Submitted by mahmed103 on Thu, 03/07/2019 - 11:50
Forums:
I have obtained a(x) and b(x) but had to do two substitutions v = u/x and t = v'(x) to get the answer. However the mark scheme (integral) states a more efficient argument that since the equation is linear in u and it's derivatives the general solution is
u = Ax + Be^(-x) which I don't understand!
any help would be much appreciated
Superposition
Hi I found out about how to use the results to find a general form of the DE.
Is it possible for a question to require you to find a suitable substitution for a homogenous equation with variable coefficients?
Apologies
Sorry for the delay in replying to this!
I take it from your second comment that you have found out about the Principle of Superposition".
To answer your second question, it is possible but you are likely to be pointed in the correct direction (sort of like the second part of this question).