Solutions of General Linear

Homogeneous Equations

Introduction

This module presents how to solve general linear homogeneous equations.

Specific Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

- Define differential operators;

- Discuss the solutions of the auxiliary equation;
- Solve homogeneous differential equations with distinct roots for its auxiliary equation;
- Solve homogeneous differential equations with repeated roots for its auxiliary equation;
- Solve homogeneous differential equations with distinct imaginary roots for its auxiliary
equation; and
- Solve homogeneous differential equations with repeated imaginary roots for its
auxiliary equation.
Lesson Proper

Differential Operators
𝑑𝑦
Aside from the notation 𝑦 ′ = , we shall define and introduce other notations for
𝑑𝑥

differentiation. We define D as a differential operator. Consequently, we define the

following operators:
𝑑𝑦
𝐷𝑦 = , 1𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑥;
𝑑𝑥
𝑑2𝑦
𝐷 2𝑦 = , 2𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑥;
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑘 𝑦
𝐷𝑘𝑦 = , 𝑘𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑥.
𝑑𝑥 𝑘
Illustrations:
𝑑𝑦
1. (𝑥𝐷 + 2)𝑦 = 𝑥𝐷𝑦 + 2𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑦
𝑑2 𝑦
2. (𝐷 2 − 1)𝑦 = 𝐷 2 𝑦 − 𝑦 = −𝑦
𝑑𝑥 2

3. (𝑥𝐷 + 3)(𝐷 − 2)𝑦 = (𝑥𝐷 2 − 2𝑥𝐷 + 3𝐷 − 6)𝑦

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
= 𝑥𝐷 2 𝑦 − 2𝑥𝐷𝑦 + 3𝐷𝑦 − 6𝑦=𝑥 𝑑𝑥2 − 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + 3 𝑑𝑥 − 6𝑦

Solutions of General Linear Homogeneous Equations

The form of a general linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients is
given by
𝑑𝑛 𝑦 𝑑 𝑛−1 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑎0
𝑛
+ 𝑎 1 𝑛−1
+ ⋯ … . +𝑎𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛 𝑦 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
This form may also be written in a compact form as 𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 0 where 𝑓(𝐷) is a linear
differential operation.
Theorem 1. If m is a root of the equation f(m)=0, then
𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑒 𝑚𝑥 = 0.
The above theorem asserts that 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑚𝑥 is a solution of 𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 0. In general, we
have the solution as 𝑦 = 𝐶𝑒 𝑚𝑥 , C is constant. We define 𝑓 (𝑚) = 0 as the auxiliary
equation.
The roots of the auxiliary equation is classified into 4 cases:
Case 1: Distinct Real Roots
Case 2: Repeated Real Roots
 Case 3: Distinct Imaginary Roots
Case 4: Repeated Imaginary Roots

Distinct Real Roots of Auxiliary Equation

Let the roots of the auxiliary equation by 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , . . . . , 𝑚𝑘 . Then these will produce k
solutions as follows:
𝑦1 = 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 , 𝑦2 = 𝑒 𝑚2 𝑥 , . . . . . 𝑦𝑘 = 𝑒 𝑚𝑘𝑥
The general solution, denoted by 𝑦𝑐 of the general linear homogeneous differential equation
with 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , . . . . , 𝑚𝑘 roots of the auxiliary equation is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 𝑚2 𝑥 + . . . . +𝐶𝑘 𝑒 𝑚𝑘𝑥
Example 1: Solve the differential equation 𝑦 ′′ + 𝑦 ′ − 2𝑦 = 0.
Solution: The differential equation is translated in terms of the operation D as
𝐷 2 𝑦 + 𝐷𝑦 − 2𝑦 = 0 𝑜𝑟 (𝐷 2 + 𝐷 − 2)𝑦 = 0
The auxiliary equation is 𝑓 (𝑚) = 𝑚2 + 𝑚 − 2 = (𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 − 1) = 0.
The roots of 𝑓 (𝑚) = 0 are 𝑚1 = −2, 𝑚2 = 1.
Thus, the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 𝑥

Example 2: Solve the equation (𝐷 2 + 2𝐷 − 1)𝑦 = 0.

Solution: The auxiliary equation is 𝑓(𝑚) = 𝑚2 + 2𝑚 − 1 = 0. The roots of the auxiliary
equation are obtained by quadratic formula,
−2 ± √22 − 4(1)(−1) −2 ± √8 −2 ± 2√2
𝑚= = = = −1 ± √2
2(1) 2 2
Thus, the solution is given by
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 (−1+√2)𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 (−1−√2)𝑥

Example 3: Solve the equation 𝑦 ′′′ − 𝑦 ′′ − 2𝑦 ′ = 0.

Solution: The differential equation is translated in terms of the operation D as
𝐷 3 𝑦 − 𝐷 2 𝑦 − 2𝐷𝑦 = 0 𝑜𝑟 (𝐷 3 − 𝐷 2 − 2𝐷 )𝑦 = 0
The auxiliary equation is 𝑓 (𝑚) = 𝑚3 − 𝑚2 − 2𝑚 = 𝑚(𝑚2 − 𝑚 − 2) = 𝑚(𝑚 − 2)(𝑚 +
1) = 0 whose roots are 0, 2, -1. Then the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 0𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝐶3 𝑒 −1𝑥
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝐶3 𝑒 −𝑥
 𝑑3 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
Example 4: Solve the equation 4 𝑑𝑥3 − 13 𝑑𝑥 + 6𝑦 = 0.

Solution: The differential equation is translated in terms of the operation D as

4𝐷 3 𝑦 − 13𝐷𝑦 + 6𝑦 = 0 𝑜𝑟 (4𝐷 3 − 13𝐷 + 6)𝑦 = 0
The auxiliary equation is 𝑓 (𝑚) = 4𝑚3 − 13𝑚 + 6 = 0.
By synthetic division, we have:

Thus, 4𝑚3 − 13𝑚 + 6 = (𝑚 + 2)(4𝑚2 − 8𝑚 + 3) = (𝑚 + 2)(2𝑚 − 3)(2𝑚 − 1) = 0.

3 1
The roots of the auxiliary equation are −2, 2 , 2. The general solution is
3𝑥 𝑥
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 2 + 𝐶3 𝑒 2

Repeated Real Roots of Auxiliary Equation

If the auxiliary equation has a repeated root m1, then the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶2 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 (𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 )
If the auxiliary equation has roots m1 that are repeated 3 times, then the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶2 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 (𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 )
If the auxiliary equation has roots m1 that are repeated n times, then the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶2 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 +. . . . . +𝑥 𝑛−1 𝐶𝑛 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑚1 𝑥 (𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 +. . . . . +𝑥 𝑛−1 𝐶𝑛 )

Example 1: Solve the differential equation 𝑦 ′′ − 2𝑦 ′ + 𝑦 = 0.

Solution: The differential equation is translated in terms of the operation D as
𝐷 2 𝑦 − 2𝐷𝑦 + 𝑦 = 0 𝑜𝑟 (𝐷 2 − 2𝐷 + 1)𝑦 = 0
The auxiliary equation is 𝑓 (𝑚) = 𝑚2 − 2𝑚 + 1 = (𝑚 − 1)(𝑚 − 1) = 0.
The roots of 𝑓 (𝑚) = 0 are 𝑚1 = 1, 𝑚2 = 1. The roots are repeated.
Thus, the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶2 𝑒 𝑥
Example 2: Solve (𝐷 2 − 4)(𝐷 − 2)𝑦 = 0.
Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚) = (𝑚2 − 4)(𝑚 − 2) = 0
(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 − 2)(𝑚 − 2) = 0
The roots are -2, 2, 2. Thus, the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 2𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶3 𝑒 2𝑥 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝑒 2𝑥 (𝐶2 + 𝑥𝐶3 )

Example 3: Solve the equation

(4𝐷 4 − 4𝐷 3 − 23𝐷 2 + 12𝐷 + 36)𝑦 = 0
Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚) = 4𝑚4 − 4𝑚3 − 23𝑚2 + 12𝑚 + 36 = 0
To find the roots, we use synthetic division,

Thus, m=2 is a root. Again by synthetic division;

Thus, m=2 is another root.

Thus,
𝑓 (𝑚) = 4𝑚4 − 4𝑚3 − 23𝑚2 + 12𝑚 + 36 = 0
(𝑚 − 2)(𝑚 − 2)(4𝑚2 + 12𝑚 + 9) = 0
(𝑚 − 2)(𝑚 − 2)(2𝑚 + 3)(2𝑚 + 3) = 0
−3 −3
Thus, the roots of the auxiliary equation are 2, 2, , . The solution is
2 2
−3𝑥
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 2𝑥 (𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 ) + 𝑒 2 (𝐶3 + 𝑥𝐶4 )
Example 4: Solve the equation
(𝐷 4 + 3𝐷 3 − 6𝐷 2 − 28𝐷 − 24)𝑦 = 0
Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓(𝑚) = 𝑚4 + 3𝑚3 − 6𝑚2 − 28𝑚 − 24 = 0
To find the roots, we use synthetic division,

Thus, m=-2 is a root. Again by synthetic division;

Thus, m=3 is another root.

Thus,
𝑓(𝑚) = 𝑚4 + 3𝑚3 − 6𝑚2 − 28𝑚 − 24 = 0
(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 − 3)(𝑚2 + 4𝑚 + 4) = 0
(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 − 3)(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 + 2) = 0
Thus, the roots of the auxiliary equation are −2, 3, −2, −2. The solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 −2𝑥 (𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 ) + 𝐶4 𝑒 3𝑥

Imaginary Roots of Auxiliary Equations

Consider the differential equation
(𝑏0 𝐷 𝑛 + 𝑏1 𝐷 𝑛−1 +. . . . +𝑏𝑛−1 𝐷 + 𝑏𝑛 )𝑦 = 0
Or the more compact form
𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 0
Supposed the root of the auxiliary equation is imaginary, say 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑖. It has to be noted that
the conjugate 𝑎 − 𝑏𝑖 is also a root of 𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 0. Then the solution is given by the following
computations:
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶3 𝑒 (𝑎+𝑏𝑖)𝑥 + 𝐶4 𝑒 (𝑎−𝑏𝑖)𝑥
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑥 + 𝐶4 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑒 −𝑏𝑖𝑥
From calculus, 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 is defined by
𝑒 𝑖𝜃 = cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃
The above is called the Euler Equation.
 The following illustrate the Euler Equation:
1. 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 = cos 𝜃 + 𝑖 sin 𝜃
2. 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑥 = cos 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑖 sin 𝑎𝑥
3. 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎 = cos(−𝑎) + 𝑖 sin(−𝑎) = cos 𝑎 − 𝑖 sin 𝑎
4. 𝑒 (𝑎+𝑏𝑖)𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 )
5. 𝑒 (𝑎−𝑏𝑖)𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑒 −𝑏𝑖𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 {cos(−𝑏𝑥) + 𝑖 sin(−𝑏𝑥 )} = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 {cos 𝑏𝑥 −
𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 }

Thus, the solution of 𝑓(𝐷 )𝑦 = 0 with imaginary roots for its auxiliary equation is now given
by
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑥 + 𝐶4 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑒 −𝑏𝑖𝑥
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 ) + 𝐶4 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 {cos 𝑏𝑥 − 𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 }
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥) + 𝐶3 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 ) + 𝐶4 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥) − 𝐶4 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 )
Simplify,
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥)(𝐶3 + 𝐶4 ) + 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝑖 sin 𝑏𝑥 )(𝐶3 − 𝐶4 )
If we let 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 = 𝐶1 and 𝑖 (𝐶3 − 𝐶4 ) = 𝐶2 , where 𝐶1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶2 are new arbitrary constants,
then the general solution of 𝑓 (𝐷 )𝑦 = 0 is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (cos 𝑏𝑥) + 𝐶2 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (sin 𝑏𝑥 ) 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝐶1 cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝐶2 sin 𝑏𝑥 )
Thus, to determine the solution of a homogeneous differential equation with imaginary roots
of the auxiliary equation, we need to find the values of a and b, and substitute it in the above
general solution.

Example 1: Solve the equation (𝐷 2 + 4)𝑦 = 0

Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚 ) = 𝑚 2 + 4 = 0
𝑚2 = −4
𝑚 = ±√−4
𝑚 = ±2𝑖
The roots of the auxiliary equation is imaginary. From which a=0 and b=2. Thus, the general
solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 0𝑥 (𝐶1 cos 2𝑥 + 𝐶2 sin 2𝑥 )
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 cos 2𝑥 + 𝐶2 sin 2𝑥
Example 2: Solve the equation (𝐷 4 − 1)𝑦 = 0
Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚 ) = 𝑚 4 − 1 = 0
(𝑚2 − 1)(𝑚2 + 1) = 0
(𝑚 + 1)(𝑚 − 1)(𝑚2 + 1) = 0
The roots of the auxiliary equation are
−1, 1, ±𝑖
So we have distinct real roots of -1 and 1 and imaginary roots of ±𝑖 with a=0 and b=1.
Thus, the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑒 0𝑥 (𝐶3 cos 𝑥 + 𝐶4 sin 𝑥 )
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝐶3 cos 𝑥 + 𝐶4 sin 𝑥

Example 3: Solve the equation (𝐷 3 + 3𝐷 2 + 3𝐷 + 2)𝑦 = 0

Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚) = 𝑚3 + 3𝑚2 + 3𝑚 + 2 = 0
Solving for m, we use synthetic equation,

Thus, m=-2 is a root. To find the root of 𝑚2 + 𝑚 + 1 = 0, use quadratic formula,

−1 ± √12 − 4(1)(1) −1 ± √−3 −1 ± 𝑖√3
𝑚= = =
2(1) 2 2
−1±𝑖√3 −1 √3
Thus, the roots of auxiliary equation are −2, 2
𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 = 2
,𝑏 = 2
.
Thus, the general solution is
−𝑥 √3 √3
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝑒 2 [𝐶2 cos ( 𝑥) + 𝐶3 sin 𝑥]
2 2

Example 4: Solve the equation (𝐷 5 + 𝐷 4 − 7𝐷 3 − 11𝐷 2 − 8𝐷 − 12)𝑦 = 0

Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓(𝑚) = 𝑚5 + 𝑚4 − 7𝑚3 − 11𝑚2 − 8𝑚 − 12 = 0
Solving for m, we use synthetic equation,
Thus, we get
𝑚5 + 𝑚4 − 7𝑚3 − 11𝑚2 − 8𝑚 − 12 = 0
(𝑚 − 3)(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚 + 2)(𝑚2 + 1) = 0
The roots of 𝑓 (𝑚) = 0 are 3, −2, −2, ±𝑖
So we have distinct real root (3), repeated real roots (-2, -2), imaginary roots (±𝑖) where a=0
and b=1.
Thus, the general solution is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 3𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶3 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝑒 0𝑥 (𝐶4 cos 𝑥 + 𝐶5 sin 𝑥 )
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 3𝑥 + 𝐶2 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶3 𝑒 −2𝑥 + 𝐶4 cos 𝑥 + 𝐶5 sin 𝑥

Repeated Imaginary Roots of Auxiliary Equations

Repeated imaginary roots lead to solutions analogous to those of repeated real roots. For
example, if the roots 𝑚 = 𝑎 ± 𝑏𝑖 are repeated twice then, the solution is given by
𝑦𝑐 = 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝐶1 cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝐶3 sin 𝑏𝑥 ) + 𝑥𝑒 𝑎𝑥 (𝐶2 cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝐶4 sin 𝑏𝑥 ) 𝑜𝑟
𝑦𝑐 = (𝑒 𝑎𝑥 cos 𝑏𝑥 )(𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 ) + (𝑒 𝑎𝑥 sin 𝑏𝑥 )(𝐶3 + 𝑥𝐶4 )
If the roots 𝑚 = 𝑎 ± 𝑏𝑖 are repeated thrice then, the solution is given by
𝑦𝑐 = (𝑒 𝑎𝑥 cos 𝑏𝑥 )(𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 + 𝑥 2 𝐶3 ) + (𝑒 𝑎𝑥 sin 𝑏𝑥 )(𝐶4 + 𝑥𝐶5 + 𝑥 2 𝐶6 )

Example 1: Solve the equation (𝐷 3 + 𝐷 )2 𝑦 = 0

Solution: The auxiliary equation is
𝑓 (𝑚 ) = (𝑚 3 + 𝑚 ) 2 = 0
[𝑚(𝑚2 + 1)]2 = 0
𝑚2 (𝑚2 + 1)2 = 0
The roots of the auxiliary equation are
𝑚 = 0, 0, ±𝑖, ±𝑖
With a=0, b=1, then the solution of the given differential equation is
𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 𝑒 0𝑥 + 𝑥𝐶2 𝑒 0𝑥 + (𝑒 0𝑥 cos 𝑥 )(𝐶3 + 𝑥𝐶4 ) + (𝑒 0𝑥 sin 𝑥 )(𝐶5 + 𝑥𝐶6 )
 𝑦𝑐 = 𝐶1 + 𝑥𝐶2 + (cos 𝑥 )(𝐶3 + 𝑥𝐶4 ) + (sin 𝑥 )(𝐶5 + 𝑥𝐶6 )

References/Additional Resources/Readings

• Lara, D.M., Ymas, S.E. Differential Equations, 2008 Edition. Ymas Publishing
House.
• Rainville, E. D., & Bedient, P. E. (1989). Elementary Differential Equation, 7th
Edition. Quezon: EDCA Publishing and Distributing Corporation.
• Zill, D. G., Wright, W.S., & Cullen M.R. (2012). Differential Equations with
Boundary-Value Problems, 8th Edition. Cengage Learning.
• Nagle, R., Saff, E., & Snider, A., (2012). Fundamentals of Differential Equations,
8th Edition. United States of America: Pearson Education, Inc.
• Bronson, R., & Costa, G., (2006). Differential Equations, 3rd Edition. United States
of America: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Activity Sheet
ACTIVITY

Name: ______________________Course/Year/Section: ___________ Score: _________

Direction: Solve the following equations with complete solution. Box your final answer. Make
your solutions easy to read.

1. 𝑦 ′′ − 4𝑦 ′ + 13𝑦 = 0
2. 𝑦 ′′′ − 𝑦 ′′ + 9𝑦 ′ − 9𝑦 = 0
3. (𝐷 4 + 4𝐷 2 )𝑦 = 0
4. (𝐷 4 − 6𝐷 3 + 13𝐷 2 − 12𝐷 + 4)𝑦 = 0
5. (𝐷 6 + 9𝐷 4 + 24𝐷 2 + 16)𝑦 = 0