2nd Order Differential Equation (Complex)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to a second-order differential equation of the form \(\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - 2 \frac{dy}{dt} + 2y = e^t\). Participants are exploring the solution methods and the characteristics of the equation, including eigenvalues and particular solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of eigenvalues and the general solution for the homogeneous equation. There are attempts to derive the particular solution and confusion regarding the correct form of the general solution. Questions arise about discrepancies in the expected answers and the methods used to arrive at them.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and corrections regarding the formulation of the homogeneous solution and the particular solution. There is acknowledgment of typographical errors affecting the understanding of the solution. The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying their approaches and seeking further guidance.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of specific expected forms for the general solution, and some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their derived solutions. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to reconcile different approaches to the problem.

roam
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Homework Statement



Find the general solution to the following differential equation:

[itex]\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - 2 \frac{dy}{dt} + 2y =e^t[/itex]

The correct answer must be: [itex]y(t) = C_1 e^t \cos t + C_2 e^2 \sin t +e^t[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I haven't been able to get the correct answer so far. The eigenvalues are:

[itex]\lambda^2-2 \lambda +2 = 0[/itex]

[itex]\lambda = \frac{2 \pm \sqrt{4-8}}{2} = 1 \pm i[/itex]

So the general solution of the corresponding homogeneous equation is:

[itex]y_h(t) = C_1 e^{(1-i)t} + C_2 e^{(1-i)t}[/itex]

And with inspection a particular solution is yp = et, so the general solution must be:

[itex]y(t) = C_1 e^{(1-i)t} + C_2 e^{(1-i)t} + e^t[/itex]

Using Euler's formula:

[itex]y(t) = C_1 \frac{e^t}{\cos t + i \sin t} + C_2 e^t (\cos t + i \sin t)+ e^t[/itex]

So, why is my answer so different from the correct answer provided? What do I have to do in order to get the correct answer?

Any help is really appreciated.
 
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The general solution of the reduced equation should be:
[tex]y_c=e^{t}(C_1 \cos t + C_2 \sin t)[/tex]Then, use the method of variation of parameters to find the particular integral.
roam said:
The correct answer must be: [itex]y(t) = C_1 e^t \cos t + C_2 e^2 \sin t +e^t[/itex]
I think you mistyped the answer as i got the general equation: [itex]y(t) = C_1 e^t \cos t + C_2 e^t \sin t +e^t[/itex]
 
Last edited:
roam said:

Homework Statement



Find the general solution to the following differential equation:

[itex]\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - 2 \frac{dy}{dt} + 2y =e^t[/itex]

The correct answer must be: [itex]y(t) = C_1 e^t \cos t + C_2 e^2 \sin t +e^t[/itex]



[itex]\lambda = \frac{2 \pm \sqrt{4-8}}{2} = 1 \pm i[/itex]

So the general solution of the corresponding homogeneous equation is:

[itex]y_h(t) = C_1 e^{(1-i)t} + C_2 e^{(1-i)t}[/itex]

And with inspection a particular solution is yp = et, so the general solution must be:

[itex]y(t) = C_1 e^{(1-i)t} + C_2 e^{(1-i)t} + e^t[/itex]

Using Euler's formula:

[itex]y(t) = C_1 \frac{e^t}{\cos t + i \sin t} + C_2 e^t (\cos t + i \sin t)+ e^t[/itex]

The homogeneous solution should be written$$y_h(t) = C_1 e^{(1+i)t} + C_2 e^{(1-i)t} + e^t
=C_1e^te^{it}+C_2e^te^{-it} =
C_1e^t(\cos t + i \sin t)+C_2e^t(\cos t - i\sin t)$$from which you can get the sine - cosine form by collecting terms and renaming the constants.
 
Yest, that was a typo I meant et not e2.

Thanks a lot LCKurtz for the hint, I finally got the correct expression.
 

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