Solving a Second Order Differential Equation with Complex Roots

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The discussion focuses on solving a second-order differential equation with complex roots, specifically (d^2 z)/(dx^2) - 4 * dz/dx + 13z = 0. The general solution is derived, resulting in z(x) = e^(2x) * (Acos(3x) + Bsin(3x)). A particular solution is also found for the equation (d^2 u)/(dx^2) - 4 * du/dx + 13u = 27e^(2x), yielding u(x) = 3 * e^(2x). The overall general solution combines both results, expressed as y(x) = 3 * e^(2x) + e^(2x) * (Acos(3x) + Bsin(3x)). There is a suggestion to maintain consistency in variable notation throughout the equations.
gonch76
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I have put down the whole question and my answers which i would appreciate if someone could comment:
Part 1.1
Find the general solution of the equation (d^2 z)/(dx^2 ) - 4 * dz/dx + 13z = 0
Put into form: a * m^2 + b * m + c
∴ m^2 - 4m + 13 = 0 a = 1, b = -4, c = 13
Then:
m_(1,2 = (-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a)
∴m= (-(-4)±√(〖(-4)〗^2-(4*1*13)))/(2*1)
∴m= (4±√(16-52))/2
∴m= (4±√((-36)))/2
∴m= (4±6j)/2
∴m= (2 (2 ±3j))/2 Note: the 2’s cancel
Then
e^(∝x )* (Acos (βx)+ Bsin (βx) )
∝ =2
β=3
∴ z(x)= e^(2x )* (Acos (3x)+ Bsin (3x) )

Part 1.2
Find the particular solution of the form u(x)= C* e^2x
for the differential equation (d^2 u)/(dx^2 ) - 4 * du/dx + 13u = 〖27e〗^2x
∴u(x)= C* e^2x du/dx=C* 〖2e〗^2x (d^2 u)/(dx^2 )=C* 〖4* e〗^2x Note: 27 is ignored as it is a constant
Then replace:
∴ C*4* e^2x + (- 4) * C * 〖2e〗^2x + 13 * C * e^2x=〖27e〗^2x
∴ C*e^2x * (4 + (-8) + 13)=〖27e〗^2x Note: e^2x cancel out
∴ C*9=27 ∴ C=27/9 = 3
Substituting ‘C’ into the equation gives:
∴ u(x)= 3 * e^2x


Part 1.3
Find the general solution of the differential equation (d^2 u)/(dx^2 ) - 4 * du/dx + 13u = 〖27e〗^2x
General solution when the equation is equal to zero + the particular solution = general solution when equation equals the same value as the particular.

The general solution can be expressed as: y(x)= u(x)+ z(x)
∴y(x)= 3 * e^2x + e^(2x )* (Acos (3x)+ Bsin (3x) )

Note: I believe that the above equation ((d^2 u)/(dx^2 ) - 4 * du/dx + 13u = 〖27e〗^2x) is meant to be dy/dx, not du/dx.


any comments gratefully received.. Cheers.
 
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Looks good to me. (I didn't check your calculations really closely, so it's possible there's an algebra mistake lurking in there.)
 
correct.
and you should stick to only y(x), z(x), or u(x) in the ODE if it stays the same ;)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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