Complex Numbers and Constants of Integration

[squelch]

Homework Statement

Suppose that the characteristic equation to a second order, linear, homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients yielded two complex roots:
\begin{array}{l}<br /> {\lambda _1} = a + bi\\<br /> {\lambda _2} = a - bi<br /> \end{array}
This would yield a general solution of:
y = {C_1}{e^{(a + bi)x}} + {C_2}{e^{(a - bi)x}}

I would like to prove that this is equal to the expression:
y = {C_1}{e^{ax}}\sin (bx) + {C_2}{e^{ax}}\cos (bx)

Homework Equations

Euler's identity:
{e^{ix}} = \cos (x) + i\sin (x)

The Attempt at a Solution

At the end of the proof, I am left with the expression:
y = i{C_1}{e^{ax}}\sin (bx) + {C_2}{e^{ax}}\cos (bx)

Can $i$ be "rolled up" into the constant of integration $C_1$ and the whole thing just defined as a single, undetermined constant?

 

[Samy_A]

Homework Statement

Suppose that the characteristic equation to a second order, linear, homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients yielded two complex roots:
\begin{array}{l}<br /> {\lambda _1} = a + bi\\<br /> {\lambda _2} = a - bi<br /> \end{array}
This would yield a general solution of:
y = {C_1}{e^{(a + bi)x}} + {C_2}{e^{(a - bi)x}}

I would like to prove that this is equal to the expression:
y = {C_1}{e^{ax}}\sin (bx) + {C_2}{e^{ax}}\cos (bx)

Homework Equations

Euler's identity:
{e^{ix}} = \cos (x) + i\sin (x)

The Attempt at a Solution

At the end of the proof, I am left with the expression:
y = i{C_1}{e^{ax}}\sin (bx) + {C_2}{e^{ax}}\cos (bx)

If $C_1$ and $C_2$ are the same constants as in $y = {C_1}{e^{(a + bi)x}} + {C_2}{e^{(a - bi)x}}$, I don't think this is correct...

Can $i$ be "rolled up" into the constant of integration $C_1$ and the whole thing just defined as a single, undetermined constant?

... and if they are differrent constants, why not "roll up" the $i$ into $C_1$?

 

[squelch]

If $C_1$ and $C_2$ are the same constants as in $y = {C_1}{e^{(a + bi)x}} + {C_2}{e^{(a - bi)x}}$, I don't think this is correct...

I'm just trying to derive a textbook definition, in case the derivation is required on an exam.
At a point in the derivation, coming from the original equation, ${e^{ax}}\cos (bx)[{C_1} + {C_2}] + i{e^{ax}}\sin (bx)[{C_1} - {C_2}]$.
I combined the constants into a new $C_1$ and $C_2$, mostly to match the textbook equation. I suppose it'd be more clear (and proper) to call them $C_1 '$ and $C_2 '$

... and if they are differrent constants, why not "roll up" the $i$ into $C_1$?

I don't see a reason why I wouldn't be able to, but if it's a legal operation or not is my question. Call it a sanity check.

 

[Samy_A]

I'm just trying to derive a textbook definition, in case the derivation is required on an exam.
At a point in the derivation, coming from the original equation, ${e^{ax}}\cos (bx)[{C_1} + {C_2}] + i{e^{ax}}\sin (bx)[{C_1} - {C_2}]$.
I combined the constants into a new $C_1$ and $C_2$, mostly to match the textbook equation. I suppose it'd be more clear (and proper) to call them $C_1 '$ and $C_2 '$

I don't see a reason why I wouldn't be able to, but if it's a legal operation or not is my question. Call it a sanity check.

Yes, you can do that. As the $C$'s and $C'$'s are arbitrary complex numbers anyway, there is absolutely no reason why you couldn't do it.