 Solution

Apply the method to the Dahlquist test equation $y^{\prime }=\lambda y$, so $g(y)={\lambda }^{2}y$, and put $z=h\lambda$. A trial numerical mode $y_n=w^n$ satisfiesFor every real $z<0$, the leading coefficient is positive, whileThe intermediate value theorem gives a real amplification root $w<-1$. Its modulus exceeds one although the exact scalar solution is decaying. ThereforeFor a concrete choice, $z=-1$ gives $23w^2+16w-9=0$, whose negative root is $(-8-\sqrt{271})/23<-1$. This proves negative-real instability of the symmetric two-derivative formula directly, without using either an order barrier or the supplied quadratic criterion. The unstable branch is the parasitic amplification root issuing from $w=-1$ at $z=0$; its small-step expansion is $w=-1+z/15+O(z^2)$, so a negative $z$ moves it outside the unit circle immediately.