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Solving u double-prime plus u-prime plus u equals one

Question

Find the general solution of the differential equation u′′(t)+u′(t)+u(t)=1u''(t)+u'(t)+u(t)=1.

Short answer

u(t)=1+e−t/2(Acos⁡32t+Bsin⁡32t)u(t)=1+e^{-t/2}\left(A\cos\tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}t+B\sin\tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}t\right). The constant u=1u=1 is a particular solution. The characteristic equation r2+r+1=0r^2+r+1=0 has roots −12±32i-\tfrac12\pm\tfrac{\sqrt3}{2}i, giving the damped oscillatory homogeneous part.

Adapted from Crack, Heard on the Street, Q1.35, p.16; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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