[sin(t) , cos(t), e^t] are these linearly dependent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the linear dependence or independence of the functions [sin(t), cos(t), e^t]. Participants explore various methods to prove their status, including definitions, differential equations, and specific evaluations at certain points.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to show whether the functions are dependent or independent, starting with the equation Asin(t) + Bcos(t) + C(e^t) = 0.
  • Another participant asserts that the functions are independent and asks for clarification on the problem's details.
  • A participant suggests defining the vector space to clarify the context of the independence proof.
  • One participant emphasizes the definition of linear independence and expresses difficulty in applying it to the functions in question.
  • A suggestion is made to use a differential equation approach, specifically a homogeneous linear constant coefficient ODE.
  • Another participant explains that proving the equation holds for all values of t leads to the conclusion of independence if the only solution is the trivial one.
  • A different approach is proposed, focusing on the periodicity of the functions and their coefficients, leading to a conclusion about the coefficients based on specific values of t.
  • One participant provides a more detailed method involving specific evaluations at different values of x to demonstrate independence, while also acknowledging that using the Wronskian could simplify the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods to prove linear independence, with some advocating for the Wronskian and others preferring alternative approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method to demonstrate the functions' independence.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various mathematical definitions and methods without reaching a consensus on the best approach to prove the functions' linear independence. The discussion includes assumptions about the applicability of certain techniques and the nature of the functions involved.

Cecile
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[sin(t) , cos(t), e^t] are these linearly dependent?


can someone solve this q?
I write

Asint+BcosT+C(e^t) = 0

but then i cannot proceed...
 
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Yes,they are independent.What are u trying to do...?Post the text of the problem...

Daniel.
 
I'm trying to prove that they are whether dependent or independent. how can I show iy?
 
Are u trying to prove that they can form a basis in some vector space...?Define the vector space.

Daniel.
 
No it just asks whether they are dep or in dependent.
for ex if it would have given me sets like v=(0,2,3) , u=(1,2,3,) & z=(1,1,0) then i could write
Av+Bu+Cz=0 and I could show that they are indep of not just by assuming one of the coef. is not zero. but i cannot show this with cos sin & e
 
Cecile: What is the DEFINITION of linear independence?
 
Here's a nice way to do it.Use differential equations.Consider the homogenous,linear,constant coefficient ODE

[tex]\frac{d^{4}y(x)}{dx^{4}}-y(x)=0[/tex]

Daniel.
 
if we don't have nontrivial solution for the combination of n vectors then these n vectors are said to be linearly dependent.

I know the DEFINITION just i cannot show that rule for sin cos & e
?!? am I not clear yet? :(
 
Remember the vector is the WHOLE function here; that is:
If you can show that the following equation,

[tex]a_{1}\sin(t)+a_{2}\cos(t)+a_{3}e^{t}=0[/tex]

in order to be valid (that is, holds) for ALL values of "t" implies that [tex]a_{1}=a_{2}=a_{3}=0[/tex]
then you have concluded that the three functions are linearly independent.
 
  • #10
Or you could just compute the wronskian...:rolleyes:

Daniel.
 
  • #11
thank you daniel:)
 
  • #12
less machinery

Can I suggest an idea that doesn't involve the machinery of the Wronskian.
First consider the periodicity of the three functions. What can you conclude about the coefficient of [tex]e^x[/tex].
Now consider a root of cos. What does this tell you about the coefficient of sin. Now what must the coefficient of cos be?
 
  • #13
Or a (very tiny little) bit cleaner, note that we just need

[tex]A\sin{x} + B\cos{x} + Ce^x \equiv 0 \Longrightarrow A=B=C=0[/tex]

setting [itex]x=0[/itex] immediately gives [itex]B+C = 0 \Longrightarrow B=-C[/itex]. But as you noted the limiting behaviour of [itex]e^x[/itex] at infinity implies [itex]C=0[/itex] so [itex]B=-C=0[/itex]. But then [itex]A\sin{x}\equiv 0[/itex] obviously implies [itex]A=0[/itex] so we're done.
 
Last edited:
  • #14
Yes, thank goodness someone came up with the sensible and obvious approach. No nonn-trivial combination can be the zero *function*, and that can be gotten just from putting some values of x in.
 
  • #15
Saying that sin(x), cos(x), and ex are independent means that

In order for C1sin(x)+ C2cos(x)+ C3ex[/sub]= 0 for all x, we must have C1= C2= C3.

Take 3 different values for x:

x= 0 is especially easy: if x= 0, C1sin(x)+ C2cos(x)+ C3ex[/sub]= 0 becomes C2+ C3= 0.
If [tex]x= \frac{\pi}{2}[/b], [tex]C_1+ e^{\frac{\pi}{2}}C_3= 0[/tex].<br /> <br /> Okay, [tex]C_2= -C_3[/tex] and [tex]C_1= -e^{\frac{\pi}{2}}C_3[/tex].<br /> Now put those into the original equation and take x to be some third number. Solve that for C<sub>3</sub>. If C<sub>3</sub>= 0 then so must C<sub>1</sub>= 0 and <br /> C<sub>2</sub>= 0 and the functions are independent.<br /> <br /> Yes, using the Wronskian is simpler.[/tex]
 

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