Exercise · ZW-CHARACTERISTIC-EQUATION-003 · ★☆☆ Basic

Solve \(y''+4y=0\).

Choose one option.

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  • C. \(y=c_1\cos2t+c_2\sin2t\)

Explanation

\(r^2+4=0\) gives \(r=\pm2i\), with real part \(0\) and imaginary part \(2\): oscillation of frequency \(2\).

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Review the concept: Characteristic equation

The characteristic equation of \(ay''+by'+cy=0\), with constant coefficients \(a,b,c\), is the algebraic equation in the unknown \(r\) that results from trying \(y=e^{rt}\).

\[ar^2+br+c=0\]

More practice problems: characteristic equation

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