2. Further Pure Mathematics 2
- Syllabus
- 9231–2028–2029
- Section
- 2
- Level
- A2

| Function | Exponential definition | Equivalent reciprocal/quotient |
|---|---|---|
| sinhx | (ex−e−x)/2 | odd |
| coshx | (ex+e−x)/2 | even |
| tanhx | (ex−e−x)/(ex+e−x) | sinhx/coshx |
| sechx | 2/(ex+e−x) | 1/coshx |
| cosechx | 2/(ex−e−x) | 1/sinhx |
| cothx | (ex+e−x)/(ex−e−x) | coshx/sinhx |
Because ex>0, coshx>0 for every real x, so tanh and sech are defined on all reals. Since sinhx=0 only at x=0, cosech and coth exclude x=0. The signs under x↦−x show that sinh, tanh, cosech and coth are odd, while cosh and sech are even.
At $x=0$:\sinh0=0,\quad\cosh0=1,\quad\tanh0=0,\quad\operatorname{sech}0=1,whilecosech0andcoth0areundefined.
sechx is the reciprocal 1/coshx; cosh−1x denotes an inverse function. Reciprocal and inverse notation describe different operations.
| y | Domain and range | Shape/symmetry | Asymptotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| sinhx | R→R | odd, strictly increasing, through (0,0) | none |
| coshx | R→[1,∞) | even, minimum (0,1) | none |
| tanhx | R→(−1,1) | odd, strictly increasing, through (0,0) | y=1 as x→∞; y=−1 as x→−∞ |
| sechx | R→(0,1] | even, maximum (0,1), positive | y=0 |
| cosechx | R∖{0}→R∖{0} | odd; decreasing on each branch | x=0, y=0 |
| cothx | R∖{0}→(−∞,−1)∪(1,∞) | odd; decreasing on each branch | x=0, y=1 right, y=−1 left |
Start with parity and intercepts, then use exponential dominance as x→±∞. For reciprocal functions, zeros of the denominator become vertical asymptotes and very large denominator magnitude makes the reciprocal approach 0. Label asymptotes and open range endpoints; none of the six basic graphs is periodic.
For x>0, coth x falls from +∞ near x=0+ toward the horizontal asymptote y=1 from above. This is different from tanh x, which rises from 0 toward 1 from below.
Do not transfer sine/cosine ranges or periodicity. A graph sketch must show excluded x-values, correct branch quadrants, extrema/intercepts and labelled asymptotes—not only a generic curve shape.
Fromthedefinitions,\cosh^2x-\sinh^2x=\frac{(e^x+e^{-x})^2-(e^x-e^{-x})^2}{4}=1.Divide by $\cosh^2x$ or $\sinh^2x$ to obtain1-\tanh^2x=\operatorname{sech}^2x,\qquad \coth^2x-\operatorname{cosech}^2x=1.
\sinh(x\pm y)=\sinh x\cosh y\pm\cosh x\sinh y,\cosh(x\pm y)=\cosh x\cosh y\pm\sinh x\sinh y,wherethepairedsignscorrespond.
Setting $y=x$ gives\sinh2x=2\sinh x\cosh x,\cosh2x=\cosh^2x+\sinh^2x=2\cosh^2x-1=1+2\sinh^2x,\tanh2x=\frac{2\tanh x}{1+\tanh^2x}.
Choose the identity that matches the structure. For example, cosh4x−sinh4x=(cosh2x−sinh2x)(cosh2x+sinh2x)=cosh2x. When asked to prove an identity, transform one side from definitions or known identities until it equals the other; do not assume the target equality mid-proof.
The fundamental sign is minus, not the trigonometric plus. Consequently the cosh addition formula and cosh2x use plus between the squared terms.
| Inverse | Input domain and chosen output | Logarithmic form |
|---|---|---|
| sinh−1y | y∈R, output real | ln(y+y2+1) |
| cosh−1y | y≥1, output ≥0 | ln(y+y2−1) |
| tanh−1y | ∣y∣<1, output real | 21ln((1+y)/(1−y)) |
| Reciprocal inverse | Domain | Reduce to |
|---|---|---|
| sech−1y | 0<y≤1, output ≥0 | cosh−1(1/y) |
| cosech−1y | y=0 | sinh−1(1/y) |
| coth−1y | ∣y∣>1 | tanh−1(1/y)=21ln((y+1)/(y−1)) |
Let $u=\tanh^{-1}y$, soy=\frac{e^u-e^{-u}}{e^u+e^{-u}}=\frac{e^{2u}-1}{e^{2u}+1}.Thene^{2u}(1-y)=1+y,and because $|y|<1$, both sides of the logarithm are positive:u=\frac12\ln\left(\frac{1+y}{1-y}\right).
For sinh or cosh, set t=eu>0 and solve the resulting quadratic. Positivity selects the valid t before taking u=lnt; for cosh, restricting u≥0 makes the even function one-to-one. Substitute back into the original hyperbolic function to check the branch.
The superscript −1 here means inverse function, not reciprocal. Every logarithmic form carries its input domain and branch restriction; algebraic roots outside them are not alternative answers.
Thesystema_{11}x+a_{12}y+a_{13}z=b_1,\quad a_{21}x+a_{22}y+a_{23}z=b_2,\quad a_{31}x+a_{32}y+a_{33}z=b_3isexactlyA\mathbf x=\mathbf b,\qquad A=(a_{ij}),\quad\mathbf x=\begin{pmatrix}x\y\z\end{pmatrix},\quad\mathbf b=\begin{pmatrix}b_1\b_2\b_3\end{pmatrix}.
\begin{aligned}2x-y+z&=4\x+3y-2z&=5\3x+y+z&=6\end{aligned}\quad\Longleftrightarrow\quad \begin{pmatrix}2&-1&1\1&3&-2\3&1&1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}x\y\z\end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix}4\5\6\end{pmatrix}.
To reverse the process, multiply each row of A by the unknown column and equate it to the corresponding entry of b. If the problem supplies quantities rather than x,y,z, define the three unknowns first and keep that column order unchanged throughout.
The constants form b, not an extra coefficient column inside A. A row represents one equation; a column represents one unknown across all equations.
For Ax=b with three unknowns:
| Algebraic evidence | Solutions | Plane geometry |
|---|---|---|
| detA=0 | One, x=A−1b | Three planes meet at one point |
| detA=0 and rankA=rank[A∣b]<3 | Infinitely many | Common line when rank 2; a common plane/more freedom when rank is lower |
| rankA<rank[A∣b] | None (inconsistent row such as 0=1) | The three planes have no common point |
First use detA to test uniqueness. If it is zero, row-reduce the augmented matrix [A∣b]. A zero row on both sides removes a constraint and leaves free parameter(s); a zero coefficient row with a non-zero right side is a contradiction. Solve every consistent case and state the geometric interpretation.
Theequationsx+y+z=1,\quad2x+2y+2z=2,\quad x-y+z=0have one dependent row and two independent constraints, so they are consistent with one free parameter: three planes share a line. Replacing the second right side by 3 creates $0=1$ after elimination, so there is no common point.
Singular means ‘not uniquely solvable’, not automatically ‘no solution’. Determinant alone cannot distinguish a common line from inconsistency; the augmented system must be examined.
A non-zero vector e is an eigenvector of A with eigenvalue λ when Ae=λe. Rearranging gives (A−λI)e=0. A non-zero solution exists exactly when A−λI is singular, so det(A−λI)=0 is the characteristic equation.
All non-zero scalar multiples of e represent the same eigendirection. A positive eigenvalue preserves direction, a negative one reverses it, and eigenvalue zero collapses that direction; the zero vector itself is excluded because it would satisfy every lambda.
If $A\mathbf e=\lambda\mathbf e$, thenA^2\mathbf e=A(\lambda\mathbf e)=\lambda A\mathbf e=\lambda^2\mathbf e.Repeating(orinducting)givesA^n\mathbf e=\lambda^n\mathbf e,so e is an eigenvector of $A^n$ with eigenvalue $\lambda^n$.
The characteristic equation finds eigenvalues, not eigenvectors. Each root lambda must still be substituted into (A−λI)e=0 to obtain a non-zero eigendirection.
For a 2x2 or 3x3 matrix A: form det(A−λI)=0 without row-operating A first; solve for the real distinct eigenvalues; for each lambda solve (A−λI)e=0; choose any convenient non-zero scalar representative; finally verify Ae=λe.
ForA=\begin{pmatrix}1&1&0\0&2&1\0&0&3\end{pmatrix},\det(A-\lambda I)=(1-\lambda)(2-\lambda)(3-\lambda),sotherealdistincteigenvaluesare1,2and3.
| lambda | Solve (A−λI)e=0 | One eigenvector |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | y=z=0 | (1,0,0)T |
| 2 | y=x,z=0 | (1,1,0)T |
| 3 | y=2x,z=2x | (1,2,2)T |
This syllabus restricts computation here to real distinct eigenvalues. Diagonal entries reveal eigenvalues immediately only for triangular matrices; the characteristic determinant remains the general method.
If $A\mathbf q_i=\lambda_i\mathbf q_i$ and the eigenvectors form a basis, setQ=(\mathbf q_1\ \mathbf q_2\ \cdots),\qquad D=\operatorname{diag}(\lambda_1,\lambda_2,\ldots).Then $AQ=QD$, soA=QDQ^{-1}.
Adjacentfactorscancel:(QDQ^{-1})^n=QD^nQ^{-1},and $D^n$ is obtained by raising each diagonal eigenvalue to n. The order of columns in Q must match the order of entries in D.
Forthepreviousmatrix,Q=\begin{pmatrix}1&1&1\0&1&2\0&0&2\end{pmatrix},\quad D=\operatorname{diag}(1,2,3),\quad Q^{-1}=\begin{pmatrix}1&-1&1/2\0&1&-1\0&0&1/2\end{pmatrix}. HenceA^n=\begin{pmatrix}1&2^n-1&(3^n-2\cdot2^n+1)/2\0&2^n&3^n-2^n\0&0&3^n\end{pmatrix}.
Check n=0 gives I and n=1 gives A. Do not power Q and Q−1 separately; their cancellation is what makes only D receive the exponent.
Cayley−Hamiltonstates:ifp(\lambda)=\lambda^m+c_{m-1}\lambda^{m-1}+\cdots+c_1\lambda+c_0isthecharacteristicpolynomialofA,thenp(A)=A^m+c_{m-1}A^{m-1}+\cdots+c_1A+c_0I=0.
Rearrange the identity to replace the highest power, then repeat to reduce successive powers to degree below m. If A is non-singular, multiply by a suitable negative power or isolate the constant-I term to express A−1 as a polynomial in A.
ForA=\begin{pmatrix}2&1\1&1\end{pmatrix},p(\lambda)=\lambda^2-3\lambda+1,soA^2-3A+I=0. ThereforeA^3=3A^2-A=8A-3I,and multiplying the identity by $A^{-1}$ givesA^{-1}=3I-A=\begin{pmatrix}1&-1\-1&2\end{pmatrix}.
Replace scalar 1 by I and scalar powers by matrix powers; order is harmless only because every term is a polynomial in the same A. This objective is Cayley-Hamilton—not merely the trace/product eigenvalue check.
| f(x) | f′(x) |
|---|---|
| sinhx | coshx |
| coshx | sinhx |
| tanhx | sech2x |
| sechx | −sechxtanhx |
| cosechx | −cosechxcothx |
| cothx | −cosech2x |
| f(x) | f′(x) | real-domain condition |
|---|---|---|
| sin−1x | 1/1−x2 | −1<x<1 |
| cos−1x | −1/1−x2 | −1<x<1 |
| sinh−1x | 1/1+x2 | all real x |
| cosh−1x | 1/x2−1 | x>1 |
| tanh−1x | 1/(1−x2) | ∣x∣<1 |
Foracomposite,multiplybytheinnerderivative.Forexample,\frac{d}{dx}\left[\cosh^{-1}(2x)\right]=\frac{2}{\sqrt{(2x)^2-1}}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{4x^2-1}},\qquad x>\tfrac12.
Here f−1 means an inverse function, not 1/f. The derivative of coshx is positive sinhx; the negative sign belongs to sechx, cosechx and cothx.
For an implicit relation F(x,y)=0, differentiate every term with respect to x, treating y as y(x), and solve for y′. Differentiate that whole equation again: product and chain rules now produce both y′ and y′′. Substitute the known point and first derivative only after the second differentiated equation is complete.
If $x^2+xy+y^2=7$, then2x+y+(x+2y)y'=0.At $(1,2)$, $y'=-4/5$. Differentiating again gives2+2y'+2(y')^2+(x+2y)y''=0,soy''=-\frac{2+2(-4/5)+2(16/25)}{5}=-\frac{42}{125}.
When $x=x(t)$ and $y=y(t)$ with $dx/dt\ne0$,\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy/dt}{dx/dt},\qquad \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{1}{dx/dt}\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)=\frac{x'y''-y'x''}{(x')^3},where primes in the final fraction mean derivatives with respect to $t$.
For $x=t^2+1$ and $y=t^3$,\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{3t^2}{2t}=\frac32t,hence\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{1}{2t}\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac32t\right)=\frac{3}{4t}.At $t=1$, the second derivative is $3/4$.
For a parametric curve, d/dt(dy/dx) is not yet d2y/dx2; divide by dx/dt once more. If dx/dt=0, this formula cannot be used at that parameter value without separate analysis.
ThefirsttermsoftheMaclaurinseriesaref(x)=f(0)+f'(0)x+\frac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2+\frac{f'''(0)}{3!}x^3+\cdots.To derive terms through $x^n$, find only the derivatives through order $n$, evaluate each at zero, and divide by its factorial. A general term is not required here.
For $y=\tan x$, start from $y'=1+y^2$. At $x=0$, $y=0$ and $y'=1$. Theny''=2yy'\Rightarrow y''(0)=0,y'''=2(y')^2+2yy''\Rightarrow y'''(0)=2.Therefore\tan x=x+\frac{x^3}{3}+\cdots.Thisissuccessiveimplicitdifferentiation:noformulaforthegeneralderivativewasneeded.
A truncated series can simplify a nearby calculation. From $e^{-x^2}=1-x^2+\cdots$,\int_0^{1/5}e^{-x^2},dx\approx\int_0^{1/5}(1-x^2),dx=\left[x-\frac{x^3}{3}\right]_0^{1/5}=\frac{74}{375}.
Do not omit the factorials or keep terms beyond the requested power. If a known series is substituted into another expression, retain enough source terms to produce every requested final power before simplifying.
| form, a>0 | useful substitution | primitive on the stated branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1/a2−x2 | x=asinθ | sin−1(x/a)+C, ∣x∣<a |
| 1/x2+a2 | x=asinhu | sinh−1(x/a)+C |
| 1/x2−a2 | x=acoshu | cosh−1(x/a)+C, x>a |
| integrand | primitive |
|---|---|
| sinhx | coshx+C |
| coshx | sinhx+C |
| sech2x | tanhx+C |
| cosech2x | −cothx+C |
| sechxtanhx | −sechx+C |
| cosechxcothx | −cosechx+C |
Complete the square before choosing. For $x>0$, set $u=x+1$:\int\frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2+2x}}=\int\frac{du}{\sqrt{u^2-1}}=\cosh^{-1}u+C=\cosh^{-1}(x+1)+C.
Transform the differential and any definite limits as well as the radical. The three signs are not interchangeable: a2−x2, x2+a2 and x2−a2 lead to different inverse families and real-domain conditions.
LetI_n=\int_0^{\pi/2}\sin^n x,dx,\qquad n\ge2.Integrate by parts with $u=\sin^{n-1}x$ and $dv=\sin x\,dx$.
The boundary term $[-\sin^{n-1}x\cos x]_0^{\pi/2}$ is zero, soI_n=(n-1)\int_0^{\pi/2}\sin^{n-2}x\cos^2x,dx=(n-1)(I_{n-2}-I_n).HenceI_n=\frac{n-1}{n}I_{n-2}.
The base cases are $I_0=\pi/2$ and $I_1=1$. ThereforeI_6=\frac56I_4=\frac56\cdot\frac34I_2=\frac56\cdot\frac34\cdot\frac12I_0=\frac{5\pi}{32}. Even indices end at $I_0$; odd indices end at $I_1$.
Do not quote a recurrence without its valid index, limits and base value. In a different indexed integral, evaluate the integration-by-parts boundary term afresh; it need not vanish.
| f on [a,b] | left endpoints | right endpoints |
|---|---|---|
| increasing | underestimate | overestimate |
| decreasing | overestimate | underestimate |
Each rectangle area is f(xr)Δx. Verify the direction from monotonicity and the rectangles rather than memorising an endpoint label without its interval.
For decreasing $f(x)=1/x$, unit-width rectangles give\int_1^{n+1}\frac{dx}{x}<\sum_{r=1}^{n}\frac1r<1+\int_1^n\frac{dx}{x},hence\ln(n+1)<\sum_{r=1}^{n}\frac1r<1+\ln n.Theextraendpointrectangleexplainstheisolated1.
With $n$ rectangles on $[0,1]$, $\Delta x=1/n$:\sum_{r=1}^{n}\frac{n}{n^2+r^2}=\frac1n\sum_{r=1}^{n}\frac{1}{1+(r/n)^2}\longrightarrow\int_0^1\frac{dx}{1+x^2}=\frac{\pi}{4}.
Right endpoints do not always overestimate: monotonicity controls the direction. In a Riemann sum, keep the rectangle width outside the function; omitting 1/n changes the scale and usually makes the sum diverge.
| curve representation | arc element and length | surface of revolution |
|---|---|---|
| Cartesian y=f(x) | ds=1+(dy/dx)2dx, L=∫ds | about x-axis: 2π∫∣y∣ds; about y-axis: 2π∫∣x∣ds |
| parametric x(t),y(t) | ds=(dx/dt)2+(dy/dt)2dt | use the same 2π∫(radius)ds |
| polar r(θ) | ds=r2+(dr/dθ)2dθ | not required by this syllabus |
For $x=t^2$, $y=\tfrac23t^3$, $0\le t\le1$,L=\int_0^1\sqrt{(2t)^2+(2t^2)^2},dt=\int_0^1 2t\sqrt{1+t^2},dt=\frac23(2\sqrt2-1).
For $y=x^2$, $0\le x\le1$, rotated about the x-axis, the radius is $y=x^2$ and $ds=\sqrt{1+4x^2}\,dx$. ThusS=2\pi\int_0^1x^2\sqrt{1+4x^2},dx.Thelimitsmusttracetherequiredarconce.
Arc length is ∫ds, while surface area is 2π∫(radius)ds; neither is a volume formula. Use a non-negative geometric radius. Polar arc length is included, but polar surface area of revolution is explicitly excluded.
| operation | modulus | argument | geometric effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| z1z2 | r1r2 | θ1+θ2 | scale by r2, rotate by θ2 |
| z1/z2 | r1/r2 | θ1−θ2 | divide the scale, undo the rotation |
| zn | rn | nθ | repeat the scale and rotation n times |
Writing $\operatorname{cis}\theta=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta$, de Moivre's theorem for an integer $n$ is[r\operatorname{cis}\theta]^n=r^n\operatorname{cis}(n\theta).Arguments differing by $2\pi$ describe the same point.
For $n<0$, division explains the result. For example,(2\operatorname{cis}(\pi/6))^{-2}=\frac{1}{(2\operatorname{cis}(\pi/6))^2}=\frac14\operatorname{cis}(-\pi/3).Themodulusstayspositivewhileitsreciprocalpowershrinksthepointtowardtheorigin.
A power changes both modulus and argument. A negative exponent reverses the scale and rotation; it does not create a negative modulus, and it requires z=0.
For every positive integer $n$, the claim isP(n):\quad(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^n=\cos(n\theta)+i\sin(n\theta).
Base case n=1: both sides are cosθ+isinθ, so P(1) is true.
Assume $P(k)$ is true. Then\begin{aligned}(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^{k+1}&=\cos(k\theta)+i\sin(k\theta)\&=\cos((k+1)\theta)+i\sin((k+1)\theta),\end{aligned}because the real and imaginary parts are exactly the cosine and sine addition formulae. Thus $P(k)\Rightarrow P(k+1)$.
Therefore the theorem holds for every positive integer n by mathematical induction. Multiplying by rn gives [r(cosθ+isinθ)]n=rn(cosnθ+isinnθ).
Several checked values are evidence for a conjecture, not a proof. State the induction hypothesis and show the k+1 multiplication; do not replace this objective with the separate formula for nth roots.
For a multiple-angle identity, expand $(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^n$ and equate real or imaginary parts. For example,\cos5\theta=16\cos^5\theta-20\cos^3\theta+5\cos\theta.Dividing matching real and imaginary expressions by a power of $\cos\theta$ can produce identities in $\tan\theta$.
To express powers in multiple angles, set $z=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta$. Since $z+z^{-1}=2\cos\theta$ and $z^m+z^{-m}=2\cos m\theta$, expanding $(z+z^{-1})^4$ gives\cos^4\theta=\frac18(\cos4\theta+4\cos2\theta+3).Use $z-z^{-1}=2i\sin\theta$ for sine powers.
Foratrigonometricseries,combineitasC+iS=\sum_{r=0}^{n}a_r(\cos r\theta+i\sin r\theta)=\sum_{r=0}^{n}a_rz^r,\qquad z=e^{i\theta}.Evaluate the resulting algebraic or geometric series, rationalise if needed, then take its real part for $C$ and imaginary part for $S$.
If $w^n=R\operatorname{cis}\phi$, all roots arew_k=R^{1/n}\operatorname{cis}\left(\frac{\phi+2\pi k}{n}\right),\qquad k=0,1,\ldots,n-1.For the nth roots of unity, $R=1$ and $\phi=0$, so the roots are equally spaced and their arguments differ by $2\pi/n$.
For zp/q in lowest terms, solve wq=zp and include all distinct branches; a negative p first uses the reciprocal, so z=0. Dividing one principal argument by q gives only one value, not the complete rational-power or root set.
Firstwrite\frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x).Then\mu(x)=e^{\int P(x),dx},\qquad \frac{d}{dx}(\mu y)=\mu Q,soy=\frac{1}{\mu}\left(\int\mu Q,dx+C\right).Divide by the original coefficient of $dy/dx$ before identifying $P$.
For $x>0$, solvey'+y\coth x=\cosh x.Since $\mu=e^{\int\coth x\,dx}=\sinh x$,\frac{d}{dx}(y\sinh x)=\sinh x\cosh x.Hencey\sinh x=\tfrac12\sinh^2x+C,\qquad y=\tfrac12\sinh x+C\operatorname{cosech}x.
Differentiate the final expression and substitute it into the standardised equation. The two C-terms cancel because the homogeneous part is exactly what the integrating factor method carries as the constant of integration.
The integrating factor multiplies every term. Its antiderivative constant is omitted because it only rescales the final arbitrary constant; domain restrictions such as x>0 still matter when logarithms or coth appear.
| part | equation it satisfies | constants | meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| complementary function yc | L[yc]=0 | contains the full arbitrary constants | free/homogeneous behaviour |
| particular integral yp | L[yp]=f(x) | one chosen solution, no arbitrary constants | response to forcing |
| general solution | y=yc+yp | constants come from yc | every solution of L[y]=f(x) |
For a linear operator L, L[yc+yp]=L[yc]+L[yp]=0+f(x). Any two particular solutions differ by a homogeneous solution, so adding the complete CF supplies every possible solution.
Fory''-3y'+2y=e^{3x},the homogeneous roots are 1 and 2, so $y_c=C_1e^x+C_2e^{2x}$. Trying $y_p=Ae^{3x}$ gives $(9-9+2)Ae^{3x}=e^{3x}$, hence $A=1/2$. Thereforey=C_1e^x+C_2e^{2x}+\tfrac12e^{3x}.
A PI is not the general solution and must not contain a new arbitrary constant. Initial conditions act on the assembled CF + PI solution, not on the forcing trial alone.
For a constant-coefficient homogeneous equation, try $y=e^{mx}$. A first-order equation $ay'+by=0$ gives $am+b=0$. A second-order equationay''+by'+cy=0givestheauxiliaryequationam^2+bm+c=0.
| auxiliary roots | complementary function |
|---|---|
| first-order root m | Cemx |
| distinct real m1,m2 | C1em1x+C2em2x |
| repeated real m | (C1+C2x)emx |
| conjugate α±iβ | eαx(C1cosβx+C2sinβx) |
Fory''-4y'+13y=0,m^2-4m+13=0\quad\Rightarrow\quad m=2\pm3i.Hencey_c=e^{2x}(C_1\cos3x+C_2\sin3x).
Two identical copies of emx are not independent when a root repeats; the second solution needs the factor x. Conjugate roots combine into a real sine-cosine form when the equation has real coefficients.
| forcing term | initial PI trial |
|---|---|
| polynomial of degree n | general polynomial of degree n |
| aebx | Aebx |
| acospx+bsinpx | Acospx+Bsinpx |
If the trial overlaps the CF, multiply the whole trial by x; repeat with another x only if the overlap has higher multiplicity.
Differentiate the trial, substitute it into the differential equation, and equate coefficients of independent powers, exponentials, sine and cosine terms. The solved trial is one PI; the general solution is still CF + PI.
Forthesyllabuscasey''+4y=\sin2x,sine and cosine of 2x already belong to the CF, so use the supplied form $y_p=kx\cos2x$. Theny_p''+4y_p=-4k\sin2x.Matching $\sin2x$ givesk=-\tfrac14,so one PI is $y_p=-\tfrac14x\cos2x$.
For sinusoidal forcing, include both sine and cosine in an unrestricted trial because differentiation mixes them. A resonant unmodified trial collapses into the homogeneous equation and cannot determine its coefficients.
For the given substitution $x=e^t$ (so $t=\ln x$, $x>0$),x\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{dt},\qquad x^2\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}-\frac{dy}{dt}.Thereforeax^2y''+bxy'+cy=F(x)becomesa\ddot y+(b-a)\dot y+cy=F(e^t),aconstant−coefficientequationwhenthetransformedrightsidepermitsit.
For a given homogeneous substitution $y=ux$,\frac{dy}{dx}=u+x\frac{du}{dx}.In\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{x+y}{x-y},thisgivesu+xu'=\frac{1+u}{1-u},\qquad x\frac{du}{dx}=\frac{1+u^2}{1-u}.
Nowseparateandintegrate:\frac{1-u}{1+u^2},du=\frac{dx}{x},\tan^{-1}u-\tfrac12\ln(1+u^2)=\ln|x|+C.Finally substitute $u=y/x$ and retain any domain restrictions or separately lost constant solutions.
A substitution is not a relabelling. Derive the first and second derivative transformations before replacing terms, and inspect any division by x, u or another expression for excluded solutions.
First obtain the full general solution CF + PI. Differentiate it as many times as the conditions require, substitute all conditions at their stated input value, and solve the simultaneous equations for every arbitrary constant. A second-order equation normally needs two independent conditions.
Supposey=3+C_1e^{-t}+C_2e^{-2t},\qquad y(0)=5,\quad y'(0)=-6.ThenC_1+C_2=2,\qquad -C_1-2C_2=-6,so $C_1=-2$ and $C_2=4$. The particular solution isy=3-2e^{-t}+4e^{-2t}.
Interpret the variables and units; restrict the independent variable to the model's stated domain; check whether quantities that represent size, mass or population remain admissible; and compare dominant terms for long-term behaviour. Here both exponentials decay, so the model approaches the equilibrium value 3 as t→∞.
An exact algebraic solution is not automatically a valid real-world prediction outside the model's interval or assumptions. Do not discard transient terms before applying the initial conditions: they are what allow the trajectory to match the starting state.