© 2023, IJSRMSS All Rights Reserved 9
International Journal of Scientific Research in
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
Vol.10, Issue.2, pp.09-16, April 2023
E-ISSN: 2348-4519
Available online at: www.isroset.org
Research Paper
Methods for solving ordinary differential equations of second order with
coefficients that is constant
Shohal Hossain
1*
, Samme Akter Mithy
2
1
Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka-1344, Bangladesh
2
Center for Community Health and Research, Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Savar-1344, Dhaka, Bangladesh
*Corresponding Author: sohel6944@gmail.com
Received: 05/Mar/2023; Accepted: 04/Apr/2023; Published: 30/Apr/2023
Abstract— This article provides a detailed overview of the techniques and methods used to solve second-order ordinary
differential equations having coefficients that remain constant. The article begins by introducing the general form of 2nd-order
differential equations and explaining the concept of constant coefficients. Next, the article presents the characteristic of equation
and its roots, which are used to determine the nature of the solutions. The article then goes on to discuss the three possible cases:
distinct and real roots, complex conjugate roots, and repeated roots, and present the general solution for each case, including
examples to illustrate the application of the method. The article concludes with a brief discussion of applications of second-order
differential equations in engineering and physics. The aim of this article is to provide a clear and concise guide for students and
researchers interested in this important topic.
Keywords— Second-order differential equations, Constant coefficients, Homogeneous linear equations Real and distinct roots,
Complex conjugate roots, Repeated roots
1. Introduction
Ordinary differential equations of second order, whose
coefficients remain constant throughout the equation are a
class of equations that frequently arise in many branches of
mathematics and physics, making them of fundamental
importance in understanding and predicting physical
phenomena. These equations have a wide range of
applications in areas such as mechanics, electromagnetism,
and quantum mechanics [1]. Therefore, finding the solutions
to these equations is an essential task for many researchers
and students in various fields of study.
In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive and
detailed overview of the methods used to solve this class of
equations. We begin by introducing the Standardized format
of the second-order differential equation that has coefficients
that remain constant throughout the equation, which is a
homogeneous linear equation. We explain the meaning of
constant coefficients and why they play an important role in
solving these equations. We then present the characteristic
equation and its roots, which provide information about the
nature of the solutions. We discuss the three possible cases:
real and distinct roots, complex conjugate roots, and repeated
roots. For each case, we derive the general solution and
provide examples to illustrate the application of the method
[2].
One of the strengths of this article is that it covers not only
the mathematical aspects of solving these equations but also
their physical interpretations and applications. We discuss the
connection between the solutions and physical systems and
how the solutions can be used to analyse and predict the
behaviour of these systems. We provide examples from
physics and engineering to illustrate the applications of
differential equation that has coefficients that remain constant
throughout the equation [1] [2].
The techniques and methods presented in this article are
fundamental to many fields of study, including mathematics,
physics, and engineering. The article aims to provide a
comprehensive guide for students and researchers who are
interested in this topic, and it may be used as a reference for
solving problems in related fields [1].
2. Related Work
One of the earliest works on this topic was by Leonhard Euler
in the 18th century. Euler developed a general method for
solving LDE (linear differential equations) of any order,
including the 2
nd
order equations coefficients with constant
(Euler, 1748). This method involved finding the solutions or