Diff Eq Sign Error - Seeking Second Set of Eyes

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The discussion revolves around a user struggling with a differential equation and encountering persistent sign errors in their calculations. They express frustration over not being able to identify the mistake after multiple attempts. Key points include confusion about the correct interpretation of matrix operations and the characteristic equation, particularly when substituting a complex eigenvalue. Another user identifies the sign error in the user's expression for k1, suggesting a correction that could help resolve the issue. The user is seeking clarity to proceed with similar problems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the algebra involved.
Saladsamurai
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!For The Love of GOD! Diff Eq

Homework Statement



I have done this problem 3 times. I am getting a sign error somewhere and I cannot find it.

When I solve this DE and then plug it back into the original, it is not checking out! Can anybody see my error? I would really appreciate a second set of eyes here. Clearly I am at that point where I just keep seeing what I think I am supposed to see!
Picture1-6.png

Re writing the solution to the DE with the new constants is

x=-3/2\cos4t+3\sin4t+7/2\cos4t+1/2\sin4t=2\cos4t+19/4\sin4t
y=3\cos4t-7/2\sin4t

But when I differentiate and plug back into either if the originals, I am coming up with two sign errors...
 
Last edited:
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At one point in your solution you have:
4 k_1+ (-2- 4i)k_2= 0
and then
k_1= \frac{-2- 4i}{4}k_2
It should be
k_1= \frac{2+ 4i}{4}k_2
 
HallsofIvy said:
At one point in your solution you have:
4 k_1+ (-2- 4i)k_2= 0
and then
k_1= \frac{-2- 4i}{4}k_2
It should be
k_1= \frac{2+ 4i}{4}k_2

I do not understand why it should be positive? From the matrix I have 4k_1+(-2-\lambda)k_2 where lambda=4i...unless I am interpreting matrices wrong??
 
Basic Algebra.

4K1 - (2+4i)k2 = 0
K1 = (2+4i)k2/4
 
Vid said:
Basic Algebra.

4K1 - (2+4i)k2 = 0
K1 = (2+4i)k2/4

Okay. Obviously I am misinterpreting how a matrix operates. Not how to do basic algebra.
I was just kidding, maybe that was inappropriate...my bad.
 
Last edited:
If the original equation was
x'=2x-5y
y'=4x-2y

To find the charectaristic equation I create this matrix thing...I don't know what it is called

<br /> \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda &amp; -5 \\ 4 &amp; -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0

Now if I plug in \lambda= 4i to the 2nd row, how do you suppose I will get anything positive?
 
Saladsamurai said:
If the original equation was
x'=2x-5y
y'=4x-2y

To find the charectaristic equation I create this matrix thing...I don't know what it is called

<br /> \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda &amp; -5 \\ 4 &amp; -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0

Now if I plug in \lambda= 4i to the 2nd row, how do you suppose I will get anything positive?

Can anybody see what I am doing wrong in this procedure? What am I misunderstanding?

If I plug \lambda=4i into -2-\lambda why would I get 2+4i ?

I have five more problems similar to this and cannot move on until I clear this up.

Any help would be great!
 
Saladsamurai said:
If the original equation was
x'=2x-5y
y'=4x-2y

To find the charectaristic equation I create this matrix thing...I don't know what it is called

<br /> \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda &amp; -5 \\ 4 &amp; -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0

Now if I plug in \lambda= 4i to the 2nd row, how do you suppose I will get anything positive?

Saladsamurai said:
Can anybody see what I am doing wrong in this procedure? What am I misunderstanding?

If I plug \lambda=4i into -2-\lambda why would I get 2+4i ?

I have five more problems similar to this and cannot move on until I clear this up.

Any help would be great!


Kind of desperate here...
 
Do you still not see the glaring algebra error in the bottom left...?
 
  • #10
Vid said:
Do you still not see the glaring algebra error in the bottom left...?

Thank you. That's all I needed...
 
  • #11
Your K1 value is where the sign error is. Change it to what Hallsofivy did and solve again from there.
 

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