4th Order Variation of Parameters

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The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation y^(4) + 2y'' + y = sin(t) using the method of variation of parameters. The user initially struggles with finding the complementary solution, y_c(t), and realizes an error in their characteristic equation. After correcting the equation, they propose a particular solution of the form At^2 sin(t) + Bt^2 cos(t) and derive a set of equations for the functions U_1(t), U_2(t), U_3(t), and U_4(t). The conversation highlights the complexity of the algebra involved in solving the resulting system of equations, emphasizing that while the differential equations aspect is manageable, the algebra remains challenging. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the intricacies of applying variation of parameters to higher-order differential equations.
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Find the complementary solution of y^\left(4\right) + 2y'' + y = sint

Homogeneous Form would be y^\left(4\right) + 2y'' + y = 0

r^4 + 2r^2 + r = 0 \rightarrow r(r^3 + 2r + 1) = 0

This is where I'm stuck. Once I find y_c(t) I should be able to finish the problem, but I'm having trouble at this step. What would be the next step here?

The book's solution is y_c(t) = C_1 cost + C_2 sint + C_3 tcost + C_4 tsint which would suggest complex numbers involved here.

Edit: Found my error, it was in the r equation.
 
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(D4+2D2+1)=(D2+1)2
since sine is already a solution consider a particular solution of the form
At^2 sin t+Bt^2 cos t

edit:I forgot you wanted variation of parameters
just take
y(t) = C_1(t) cost + C_2(t) sint + C_3(t) tcost + C_4(t) tsint
complex numbers are optional, you just need to be able to solve
(D2+1)y=0
to deal with quadratic terms that are irreducible over reals
 
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After taking the particular solution to be:

y_p(t) = U_1 (t)cost + U_2 (t)sint + U_3 (t)tcost + U_4 (t)tsint

I then take the 4 derivatives and I ended up with the following 4 Equations (1st 3 are from the conditions that the U(t) derivatives add up to 0 while the last equation is derived from inputting the the derivatives into the original DE and cancelling out like terms):

U'_1 (t)cost + U'_2 (t)sint + U'_3 (t)tcost + U'_4 (t)tsint = 0

-U'_1 (t)sint + U'_2 (t)cost + U'_3 (t)cost - U'_3 (t)tsint + U'_4 (t)sint + U'_4 (t)tcost = 0

-U'_1 (t)cost - U'_2 (t)sint - 2U'_3 (t)sint - U'_3 (t)tscost + 2U'_4 (t)cost - U'_4 (t)tsint = 0

U'_1 (t)sint - U'_2 (t)cost - 3U'_3 (t)cost + U'_3 (t)tsint - 3U'_4 (t)sint - U'_4 (t)tcost = sint

But at this point, it is a complete monster. Can anyone possibly solve this mess?
 
It is a bit messy, but the differential equations part it settled and only algebra remains. It also helps that only one right hand side is nonzero. It is also possible to solve
(D2+1)y=f and then solve it again hence solving
(D2+1)2y=f
 
lurflurf said:
It is a bit messy, but the differential equations part it settled and only algebra remains. It also helps that only one right hand side is nonzero. It is also possible to solve
(D2+1)y=f and then solve it again hence solving
(D2+1)2y=f

Hmm, what exactly do you mean by those 2 equations?
 
(D2+1)y=f
y''+y=f
(D2+1)2y=f
y''''+2y''+y=f
the second can be reduced to the first
if
u''+u=f
and
y''+y=u
then
y''''+2y''+y=f

or just do all that algebra
 

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