Practice question · True or false
The superposition principle applies to all linear differential equations, homogeneous and nonhomogeneous alike.
Hints
- Add two solutions of a nonhomogeneous equation, what do you get?
- The forcing term doubles.
Show the answer
False
Why
False. Superposition holds for homogeneous linear equations. Adding two solutions of gives a solution of , not of the original. The nonhomogeneous structure is instead 'general homogeneous solution plus one particular solution', which is a different statement.
Practise Problem-Solving: Differential Equations
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