Initial value problem D.E. (confused of a weird sol.)

In summary, the problem involves solving a second order differential equation using the undetermined coefficients method. The associated homogeneous equation is solved first, yielding two linearly independent solutions. The undetermined coefficients are then determined by considering the non-homogeneous term of the original equation. The final general solution is found by combining the homogeneous and non-homogeneous solutions with appropriate constants.
  • #1
bobmerhebi
38
0

Homework Statement


solve:

y" + 4y' + 4y = (3 + x)e-2x ... (1); y(0) = 2 & y'(0) = 5

Homework Equations


using Undetermined Coefficients Method


The Attempt at a Solution



solving the associated homog. eq of (1) : y" + 4y' + 4y = 0 ... (2)

we get: yc = c1 e-2x as m=-2

let f(x) = (3 + x)e-2x

the UC set of :

a) 3e-2x = {e-2x} = S1

b) xe-2x = {xe-2x , e-2x} = S2

as S1 is included in S2 then we omit S1

but e-2x is a solution of (2) as its in yc then we multiply the 2ns set by x to get:

S'2 = {x2 e-2x, xe-2x } where both of the elements are NOT sol.'s of (2)

hence we get yp = Axe-2x + Bx2 e-2x

y'p = Ae-2x -2Axe-2x + 2Bxe-2x - 2Bx2 e-2x

& y"p = -4Ae-2x + 4Axe-2x + 2Be-2x - 8Bxe-2x +4Bx2 e-2x

substitution in (1) one gets:

2Be-2x = (3+x)e-2x so B = 3+x/2 ? ??

where is A? why is B interms of x?

please help
thx
 
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  • #2
bobmerhebi said:
solving the associated homog. eq of (1) : y" + 4y' + 4y = 0 ... (2)

we get: yc = c1 e-2x as m=-2

Sure, m=-2 but with what multiplicity?:wink:...Remember, your homog DE is second order, so you expect two linearly independent solutions. You seem to only be using one of them.

This will also affect y_p.
 
  • #3
bobmerhebi said:

Homework Statement


solve:

y" + 4y' + 4y = (3 + x)e-2x ... (1); y(0) = 2 & y'(0) = 5

Homework Equations


using Undetermined Coefficients Method


The Attempt at a Solution



solving the associated homog. eq of (1) : y" + 4y' + 4y = 0 ... (2)

we get: yc = c1 e-2x as m=-2
This is a second order equation. You need TWO independent solutions to form the general solution. Since m= -2 is a double root of the characteristic equation, xe-x is the other, independent, solution.

let f(x) = (3 + x)e-2x

the UC set of :

a) 3e-2x = {e-2x} = S1

b) xe-2x = {xe-2x , e-2x} = S2

as S1 is included in S2 then we omit S1

but e-2x is a solution of (2) as its in yc then we multiply the 2ns set by x to get:

S'2 = {x2 e-2x, xe-2x } where both of the elements are NOT sol.'s of (2)

hence we get yp = Axe-2x + Bx2 e-2x

y'p = Ae-2x -2Axe-2x + 2Bxe-2x - 2Bx2 e-2x

& y"p = -4Ae-2x + 4Axe-2x + 2Be-2x - 8Bxe-2x +4Bx2 e-2x

substitution in (1) one gets:

2Be-2x = (3+x)e-2x so B = 3+x/2 ? ??

where is A? why is B interms of x?

please help
thx
A has disappeared and you can't solve for the constant B because both Ae-2x and Bxe-2x are already solutions to the homogeneous equation. In order not to have either e-2x or xe-2x you will need to multiply by x2.

Try y= (Ax2+ Bx3) e-2x and solve for A and B.
 
  • #4
thx. i had in mind that i might have done a mistake in writing y_c but didn't bother to correct it. now i see how it caused the 2nd problem.
now after resolving it i got A =3/2 & B = 1/6

thus we now have:

y = c1 e-2x + c2 xe-2x + (3/2)x2 e-2x + (1/6)x3 e-2x

solving for the conditions i got:

c1 = 2 & c2 = 9

thus y becomes:

y = 2e-2x + 9xe-2x + (3/2)x2 e-2x + (1/6)x3 e-2x


i think this is the general solution. thanks 4 the help
 

What is an initial value problem for a differential equation?

An initial value problem for a differential equation is a mathematical problem that involves finding a solution to a differential equation with given initial conditions. These initial conditions specify the value of the solution at a particular point in the domain of the equation.

How is an initial value problem different from a boundary value problem?

An initial value problem is different from a boundary value problem because the former involves finding a solution at a specific point in the domain, while the latter involves finding a solution that satisfies conditions at multiple points on the boundary of the domain.

What is the role of initial conditions in solving a differential equation?

Initial conditions play a crucial role in solving a differential equation because they provide the starting point for finding the solution. Without these initial conditions, the solution would be impossible to determine.

What is a "weird sol" in the context of an initial value problem for a differential equation?

A "weird sol" in this context refers to a solution to the differential equation that does not follow the expected or usual pattern. This could be due to the presence of unusual or unexpected conditions or parameters in the equation.

How can one handle confusion or difficulty when solving an initial value problem for a differential equation?

One can handle confusion or difficulty when solving an initial value problem for a differential equation by breaking the problem down into smaller, manageable steps, seeking help or advice from a colleague or mentor, or consulting additional resources such as textbooks or online tutorials. It is also important to carefully check and review each step of the solution to avoid errors.

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