Particular Solutions (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Maths): Revision Note

Particular Solutions

What is a particular solution?

• Ensure you are familiar with General Solutions first

• With extra information, the constant of integration, c, can be found

• This means the particular solution (from the family of solutions) can be found

What is a boundary condition/initial condition?

• A boundary condition is a piece of extra information that lets you find the particular solution

  • For example knowing y = 4 when x = 0 in the preceding example

  • In a model this could be a particle coming to rest after a certain time, ie v = 0 at time t

• Differential equations are used in modelling, experiments and real-life situations

• A boundary condition is often called an initial condition when it gives the situation at the start of the model or experiment

  • This is often linked to time, so t = 0

• It is possible to have two boundary conditions

  • eg a particle initially at rest has velocity, v = 0 and acceleration, a = 0 at time, t = 0

  • for a second order differential equation you need two boundary conditions to find the particular solution