Diff eq with constants... Eulers identity...

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution of the second-order differential equation \( y'' + 9y = 0 \). Participants are exploring the relationship between their derived solutions and those presented in a textbook, particularly focusing on the use of Euler's identity in the context of complex exponentials and trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the general solution using characteristic equations and complex numbers. There is a focus on the transformation of complex exponentials into trigonometric forms and the implications of different constants in the solutions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the constants used in the solutions, suggesting that the differences in answers may stem from the choice of constants. There is an ongoing exploration of how to reconcile the derived solution with the textbook answer, indicating a productive dialogue about the underlying mathematics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the constants \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \) and their roles in the solutions. There is mention of the need for clarity on notation when using LaTeX, which may affect the presentation of mathematical expressions.

Rijad Hadzic
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Homework Statement


Find the general solution of the second order DE.

y'' + 9y = 0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Problem is straight forward I just don't get why my answer is different than the books.

So you get

m^2 + 9 = 0
m = 3i and m = -3i

so the general solution would be:

c_1e^{3ix} + c_2e^{-3ix} = y

my book gives me

e^{i\theta} = cos(\theta) + isin(\theta)

from there I get

e^{iβx} = cos(βx) + isin(βx)
e^{i-βx} = cos(βx) - isin(βx)

I have

e^{i3x} = cos(3x) + isin(3x)
e^{i-3x} = cos(3x) - isin(3x)

so I get y = c_1cos(3x) + c_1isin(3x) + c_2cos(3x) -c_2isin(3x)

but my book gives me

y = c_1cos(3x) + c_2sin(3x)

I feel like my answer is still valid for some reason.. I just don't know how they got their answer from my answer. I used the correct identity..
 
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Your ##c_1## and ##c_2## are just not the same constants as those of the book.
 
Orodruin said:
Your ##c_1## and ##c_2## are just not the same constants as those of the book.

So I guess that means my answer is still valid then... I just don't get what they used for c1 and c2... did they use i or something? because I notice there is no i term in their answer..
 
Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Find the general solution of the second order DE.

y'' + 9y = 0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Problem is straight forward I just don't get why my answer is different than the books.

So you get

m^2 + 9 = 0
m = 3i and m = -3i

so the general solution would be:

c_1e^{3ix} + c_2e^{-3ix} = y

my book gives me

e^{i\theta} = cos(\theta) + isin(\theta)

from there I get

e^{iβx} = cos(βx) + isin(βx)
e^{i-βx} = cos(βx) - isin(βx)

I have

e^{i3x} = cos(3x) + isin(3x)
e^{i-3x} = cos(3x) - isin(3x)

so I get y = c_1cos(3x) + c_1isin(3x) + c_2cos(3x) -c_2isin(3x)

but my book gives me

y = c_1cos(3x) + c_2sin(3x)

I feel like my answer is still valid for some reason.. I just don't know how they got their answer from my answer. I used the correct identity..

Just write ##a = c_1 + c_2## and ##b = i c_1 - i c_2##. Your solution becomes ##a \cos 3x + b \sin 3x## for two constants ##a## and ##b##.

BTW: when using LaTeX, do NOT write ##cos(\theta)##, etc.; write, instead, ##\cos( \theta)## or ##\cos \theta##, which you get by typing "\cos" instead of "cos", The notation ##cos \theta## looks ugly and is hard to read, but ##\cos \theta## looks good and is clear.
 
Gotcha. Ty everyone!
 

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