# Thread: Help with this differential equation?

1. ## Help with this differential equation?

d^2x/dt^2 - dx/dt - 12x = 0, where x = 12 and dx/dt = 13 when t = 0

Could I have a full explaination to this question?

2. Strong user name to slightly trollish question.

I'll try to translate what I think is going on anyway...

You're given...

$\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} - \frac{dx}{dt} - 12x = 0$.

You should be able to solve this to find some function of $t$.

Then! You can use that other part of the question...

That part is known as the initial conditions. You plug the $t$ value into the formula you found and solve it based on the value it tells you it should be.

So lets say, for example, [THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER.]

You solved the above and found that...

$x(t) = 3t^2 + c$

You're given at the start of the question that $x = 12$ when $t = 0$.

Hence plug $t$ into $x(t)$ and you get $x(0) = 0 + c = 12$, hence $c = 12$.

You will have to do the same except you will also need to find the derivative and sub in $t=0$ to that.