What is the general solution for a DE involving cosh and sinh?

In summary, the homework statement states that the homework equations are y=c_1e^x+c_2e^{-x}+y_p. The attempt at a solution gets m=1 and m=-1, and then the wonksian gives the student -2. The student then gets u_1'=-\frac{\begin{vmatrix}0&e^{-x}\\cosh(x)&-e^{-x}\end{vmatrix}}{-2} and u_2'=-\frac{\begin{vmatrix}e^x&0\\e^x&cosh(x)\end{vmatrix}
  • #1
Rijad Hadzic
321
20

Homework Statement


Solve the DE by variation of parameters:

[itex] y'' - y = cosh(x) [/itex]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got m = 1 and m = -1 so

[itex] y = c_1e^x + c_2e^{-x} + y_p [/itex]

[itex] y_p = u_1e^x + u_2e^{-x} [/itex]

The wonksian gave me -2

so

[itex] u_1' = \frac{\begin{vmatrix}
0 & e^{-x} \\
cosh(x) & -e^{-x}
\end{vmatrix} }{-2} [/itex]

I get [itex] -\frac12 \int{e^{-x}cosh(x) dx} = u_1 [/itex]

I do parts, u = e^-x and dv = coshx and eventually I get

[itex] -\frac 14 e^{-x}sinh(x) + \frac 14 e^{-x}cosh(x) = u_1[/itex]
then

[itex] u_2' = \frac{
\begin{vmatrix}
e^x & 0 \\
e^x & cosh(x)
\end{vmatrix} }{-2} [/itex]

I get [itex] -\frac12 \int{e^{x}cosh(x) dx} = u_2 [/itex]

I do parts with u = e^x and dv = coshx and I get

[itex] \frac 12 e^xsinh(x) + \frac 12 e^xcosh(x) = u_2[/itex]

[itex] u_1*e^x = -\frac 14 sinh(x) + \frac 14 cosh(x) [/itex]
[itex] u_2*e^{-x} = \frac 12 sinh(x) + \frac 12 cosh(x) [/itex]

adding I get [itex] \frac 14 sinh(x) + \frac 34 cosh(x) [/itex]

so my general solution is

[itex] y_{gen} = c_1e^x +c_2e^{-x} + \frac 14 sinh(x) + \frac 34 cosh(x) [/itex]

but my book got

[itex] y_{gen} = c_1e^x +c_2e^{-x} + \frac 12 xsinh(x) [/itex]

how could it be possible to get a term called xsinh(x)??

This is the first time I've been given a problem with sinh and cosh. I've never been taught a single thing about them in school so I'm having trouble... I'm guessing there is an identity or something?

Would my answer of

[itex] y_{gen} = c_1e^x +c_2e^{-x} + \frac 14 sinh(x) + \frac 34 cosh(x) [/itex]

satisfy the question?
 
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  • #2
Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Solve the DE by variation of parameters:

[itex] y'' - y = cosh(x) [/itex]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got m = 1 and m = -1 so

[itex] y = c_1e^x + c_2e^{-x} + y_p [/itex]

[itex] y_p = u_1e^x + u_2e^{-x} [/itex]

The wonksian gave me -2

so

[itex] u_1' = \frac{\begin{vmatrix}
0 & e^{-x} \\
cosh(x) & -e^{-x}
\end{vmatrix} }{-2} [/itex]

I get [itex] -\frac12 \int{e^{-x}cosh(x) dx} = u_1 [/itex]

I do parts, u = e^-x and dv = coshx and eventually I get

[itex] -\frac 14 e^{-x}sinh(x) + \frac 14 e^{-x}cosh(x) = u_1[/itex]
You did something wrong with the integral.
Instead of integrating by parts, write cosh(x)=0.5(ex+e-x)
 
  • #3
ehild said:
You did something wrong with the integral.
Instead of integrating by parts, write cosh(x)=0.5(ex+e-x)

Thank you I didn't even know this identity existed.
 

1. What is the "variation of parameters" method?

The "variation of parameters" method is a technique used in solving certain types of differential equations. It involves finding a particular solution by varying the parameters of a general solution that satisfies the homogeneous equation.

2. When is the variation of parameters method used?

The variation of parameters method is typically used when the coefficients of a differential equation are non-constant. It is particularly useful for solving second order linear differential equations with non-constant coefficients.

3. How does the variation of parameters method work?

The variation of parameters method involves finding a general solution to the homogeneous equation and then varying the parameters of this solution to find a particular solution. This is done by substituting the general solution into the non-homogeneous equation and solving for the parameters.

4. What are the advantages of using the variation of parameters method?

One advantage of using the variation of parameters method is that it can be used for a wide range of non-constant coefficient differential equations. It also allows for the use of initial conditions to find a specific solution.

5. Are there any limitations to the variation of parameters method?

One limitation of the variation of parameters method is that it can be more complicated and time-consuming compared to other methods for solving differential equations. It also may not work for all types of non-constant coefficient equations.

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