Past exam of the mathematical methods I course of the University of Oxford / 2022 / 11 / c / ii / Solution

For ${\beta }^2=1$, the reduced equation is $u^{\prime \prime }+u=1+\cos x$. The constant forcing has particular solution one, while the resonant cosine requires $u_p=(x/2)\sin x$. ThusThe secular factor $x$ is the signature of resonance. It must replace the divergent nonresonant coefficient $1/({\beta }^2-1)$; substituting ${\beta }^2=1$ directly into that coefficient is invalid.