Damped Oscillators and Binomial theorem step

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the binomial theorem in the context of damped oscillators, specifically in expanding equations of motion related to a second-order operator equation. Participants express confusion regarding the use of the binomial theorem for an equation that appears to involve three terms and is only to the first power.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in applying the binomial theorem to expand the equation of motion for a damped oscillator, particularly when it involves three terms.
  • One participant suggests that the operation referred to as a binomial expansion may actually be related to factorizing a quadratic equation in the context of differential operators.
  • Another participant clarifies that the factoring of the expression (a^2 - b^2) = (a + b)(a - b) is not directly related to the binomial theorem.
  • A later reply provides a specific manipulation of the equation D^2 + 2γD + ω₀², indicating a transformation that leads to a different form, which some participants find enlightening.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the application of the binomial theorem in this context, with multiple interpretations and approaches being discussed. Some participants agree on the mathematical manipulations but remain uncertain about the relevance of the binomial theorem itself.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions and applications of the binomial theorem and quadratic factorization in the context of differential operators. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the mathematical concepts involved.

Teachme
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I uploaded a picture of what I am stuck on. I understand the equation of motion 3.4.5a for a damped oscillator but I don't understand how to use binomial theorem to get the expanded equation 3.4.5b. I am no where near clever enough to figure this one out. I know how to use binomial theorem to expand something with two terms but the fact that this has three terms and is only to the first power throws me off and I don't know how to apply the binomial theorem. If anyone could give me any hints, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks so much for reading!
 

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Teachme said:
I uploaded a picture of what I am stuck on. I understand the equation of motion 3.4.5a for a damped oscillator but I don't understand how to use binomial theorem to get the expanded equation 3.4.5b. I am no where near clever enough to figure this one out. I know how to use binomial theorem to expand something with two terms but the fact that this has three terms and is only to the first power throws me off and I don't know how to apply the binomial theorem. If anyone could give me any hints, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks so much for reading!

what i can gather that you are writing the equivalent expressions for a 2nd order operator equation composed of two first order multiples and if you multiply they come out to be same...
the author refers this operation to a binomial expansion - may be the 'mathematicians' may be calling this by the name ' binomial.'
though its factorizing the quadratic equation in D. D being a differential operator-being a physics person we usually use maths as a tool.
but you can see Abramowitch and Stegun - mathematical functions and there is good info on binomials.

the two roots are say D1 and D2 and the two bracketed terms identically goes to zero.
 
Teachme said:
I uploaded a picture of what I am stuck on. I understand the equation of motion 3.4.5a for a damped oscillator but I don't understand how to use binomial theorem to get the expanded equation 3.4.5b. I am no where near clever enough to figure this one out. I know how to use binomial theorem to expand something with two terms but the fact that this has three terms and is only to the first power throws me off and I don't know how to apply the binomial theorem. If anyone could give me any hints, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks so much for reading!
The factoring has nothing to do with the binomial theorem. All that it is used is: (a^2-b^2)=(a+b)(a-b).
 
mathman said:
The factoring has nothing to do with the binomial theorem. All that it is used is: (a^2-b^2)=(a+b)(a-b).
Hey Mathman,
thanks for your response. I think it is obvious that it is a2-b2=(a+b)(a-b) going from the second equation(3.4.5b) to the first equation(3.3.5a) but I don't see how it is ovbious going from equation(3.3.5a) to equation(3.4.5b).

Thanks for you help, much appreciated.
 
drvrm said:
what i can gather that you are writing the equivalent expressions for a 2nd order operator equation composed of two first order multiples and if you multiply they come out to be same...
the author refers this operation to a binomial expansion - may be the 'mathematicians' may be calling this by the name ' binomial.'
though its factorizing the quadratic equation in D. D being a differential operator-being a physics person we usually use maths as a tool.
but you can see Abramowitch and Stegun - mathematical functions and there is good info on binomials.

the two roots are say D1 and D2 and the two bracketed terms identically goes to zero.

Thank you drvrm,
I will look into that book.

Thanks again for the help, I really appreciate it.
 
Teachme said:
Hey Mathman,
thanks for your response. I think it is obvious that it is a2-b2=(a+b)(a-b) going from the second equation(3.4.5b) to the first equation(3.3.5a) but I don't see how it is ovbious going from equation(3.3.5a) to equation(3.4.5b).

Thanks for you help, much appreciated.
The author had something in mind.
D^2+2\gamma D+\omega_0^2 = D^2+2\gamma D+\gamma^2+\omega_0^2-\gamma^2 = (D+\gamma )^2-(\gamma^2-\omega_0^2)
 
mathman said:
The author had something in mind.
D^2+2\gamma D+\omega_0^2 = D^2+2\gamma D+\gamma^2+\omega_0^2-\gamma^2 = (D+\gamma )^2-(\gamma^2-\omega_0^2)
Oh wow, ok, I see now. You are too smart. Thanks soo much! I Wouldn't have figured that one out!

Very much appreciate your help.
 

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