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Function minus its derivative equals a cubic

Question

A differentiable function satisfies f(x)−f′(x)=(x+1)3f(x)-f'(x)=(x+1)^3 for all xx, and f(0)=16f(0)=16. What is f(9)f(9)?

Short answer

13661366. The polynomial solution is fp=g+g′+g′′+g′′′f_p=g+g'+g''+g''' with g=(x+1)3g=(x+1)^3, i.e. (x+1)3+3(x+1)2+6(x+1)+6(x+1)^3+3(x+1)^2+6(x+1)+6, and fp(0)=16f_p(0)=16 so the homogeneous term CexCe^x vanishes. Then f(9)=1000+300+60+6=1366f(9)=1000+300+60+6=1366.

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