Another Differential Equations Problem

In summary, a differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function to its derivatives and is used to model physical phenomena. There are two types: ordinary and partial, with ordinary being used for time-dependent situations and partial for multi-dimensional situations. They can be solved analytically or numerically, and are used in various fields such as science, engineering, and economics to model population growth, weather patterns, and electrical circuits. However, they may have limitations in terms of having no analytic solutions and not accurately representing systems with chaotic behavior or rapidly changing parameters.
  • #1
afcwestwarrior
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0

Homework Statement


For what values of K does the function y=cos k t satisft the differential equation 4y"=-25y?



Do I have to find the derivative of y twice or what do i do
 
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  • #2
... what does y'' mean?
 
  • #3
it means second order derivative I believe
 
  • #4
Yes, find the second derivative and compare constants.
 
  • #5
ok so it would be y"=-k^2cos kt
 
  • #6
Yes.
 
  • #7
then do i plug in values for it
 
  • #8
You have 4y"=-25y. Substitute what you know to be y and y'', and equate coefficients as Tedjn said.
 

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its derivatives. It is used to model physical phenomena and is commonly used in science and engineering fields.

2. What is the difference between an ordinary and partial differential equation?

An ordinary differential equation involves only one independent variable, while a partial differential equation involves multiple independent variables. Ordinary differential equations are used to model situations that are changing over time, while partial differential equations are used to model situations that are changing over multiple dimensions.

3. How are differential equations solved?

Differential equations can be solved analytically or numerically. Analytical solutions involve finding an expression for the function that satisfies the equation, while numerical solutions involve using algorithms to approximate the solution.

4. What are some real-world applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used to model a wide range of phenomena in the natural and physical sciences, engineering, and economics. Some common applications include modeling population growth, predicting weather patterns, and solving electrical circuit problems.

5. Are there any limitations to using differential equations?

While differential equations are a powerful tool for modeling and understanding complex systems, they do have limitations. Some equations may not have analytic solutions, making numerical approximations necessary. Additionally, they may not accurately represent systems with chaotic behavior or systems with rapidly changing parameters.

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