To solve a second-order homogeneous differential equation, we need to substitute each term with the auxiliary equation where the values of are the roots:
Since the values of are distinct real roots, then the general solution is .
Thus, the general solution for our given differential equation is .
Evan is not correct. While 25 is 125% of 20, it was <em>not</em> 125% more. That would be adding on to the 100% already there, for a total of 225%. It's actually only 25% more because of this.