-17.2.53 Find the unique solution from initial conditions.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the unique solution to the differential equation $y'' + 7y' = 7x$ given the initial conditions $y(0)=0$ and $y'(0)=0$. Participants explore various approaches to solving the equation, including particular and homogeneous solutions, and the implications of different characteristic roots.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present the particular solution $y_p=\frac{1}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{7}x$ and discuss its role in finding the general solution.
  • One participant suggests a general formula for the particular solution based on a more general initial value problem (IVP) format, indicating a method to derive solutions for similar equations.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of identifying the homogeneous solution $y_h$ and notes that the characteristic equation yields roots $r=0$ and $r=-7$.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the form of the homogeneous solution, debating whether to use exponential or sinusoidal forms based on the nature of the roots.
  • One participant proposes a specific form for the particular solution based on the structure of the differential equation, leading to a system of equations to solve for coefficients.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the form of the homogeneous solution, with some advocating for exponential forms due to real roots, while others suggest sinusoidal forms based on different interpretations of the characteristic equation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the choice of particular solutions and the implications of different forms of the homogeneous solution. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the techniques involved in solving differential equations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in differential equations, particularly those exploring methods for solving nonhomogeneous linear equations and understanding the implications of characteristic roots.

karush
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the function y_p is a particular solution to the specified nonhomogeneous equation. Find the unique solution satisfying the equation and the given initial conditions.
$y'' + 7y' = 7x$
$y_p=\frac{1}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{7}x$
$y(0)=y'(0)=0$
$r^2+7r=0$
$r=0$
$r=-7$
 
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karush said:
the function y_p is a particular solution to the specified nonhomogeneous equation. Find the unique solution satisfying the equation and the given initial conditions.
$y'' + 7y' = 7x$
$y_p=\frac{1}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{7}x$
$y(0)=y'(0)=0$
$r^2+7r=0$
$r=0$
$r=-7$

This problem is almost identical to the previous. What is your homogeneous solution $y_h$?
 
What I used to like to do as a student, when presented with a batch of similar problems, is to generalize to get a formula I could use. Suppose we are given the IVP:

$$y''+ay'=bx$$ where $y(0)=y_0$ and $y'(0)=y_0'$.

Now, using a technique you'll likely learn in a short while, it can be shown that the particular solution is:

$$y_p(x)=\frac{b}{2a}x^2-\frac{b}{a^2}x$$

From the characteristic equation, we find the homogeneous solution is:

$$y_h(x)=c_1+c_2e^{-ax}$$

And so, by the principle of superposition, we find the general solution to the ODE is:

$$y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=c_1+c_2e^{-ax}+\frac{b}{2a}x^2-\frac{b}{a^2}x$$

Differentiating, we obtain:

$$y'(x)=-ac_2e^{-ax}+\frac{b}{a}x-\frac{b}{a^2}$$

Now, using our initial values, we find:

$$y(0)=c_1+c_2=y_0$$

$$y'(0)=-ac_2-\frac{b}{a^2}=y_0'$$

This system implies:

$$\left(c_1,c_2\right)=\left(\frac{a^3y_0+a^2y_0'+b}{a^3},-\frac{a^2y_0'+b}{a^3}\right)$$

And so the solution to the IVP is given by:

$$y(x)=\frac{a^3y_0+a^2y_0'+b}{a^3}-\frac{a^2y_0'+b}{a^3}e^{-ax}+\frac{b}{2a}x^2-\frac{b}{a^2}x$$
 
wow thank you

I did the very last problem
and got the "fantastic" robot reply

but I followed your example to get it

anyway I need to do more so for this one
$y'' + 7y' = 7x$
$y_p=\frac{1}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{7}x$
$y(0)=y'(0)=0$
$r^2+7r=0$
$r=0$
$r=-7$
$y(x)=c_2\sin(\sqrt{7}x)+c_2\cos(\sqrt{7}x)+x$
 
karush said:
wow thank you

I did the very last problem
and got the "fantastic" robot reply

but I followed your example to get it

anyway I need to do more so for this one
$y'' + 7y' = 7x$
$y_p=\frac{1}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{7}x$
$y(0)=y'(0)=0$
$r^2+7r=0$
$r=0$
$r=-7$
$y(x)=c_2\sin(\sqrt{7}x)+c_2\cos(\sqrt{7}x)+x$

Only when the roots of the characteristic equation are imaginary do you typically express the homogeneous solution as a sinusoid. For example, if the given ODE had been:

$$y''+7y=f(x)$$

Then, the characteristic equation would be:

$$r^2+7=0\implies r=\pm\sqrt{7}i$$

And the homogeneous solution would then be:

$$y_h(x)=c_1\cos(\sqrt{7}x)+c_2\sin(\sqrt{7}x)$$

But in this problem, and the one before, the roots are real, and so we would use the exponential form for our homogeneous solution. :D

The other case, when the roots are real and repeated, will be a discussion for another thread. ;)
 
With characteristic roots 0 and -7, the general solution to the homogeneous differential equation is [math]Ce^{0x}+ De^{-7x}= C+ De^{-7x}[/math]. To solve y''+ 7y'= 7x, look for a specific solution of the form [math]y= (Ax+ B)x= Ax^2+ Bx[/math]. Then y'= 2Ax+ B and y''= 2A so the equation becomes 2A+ 14Ax+ 7B= 7x. We must have 14A= 7 and 2A+ 7B= 0.
 

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