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Annihilator Method Cheat Sheet

The Annihilator Method is a technique for solving nonhomogeneous linear differential equations by applying an annihilator to convert the equation into a homogeneous one. The process involves identifying the appropriate annihilator for the nonhomogeneous term, applying it to both sides, and solving the resulting homogeneous equation. The final solution is composed of a homogeneous part and a particular part, with specific strategies and tips provided for identifying annihilators and constructing the general solution.

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67 views2 pages

Annihilator Method Cheat Sheet

The Annihilator Method is a technique for solving nonhomogeneous linear differential equations by applying an annihilator to convert the equation into a homogeneous one. The process involves identifying the appropriate annihilator for the nonhomogeneous term, applying it to both sides, and solving the resulting homogeneous equation. The final solution is composed of a homogeneous part and a particular part, with specific strategies and tips provided for identifying annihilators and constructing the general solution.

Uploaded by

Aditya kotiwal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Annihilator Method: Ultimate Cheat Sheet

What is the Annihilator Method?

A method used to solve nonhomogeneous linear differential equations by applying a differential

operator (annihilator) that turns the nonhomogeneous term (RHS) into zero, converting the equation

into a homogeneous one.

Steps to Solve using Annihilator Method

1. Write the equation in operator form: Replace derivatives using D notation, where D = d/dt.

2. Identify an annihilator for the RHS (f(t)) using the table below.

3. Apply the annihilator to both sides to form a higher-order homogeneous equation.

4. Solve the homogeneous equation using characteristic equations.

5. Split general solution:

- Homogeneous part (y_h)

- Particular part (y_p)

Annihilator Table

| RHS Term | Annihilator Operator |

|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|

| Constant (c) |D |

| Polynomial t^n | D^(n+1) |

| Exponential e^{at} | (D - a) |

| t^n * e^{at} | (D - a)^(n+1) |

| sin(bt) or cos(bt) | D^2 + b^2 |

| t^n * sin(bt) or t^n * cos(bt) | (D^2 + b^2)^(n+1) |

| e^{at} * sin(bt) or cos(bt) | (D - a)^2 + b^2 |


| t^n * e^{at} * sin(bt) or cos(bt) | ((D - a)^2 + b^2)^(n+1) |

Example Strategy Template

Given: L[y] = f(t)

1. Write operator form: L[y] = f(t)

2. Identify annihilator A such that A[f(t)] = 0

3. Apply A to both sides: A[L[y]] = 0

4. Solve homogeneous equation: A(L[y]) = 0

5. General solution: y = y_h + y_p

Common RHS Patterns

- t^3 + e^t: Annihilator is D^4(D - 1)

- t^2 + tsin(t): Annihilator is D^3(D^2 + 1)^2

- sin(2t) + te^t: Annihilator is (D^2 + 4)(D - 1)^2

- e^x * (polynomial * trig): Multiply annihilators for each part

Shortcut to Constructing General Solution

- Apply annihilator(s) to form higher-order homogeneous equation.

- Solve the characteristic equation.

- Write the general solution.

- The part of solution *not already in y_h* is your particular solution y_p.

Pro Tips

- Always check for overlap between y_h and y_p to avoid duplication.

- For each new term in RHS, find its unique annihilator and multiply them.

- Do not find coefficients unless explicitly asked.

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