3.1.11 find the solution of the given initial value problem:

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the initial value problem given by the differential equation \(6y'' - 5y' + y = 0\) with initial conditions \(y(0) = 4\) and \(y'(0) = 0\). Participants explore the derivation of the characteristic equation, the general solution, and the application of initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the characteristic equation is derived incorrectly, stating that \(6y'' - 5y' + y\) does not equal \((r - 3)(r - 2) = 0\) and provides the correct characteristic equation as \(6r^2 - 5r + 1 = 0\).
  • Another participant questions the notation \(y(x)\) and suggests that it is interchangeable with \(y(t)\), emphasizing that the choice of variable does not affect the solution.
  • Several participants discuss how to apply the initial conditions \(y(0) = 4\) and \(y'(0) = 0\) to find constants \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) in the general solution.
  • One participant notes that the initial condition \(y(0) = 4\) leads to the equation \(C_1 + C_2 = 4\), while \(y'(0) = 0\) leads to \(\frac{C_1}{3} + \frac{C_2}{2} = 0\).
  • There is a suggestion that the problem can be solved through straightforward substitution of the initial conditions into the general solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the derivation of the characteristic equation and the correctness of the initial steps. While some agree on the application of initial conditions, there is no consensus on the initial approach to solving the differential equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential confusion regarding the notation and the application of initial conditions, indicating that the problem lacks a specified independent variable and that the steps to derive the solution may depend on interpretations of the characteristic equation.

karush
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find the solution of the given initial value problem:
$6y''-5y'+y=0\quad y(0)=4 \quad y'(0)=0$
if $r=e^{5t}$ then
$\displaystyle 6y''-5y'+y=(r-3)(r-2)=0$
then
$y=c_1e^{3t}+c_1e^{2t}=0$
for $y(0)=4$
$y(0)=c_1e^{3(0)}+c_1e^{2(0)}=4$

ok I don't see how the last few steps lead to the book answer (11)

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First of all, your fourth line, "6y''- 5y'+ y= (r- 3)(r- 2)= 0" is non-sense!

For one thing, a differential equation is not equal to its characteristic equation.
More importantly, you have the wrong characteristic equation. (r- 3)(r- 2)= r^2- 5r+ 6, not 6r^2- 5r+ 1= 0 which is the correct characteristic equation for 6y''- 5y+ 1= 0.

Now that can be factored as (3r- 1)(2r- 1)= 0 which has roots r= 1/3 and r= 1/2. So the general solution to the differential equation is
y(x)= C_1e^{t/3}+ C_2e^{t/2}.

Now can you get to answer 11?
 
why do you have y(x)??

also how is the $y'(0)=0$ to be used

I can see that $3\cdot 4 =12 $ and $2\cdot 4= 8$ and the $12-8=4$ and $e^0=1$

but how is that applied to the next steps
 
karush said:
why do you have y(x)??

also how is the $y'(0)=0$ to be used

I can see that $3\cdot 4 =12 $ and $2\cdot 4= 8$ and the $12-8=4$ and $e^0=1$

but how is that applied to the next steps
Pretty much plug-n-chug.

We have that
y = C_1 e^{t/3} + C_2 e^{t/2}

The condition y(0) = 4 implies that [math]4 = C_1 + C_2[/math]

Now, [math]y' = \dfrac{C_1}{3} e^{t/3} + \dfrac{C_2}{2} e^{t/2}[/math]

Thus y'(0) = 0 implies that [math]0 = \dfrac{C_1}{3} + \dfrac{C_2}{2}[/math]

Two equations, two unknowns.

-Dan
 
karush said:
why do you have y(x)??
Your original problem was to solve "6y''- 5y'+ y= 0". There is no "independent variable" stated so we are free to choose whatever letter we want. y(x)= C_1e^{x/3}+ C_2e^{x/2} is the same as y(t)= C_1e^{t/3}+ C_2e^{t/2}.
also how is the $y'(0)=0$ to be used

I can see that $3\cdot 4 =12 $ and $2\cdot 4= 8$ and the $12-8=4$ and $e^0=1$but how is that applied to the next steps
You are given the initial conditions y(0)= 4, y'(0)= 0 and you now know that the "general solution" to the differential equation is y(x)= C_1e^{x/3}+ C_2e^{x/2}. So y(0)= C_1e^{0/3}+ C_3e^{0/2}= C_1+ C_2= 4.
Differentiating, y'(x)= (C_1/3)e^{x/3}+ (C_2/2)e^{x/3} so y'(0)= \frac{C_1}{3}+ \frac{C_2}{2}= 0.

You now have two equations, C_1+ C_2= 4 and \frac{C_1}{3}+ \frac{C_2}{2}= 0 to solve for C_1 and C_2.
 

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