Solving the Equation: k^3-3K2+31k-37=0 with Synthetic Division

  • Thread starter Thread starter skysurani
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Division
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the cubic equation k^3 - 3k^2 + 31k - 37 = 0, which arises from a third-order linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients. The original poster attempts to find the roots of this equation using synthetic division and questions the validity of their approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of synthetic division to find roots, with some suggesting the rational root theorem as a potential method for identifying rational solutions. There is also a mention of the characteristic equation related to the differential equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different methods for solving the equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the characteristic equation and the nature of the roots, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential change in the problem's parameters, specifically regarding the presence of a '9' in the original equation, which has led to some confusion among participants.

skysurani
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
solve the following promblem
Y^(,,,)-3y^(,,)+31y^(,)-37y=0
i let y = e^kx
y'= ke^kx
y''=k^2e^kx
y'''=k^3e^kx

so i got this
k^3e^kx-3(k^2e^kx)+31(ke^kx)-37(e^kx)=0
e^kx(k^3-3K2+31k-37)=0

so,

(k^3-3K2+31k-37)=0

now i have to find (K)


how should i solve for (k) from this equation k^3-3K2+31k-37=0
can i use synthetic division if yes how should i use it or which other method can i use

is this right

i solve the k by synthetic division
5 1 1 -17 -65
5 30 65
1 6 13 0

so the factor is (k-5) (K^2+6k+13)
then i use this equation
(-b+-squrt(b^2-(4ac)))/2a

and got k = -3 +- 2i

and my fianl answer is
y=c1e^5x+c2e^(-3x)cos(2x)+c3e^(-3x)sin(2x)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Is this the equation

[tex]\frac{d^{3}y}{dx^{3}}-3\frac{d^2y}{dx^{2}}+31\frac{dy}{dx}-37y=0[/tex]

Daniel.
 
Since the equation is homogeneous and has constant coefficients, you can just solve its characteristic equation.

You'll have an equation of the form:

[tex]y(x) = c_1 e^{\lambda_1 x} + c_2 e^{\lambda_2 x} + c_3 e^{\lambda_3 x}[/tex]

If the equation turns out to have two complex roots (I won't say if it does), you'll have a solution somewhat different:

[tex]y(x) = c_1 e^{\lambda_1 x} + c_2 e^{\alpha x} \cos{\beta x} + c_ 3 e^{\alpha x} \sin{\beta x}[/tex]

Where,

[tex]\lambda_2 = \alpha + \beta i[/tex]
[tex]\lambda_3 = \alpha - \beta i[/tex]

All of this should be in bold print (well, almost) in any ODE book.
 
Last edited:
how should i solve for (k)

I'd try starting with the rational root theorem, and simply check all the possibilities for a rational solution for k.

(PS wasn't there a 9 in there before?)
 
Hurkyl said:
(PS wasn't there a 9 in there before?)

There was. Otherwise, I would've mentioned the rational root theorem, as well. Don't you love it when you submit a (generous) post full of tips and someone changes the nature of the problem?
 
Here's the solution,courtesy of Maple.

Daniel.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

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