Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2024 / ia / Paper 2 / 6A / a / Solution

The homogeneous characteristic equation isA linear particular solution $u_n=an+b$ givesso $a=-1/4$ and $b=-11/16$. ThusThe initial data yield $A=1$ and $B=-5/16$, hence

For the ordinary generating function of a recurrence, multiply by $x^n$ and sum for $n\ge 2$. Using $u_0=0,u_1=2$ givesEquivalently,Expanding each geometric series gives exactly the displayed formula for $u_n$, verifying consistency.