Diff Eq Sign Error - Seeking Second Set of Eyes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation problem where the original poster is experiencing difficulties with sign errors in their solution. They have attempted to solve the differential equations multiple times but are unable to verify their results against the original equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the algebraic manipulation of constants in the solution, particularly focusing on the signs of terms derived from a characteristic equation. There are questions regarding the interpretation of matrix elements and the implications of substituting specific values into the equations.

Discussion Status

Several participants have pointed out potential algebraic errors in the original poster's calculations, specifically regarding the signs of constants. The conversation reflects a mix of attempts to clarify misunderstandings and to provide guidance on the algebra involved in the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses urgency in resolving their confusion, as they have additional similar problems to address. There is an acknowledgment of potential misinterpretations of matrix operations and characteristic equations, which are central to the discussion.

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

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

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:
[tex]4 k_1+ (-2- 4i)k_2= 0[/tex]
and then
[tex]k_1= \frac{-2- 4i}{4}k_2[/tex]
It should be
[tex]k_1= \frac{2+ 4i}{4}k_2[/tex]
 
HallsofIvy said:
At one point in your solution you have:
[tex]4 k_1+ (-2- 4i)k_2= 0[/tex]
and then
[tex]k_1= \frac{-2- 4i}{4}k_2[/tex]
It should be
[tex]k_1= \frac{2+ 4i}{4}k_2[/tex]

I do not understand why it should be positive? From the matrix I have [itex]4k_1+(-2-\lambda)k_2[/itex] 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

[tex] \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda & -5 \\ 4 & -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0[/tex]

Now if I plug in [itex]\lambda= 4i[/itex] 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

[tex] \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda & -5 \\ 4 & -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0[/tex]

Now if I plug in [itex]\lambda= 4i[/itex] 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 [itex]\lambda=4i[/itex] into [itex]-2-\lambda[/itex] 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

[tex] \left[\begin{array}{cc}2-\lambda & -5 \\ 4 & -2-\lambda\end{array}\right]=0[/tex]

Now if I plug in [itex]\lambda= 4i[/itex] 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 [itex]\lambda=4i[/itex] into [itex]-2-\lambda[/itex] 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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