Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2013 / ia / Paper 2 / 1A / Solution

The characteristic polynomial factors as $(r-2)(r+1)$, so the complementary solution is $A{e}^{2t}+B{e}^{-t}$. Each exponential forcing resonates with a homogeneous mode; the method of undetermined coefficients therefore uses $t{e}^{2t}$ and $t{e}^{-t}$. Substitution gives the particular solution $t{e}^{2t}-t{e}^{-t}-3t$. ThusThe initial conditions give $A+B=0$ and $2A-B-3=0$. HenceThe factors of $t$ in the particular solution are essential: an unmodified exponential trial lies in the kernel of the differential operator.