Solving System of ODEs: A Puzzle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) represented by the equations \(\frac{dx}{dt} = -y\) and \(\frac{dy}{dt} = x\). The solution involves decoupling the equations through substitution, leading to second-order derivatives: \(x = -\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}\) and \(y = -\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}\). The solutions are recognized as well-known functions, and participants highlight the importance of eliminating extraneous solutions by substituting back into the original equations. The conversation also touches on the inadequacy of some EODE classes in covering linear systems within a single semester.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with substitution methods in solving differential equations
  • Knowledge of second-order derivatives
  • Basic concepts of extraneous solutions in mathematical equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study methods for decoupling systems of ODEs
  • Learn about well-known functions related to circular and triangular solutions
  • Explore the implications of extraneous solutions in differential equations
  • Investigate the curriculum of EODE classes to identify gaps in linear systems coverage
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as anyone involved in solving systems of ODEs and seeking to deepen their understanding of substitution techniques and solution verification.

Tony11235
Messages
254
Reaction score
0
In order to solve this pde that I'm on, I must solve this system of odes, [tex]\frac{dx}{dt} = -y[/tex] and [tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = x[/tex] , which doesn't look bad, but I haven't had a second semester of ode yet where systems of differential equations are covered. How is this solved?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Tony11235 said:
In order to solve this pde that I'm on, I must solve this system of odes, [tex]\frac{dx}{dt} = -y[/tex] and [tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = x[/tex] , which doesn't look bad, but I haven't had a second semester of ode yet where systems of differential equations are covered. How is this solved?
-The solutions are well known functions.
-There exist EODE class that does not cover linear systems in one semester?
If decoupling the odes is what you whant to do just solve for each variable (trivial) and substitute one into the other.
solve
[tex]x=\frac{dy}{dt}[/tex]
[tex]y=-\frac{dx}{dt}[/tex]
substitute
[tex]x=\frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{d}{dt}\left(-\frac{dx}{dt}\right)=-\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}[/tex]
[tex]y=-\frac{dx}{dt}=-\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)=-\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}[/tex]
Decoupled
Now as for finding soulutions I heard somewhere that some special functions having something to do with cirlces and triangles has something to do with it.
Also be aware you have introduced extraneous solutions so eliminate them be substituting into the original equation.
 
lurflurf said:
-The solutions are well known functions.
-There exist EODE class that does not cover linear systems in one semester?

Ok I think we did. I'm just slow I guess. Maybe I should just not be so quick to ask questions and actually THINK. Sorry I should have recognized the two odes. Simple substitution! I don't know why I was thinking laplace transformations.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K