we have 2 independent variables, the equation is a

PDE.

 What is/are the dependent variable/s in the equation?

The dependent variable is v.

𝜕 2 v 𝜕v 𝜕 3 v  What is/are the independent variable/s?
+ + =0
𝜕t 2 𝜕w 𝜕z 3 The independent variables are t, w and z.

Since we have 3 independent variables, the equation is a

PDE.

3
Definitions and Terminologies

Classification of DEs According to Order

The order of a differential equation is the order of the highest derivative in the equation.

The degree of a differential equation is the algebraic degree (exponent) of the highest-
ordered derivative after clearing off all the fractional exponents in the derivative.

Illustration:
 What is the highest derivative in the equation?

d2 y
2nd derivative: dx2
3 5
d2 y dy Therefore, the equation is a 2nd order DE.
+3 − 6y = sin x
dx 2 dx
 What is the algebraic degree (exponent) of the
highest derivative in the equation?

3rd degree

 What is the highest derivative in the equation?

𝜕4u
4th derivative:
𝜕x4

𝜕 4u 2
𝜕 2u Therefore, the equation is a 4th order DE.
+ a =0
𝜕x 4 𝜕y 2
 What is the algebraic degree (exponent) of the
highest derivative in the equation?

1st degree

 What is the highest derivative in the equation?

2nd derivative: y′′

5 Therefore, the equation is a 2nd order DE.

′′
𝑦 2 = 𝑥𝑦
 What is the algebraic degree (exponent) of the
highest derivative in the equation?
Eliminate first the fractional
exponent. 5th degree
2
5
𝑦 ′′ 2 = 𝑥𝑦 2

𝑦 ′′ 5
= 𝑥 2𝑦2

4
Definitions and Terminologies

Classification of DEs According to Linearity

An nth-order differential equation is said to be linear in the variable y if the function is

linear in y, y’, … , y(n). This means that an nth-order ODE is linear when it follows the
form
dn dn−1 d
an x y x + an−1 x y x + ⋯ + a1 x y x + a0 x y x = g x
dx n dx n−1 dx

Two Conditions of Linearity:

Condition 1

The dependent variable y and all its derivatives y’, y’’, … , y(n) are of the first degree;
that is, the power of each term involving y is 1.

Condition 2

The coefficients a0, a1, … , an of y, y’, … , y(n) depend at most on the independent
variable x.

A nonlinear ordinary differential equation is simply one that is not linear.

Example: Determine if the following differential equations are linear or not.

 (Condition 1) Are the variable y and all its

derivatives of the 1st degree (have algebraic
exponent of 1)?

Yes: y ′′ 𝑥 − 2𝑦 ′ 𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑥 = 0

 (Condition 2) Are the coefficients a0, a1, … , an

′′ ′
y x − 2y x + y x = 0 depend on the independent variable x
(functions of x only)?

Yes: 1y ′′ 𝑥 − 2𝑦 ′ 𝑥 + 1𝑦 𝑥 = 0

Since both conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, the

DE is linear.

5
Definitions and Terminologies

 (Condition 1) Are the variable y and all its

derivatives of the 1st degree (have algebraic
exponent of 1)?

d2 y dy
Yes: x 3 dx2 + 2x dx = 2e−x
d2 y dy
x3 + 2x = 2e−x (Condition 2) Are the coefficients a0, a1, … , an
dx 2 dx depend on the independent variable x
(functions of x only)?

d2 y dy
Yes: 1 + 2x = 2e−x
dx2 dx

Since both conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, the

DE is linear.

 (Condition 1) Are the variable y and all its

derivatives of the 1st degree (have algebraic
exponent of 1)?

Yes: 1 + y y ′ + 2y = cos x

1 + y y ′ + 2y = cos x (Condition 2) Are the coefficients a0, a1, … , an

depend on the independent variable x
(functions of x only)?

No: 1 + y y ′ + 2y = cos x

Since condition 2 is not satisfied, the DE is

nonlinear.

 (Condition 1) Are the variable y and all its

derivatives of the 1st degree (have algebraic
exponent of 1)?

d4 y
No: dx4
+ y2 = 0

d4 y (Condition 2) Are the coefficients a0, a1, … , an

+ y2 = 0
dx 4 depend on the independent variable x
(functions of x only)?

d4 y
Yes: 1 dx4 + 1y 2 = 0

Since condition 1 is not satisfied, the DE is

nonlinear.

6
Definitions and Terminologies

Classify the given differential equation according to type. Also, state the
order and degree and determine whether the equation is linear or nonlinear.

1. 1 − x y ′′ − 4xy ′ + 5y = cos x
4. nonliear DE
y ′′ ′
2. e y x + 2y x = 1
y'' - y' + (y')^2 + y = 0
d4 y d2 y
3. t5 4 − t3 2 + 6y = 0
dt dt

4. y ′′ − 1 − y ′ y ′ + y = 0

𝜕v 3 𝜕2 v
5. = + 2xv 2
𝜕x 𝜕y2

Solution of an ODE

The solution of an ODE is a relation connecting independent and dependent variables

which satisfies the given equation.

General Solution. A general solution is a solution containing arbitrary constants equal

to the order of the ODE.

Particular Solution. A particular solution is a solution obtained from the general

solution by giving particular values to the arbitrary constants.

Example: Verify that the given function is a solution of the differential equation.

1. y ′′ x + 4y x = 0 ; y x = c1 sin 2x + c2 cos 2x

?
Prove that y ′′ x + 4y x = 0 by getting the derivatives of y(x) and substituting it
to the differential equation.

y x = c1 sin 2x + c2 cos 2x

Get the 1st derivative, y’(x).

y ′ x = c1 cos 2x 2 + c2 − sin 2x 2
y ′ x = 2c1 cos 2x − 2c2 sin 2x

7
Definitions and Terminologies

Example: Verify that the given function is a solution of the differential equation.

1. y ′′ x + 4y x = 0 ; y x = c1 sin 2x + c2 cos 2x

y ′ x = 2c1 cos 2x − 2c2 sin 2x

Get the 2nd derivative, y’’(x).

y ′′ x = 2c1 −sin 2x 2 − 2c2 cos 2x 2
y ′′ x = −4c1 sin 2𝑥 − 4c2 cos 2𝑥

Substitute y’’(x) and y(x) to y ′′ x + 4y x = 0 and check if the solution is true.

y ′′ x + 4y x = 0
?
−4c1 sin 2𝑥 − 4c2 cos 2𝑥 + 4 c1 sin 2x + c2 cos 2x = 0
?
−4c1 sin 2𝑥 − 4c2 cos 2𝑥 + 4 c1 sin 2x + 4c2 cos 2x = 0

0≡0

The equation is true; therefore, y x = c1 sin 2x + c2 cos 2x is a solution of the

given DE.

Example: Verify that the given function is a solution of the differential equation.

2. x ′′ t + 2x ′ 𝑡 − x t = 0 ; x t = tet

?
Prove that x ′′ t + 2x ′ 𝑡 − x t = 0 by getting the derivatives of x(t) and
substituting it to the differential equation.

x t = tet

Get the 1st derivative, x’(t).

x ′ t = t et + et 1
x ′ t = tet + et

8
Definitions and Terminologies

Example: Verify that the given function is a solution of the differential equation.

2. x ′′ t + 2x ′ 𝑡 − x t = 0 ; x t = tet

x ′ t = tet + et

Get the 2nd derivative, x’’(t).

x ′′ t = t et + et 1 + et
x ′′ t = tet + et + et
x ′′ t = tet + 2et

Substitute x’’(t), x’(t) and x(t) to x ′′ t + 2x ′ 𝑡 − x t = 0 and check if the

solution is true.
?
x ′′ t + 2x ′ 𝑡 − x t = 0
?
tet + 2et + 2 tet + et − tet = 0
?
tet + 2et + 2tet + 2et − tet = 0

2tet + 4et ≠ 0

The equation is not true; therefore, x t = tet is not a solution of the given DE.

Verify if the indicated function is a solution of the given differential

equation.

1. y ′′ t − y ′ t − 12 y t = 0 ; y t = Ae4t + Be−3t

2. x 2 y ′′ − 2xy ′ + 2y = 0 ; y = ax − bx 2

3. 2y ′ = y 3 cos x ; y = 1 − sin x −1 2

9
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
If we are given a general solution of a differential equation, we can easily
obtain the corresponding DE using the following rules.

Rule 1: Differentiate the general solution n times, where n is the

number of arbitrary constants to be eliminated.
Rule 2: The resulting differential equation is an nth order DE,
where n is the number of arbitrary constants.
Rule 3: The resulting differential equation should be free from
arbitrary constants.

Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

1. y = c1 x 2 + c2 x + c3

Determine first the number of arbitrary constants: n=3 (AC: c 1, c2, and c3)

Differentiate the general solution 3 times (Rule 1).

y = c1 x 2 + c2 x + c3 Recall: The derivative of any constant is 0.

y ′ = c1 2x + c2 1 + 0
y ′ = 2c1 x + c2

y ′′ = 2c1 1 + 0
y ′′ = 2c1

y ′′′ = 0

After Rule 1, check if the order of the DE is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants (Rule 2).

Since n = 3, the DE should be 3rd order.

y ′′′ = 0 is a 3rd order DE.

10
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

1. y = c1 x 2 + c2 x + c3

After Rule 2, check if the DE is free from arbitrary constants (Rule 3).

y ′′′ = 0 does not contain any arbitrary constants.

Therefore, the DE is y ′′′ = 0.

y = ax + bx^2
dep. var.: y arbitrary constants: a and b
2. y = ax + bx 2
indep. var.: x

Determine first the number of arbitrary constants: n=2 (AC: a and b)

Differentiate the general solution 2 times (Rule 1).

y = ax + bx 2

y ′ = a 1 + b 2x
y ′ = a + 2bx

y ′′ = 0 + 2b 1
y ′′ = 2b

After Rule 1, check if the order of the DE is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants (Rule 2).
Since n = 2, the DE should be 2nd order.

y ′′ = 2b is a 2nd order DE.

After Rule 2, check if the DE is free from arbitrary constants (Rule 3).

y ′′ = 2b still has 1 arbitrary constant.

Therefore, y ′′ = 2b is not yet the DE that we want. We still need to eliminate the
remaining arbitrary constant.

11
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

2. y = ax + bx 2

y ′′ = 2b (eliminate b)

What do we have from the previous calculations?

y = ax + bx 2 Equation (1) Please review Differential

y ′ = a + 2bx Equation (2) Calculus!

y ′′ = 2b Equation (3)

Substitute Equation (3) to Equation (2).

y ′ = a + 2bx
y ′ = a + 𝑦′′ x
y ′ = a + xy′′ Equation (4)

From Equation (4), solve for a.

y ′ = a + xy′′

y ′ − xy ′′ = a

a = y ′ − xy′′ Equation (5)

From Equation (3), solve for b.

y ′′ = 2b
y′′ 2b
=
2 2
y′′
=b
2
y′′
b= Equation (6)
2

12
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

2. y = ax + bx 2

Substitute Equations (5) and (6) to Equation (1).

y = ax + bx 2 Equation (1)

a = y ′ − xy′′ Equation (5)

y′′
b= Equation (6)
2

y = ax + bx 2
y′′ 2
y = y ′ − xy′′ x + x
2

′
x 2 y′′
2 ′′
y = xy − x y +
2
x 2 y′′ (Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate
2 y = xy ′ − x 2 y ′′ + 2
2 the denominator)

x 2 y′′
2y = 2xy ′ − 2x 2 y ′′ + 2
2
2y = 2xy ′ − 2x 2 y ′′ + x 2 y′′
2y = 2xy ′ − 2x 2 y ′′ + x 2 y′′ (Combine like terms)
2y = 2xy ′ − x 2 y′′ (Rearrange the terms)
2 ′′ ′
x y − 2xy + 2y = 0

Check Rule 2 and Rule 3 again for the solved DE: x 2 y ′′ − 2xy ′ + 2y = 0

 Is the DE of 2nd order? Yes! n = 2 --> 2nd order DE

 Is there any arbitrary constants left in the DE? None!

Therefore, the DE is x 2 y ′′ − 2xy ′ + 2y = 0.

13
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

dep. var. : y other variables: A and B (arbitrary

2x −3x
3. y = Ae + Be indep. var. : x constants)
function: e^2x , e^-3x
Determine first the number of arbitrary constants: n=2 (AC: A and B)

Differentiate the general solution 2 times (Rule 1).

y = Ae2x + Be−3x

y ′ = A e2x 2 + B e−3x −3
y ′ = 2Ae2x − 3Be−3x

y ′′ = 2A e2x 2 − 3B e−3x −3
y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x

After Rule 1, check if the order of the DE is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants (Rule 2).
Since n = 2, the DE should be 2nd order.

y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x is a 2nd order DE.

After Rule 2, check if the DE is free from arbitrary constants (Rule 3).

y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x still has 2 arbitrary constants.

Therefore, y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x is not yet the DE that we want. We still need to
eliminate the remaining arbitrary constant.

y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x (eliminate A and B)

14
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

3. y = Ae2x + Be−3x

What do we have from the previous calculations?

y = Ae2x + Be−3x Equation (1)

y ′ = 2Ae2x − 3Be−3x Equation (2)

y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x Equation (3)

Take Equations (2) and (3) and eliminate A.

2 y ′ = 2Ae2x − 3Be−3x 2 2y ′ = 4Ae2x − 6Be−3x

−
y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x

2y ′ − y ′′ = −15Be−3x Equation (4)

Take Equations (2) and (3) and eliminate B.

3 y ′ = 2Ae2x − 3Be−3x 3 3y ′ = 6Ae2x − 9Be−3x

+
y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x y ′′ = 4Ae2x + 9Be−3x

3y ′ + y ′′ = 10Ae2x Equation (5)

From Equation (4), solve for Be-3x.

2y ′ − y ′′ = −15Be−3x
2y ′ − y ′′ −15Be−3x
=
−15 −15
′ ′′
2y − y
= Be−3x
−15
−3x
2y ′ − y ′′
Be = Equation (6)
−15

15
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

3. y = Ae2x + Be−3x

From Equation (5), solve for Ae2x.

3y ′ + y ′′ = 10Ae2x
3y ′ + y ′′ 10Ae2x
=
10 10
3y ′ + y ′′
= Ae2x
10
2x
3y ′ + y ′′
Ae =
10
Equation (7)

Substitute Equations (6) and (7) to Equation (1).

y = Ae2x + Be−3x Equation (1)

2y ′ − y ′′
Be−3x =
−15
Equation (6)
3y ′ + y ′′
Ae2x =
10 Equation (7)

y = Ae2x + Be−3x
3y ′ + y ′′ 2y ′ − y ′′
y= +
10 −15

3y ′ + y ′′ 2y ′ − y ′′ (Multiply both sides by 30 to eliminate

30 y = + 30
10 −15 the denominator)

30 30
30y = 3y ′ + y ′′ + 2y ′ − y′′
10 −15
30y = 3 3y ′ + y′′ − 2 2y ′ − y′′
30y = 9y′ + 3y ′′ − 4y ′ + 2y′′ (Combine like terms)
30y = 5y ′ + 5y′′
30y 5y ′ + 5y′′
= (Simplify)
5 5
′
6y = y + y′′
y ′′ + y ′ − 6y = 0 (Rearrange the terms)

16
 Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

3. y = Ae2x + Be−3x

Check Rule 2 and Rule 3 again for the solved DE: y ′′ + y ′ − 6y = 0

 Is the DE of 2nd order? Yes!

 Is there any arbitrary constants left in the DE? None!

Therefore, the DE is y ′′ + y ′ − 6y = 0.

Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

dep. var. : y other variables: a (arbitrary constant)

2 2 2
4. x−a +y =a indep. var.: x
2 most commonly
used variablesDetermine first the number of arbitrary constants: n = 1 (AC: a)
are x and y!
Differentiate the general solution 1 time (Rule 1).
most of the times,
x is the indep. x − a 2 + y 2 = a2 (use implicit differentiation)

var. and y is 2 x − a 1 − 0 + 2yy ′ = 0 Recall:

the dep. var. 2 x − a + 2yy ′ = 0 y = f(x) ---> explicit form
2 x − a + 2yy′ 0 y' = f ' (x)
=
derivative of a^2 2 2
′ f(x,y) = 0 --> implicit form
(where a is a x − a + yy = 0
constant) xy = 0
After Rule 1, check if the order of the DE is the same as the number of arbitrary
Dx (a^2) = 0 constants (Rule 2).
not Dx (a^2) = 2a Since n = 1, the DE should be 1st order.

x − a + yy ′ = 0 is a 1st order DE.

17
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

2
4. x−a + y 2 = a2

After Rule 2, check if the DE is free from arbitrary constants (Rule 3).

x − a + yy ′ = 0 still has 1 arbitrary constant.

Therefore, x − a + yy ′ = 0 is not yet the DE that we want. We still need to eliminate

the remaining arbitrary constant.

x − a + yy ′ = 0 (eliminate a)

What do we have from the previous calculations?

2
x−a + y 2 = a2 Equation (1)

x − a + yy ′ = 0 Equation (2)

From Equation (2), solve for x − a .

x − a + yy ′ = 0

x − a = −yy′ Equation (3)

Also, from Equation (2), solve for a.

x − a + yy ′ = 0

x − a + yy ′ = 0

x + yy ′ = a

a = x + yy′ Equation (4)

18
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

2
4. x−a + y 2 = a2

Substitute Equations (3) and (4) into Equation (1).

2
x−a + y 2 = a2 Equation (1)

x − a = −yy′ Equation (3)

a = x + yy′ Equation (4)

2
x−a + y 2 = a2

−yy ′ 2
+ y 2 = x + yy ′ 2

y2 𝑦 ′ 2
+ 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 2 + 2xyy ′ + y 2 𝑦 ′ 2

y2 y′ 2
+ y 2 = x 2 + 2xyy ′ + y 2 𝑦 ′ 2
(Combine like terms)

y 2 = x 2 + 2xyy′

x 2 − y 2 + 2xyy ′ = 0 (Rearrange the terms)

Check Rule 2 and Rule 3 again for the solved DE: x 2 − y 2 + 2xyy ′ = 0

 Is the DE of 1st order? Yes!

 Is there any arbitrary constants left in the DE? None!

Therefore, the DE is x 2 − y 2 + 2xyy ′ = 0.

19
 Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

5. x t = A cos ωt + α , where ω is a parameter not to be eliminated.

dep. var. : x Parameter is a special type of an arbitrary
indep. var. : t Determine first the number of arbitrary constants: n = 2 (AC: A and α) constant.
variables: A, alpha, omega --> arbitrary constant Parameter: ω
parameter: omega
Differentiate the general solution 2 times (Rule 1).

x t = A cos ωt + α

x′ t = A −sin ωt + α ω+0
x ′ t = −A sin ωt + α ω
x ′ t = −Aω sin ωt + α

x ′′ t = −Aω cos ωt + α ω+0

x ′′ t = −Aω cos ωt + α ω
x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α

After Rule 1, check if the order of the DE is the same as the number of arbitrary
constants (Rule 2).

Since n = 2, the DE should be 2nd order.

x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α is a 2nd order DE.

After Rule 2, check if the DE is free from arbitrary constants (Rule 3).

x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α still has 2 arbitrary constants.

Therefore, x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α is not yet the DE that we want. We still need
to eliminate the remaining arbitrary constant.

x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α (eliminate A and ω)

20
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants
Example: Find the corresponding differential equation by eliminating the arbitrary

constants in the given general solution.

5. x t = A cos ωt + α , where ω is a parameter not to be eliminated.

What do we have from the previous calculations?

x t = A cos ωt + α (Equation 1)

x ′ t = −Aω sin ωt + α (Equation 2)

x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α (Equation 3)

Rearranging Equation (3), we have

x ′′ t = −Aω2 cos ωt + α
x ′′ t = −ω2 Acos ωt + α

Substituting Equation (1) gives

x ′′ t = −ω2 Acos ωt + α
x ′′ t = −ω2 x t
x ′′ t + ω2 x t = 0
parameter is part of the DE

Check Rule 2 and Rule 3 again for the solved DE: x ′′ t + ω2 x t = 0

 Is the DE of 2nd order? Yes!

 Is there any arbitrary constants left in the DE? None!

final answer

21
Elimination of Arbitrary
Constants

In each of the following, find the ODE by eliminating the arbitrary constants.

1. y = x + aex + be−x

2. cy 2 = x 2 + y
3. y = cx + c 2 + 1

4. y = Ae2x + Bxe2x

5. x = c1 cos ωt + c2 sin ωt , where ω is a parameter

6. y = c1 eax cos bx + c2 eax sin bx , where a and b are parameters

22