Differential equation x''[t]+2x[t]+5[t]=sin(t)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation x''[t] + 2x'[t] + 5x[t] = sin(t). The participant derived the solution using the assumption f = C Exp[it] and calculated C as (4-2i)/20. However, confusion arose regarding the final form of the solution, which is 1/5 sin(t) - 1/10 cos(t), instead of the expected 1/5 cos(t) - 1/10 sin(t). The resolution involves recognizing the roles of the real and imaginary parts of C in the context of Euler's formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and their conjugates.
  • Knowledge of Euler's formula and its application in solving differential equations.
  • Proficiency in manipulating derivatives and algebraic expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of undetermined coefficients for solving non-homogeneous differential equations.
  • Learn about the application of complex numbers in differential equations, particularly in the context of oscillatory solutions.
  • Explore the derivation and application of Euler's formula in solving differential equations.
  • Investigate the significance of real and imaginary parts in the context of differential equation solutions.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, engineering students, and anyone involved in solving differential equations or studying complex analysis will benefit from this discussion.

jaobyccdee
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
Solving a differential equation, x''[t]+2x[t]+5[t]=sin(t).
assumed that f=C Exp[it], and substituting into the equation, i found C=(4-2i)/20, but i don't understand why the solution says that it will become 1/5 Sint -1/10 Cost instead of 1/5 Cost-1/10 Sint.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
so we have x''+2x'+5x=sin(t) , you didn't write it like this but i figured this is what you meant and this is how i got the answer.
then we say x=Ae^(it) and then x'=iAe^(it) then x''=-Ae^(it) , then we plug these in and solve for A. then multiply and divide by the complex conjugate. and then we take the imaginary part because we started with sin(t) , which is the imaginary part of Eulers formula.
I am guessing you took the real part.
 
Sorry, i don't get it. When we are plugging it the equations, we write -Ae^(it)+2iAe^(it)+5Ae^(it)=e^(it), right? coz sin is the imaginary part of e^(it). And we solved that A=1/(4+2i), multiplying by its complex conjugate gives (4-2i)/20. and then i don't know how it gets to 1/5Sin[t]- 1/10 Cos[t].
 
I cannot say where you went wrong as you did not show steps. You should have got
C=(-1+2i)/20
C*=(-1-2i)/20
where * is complex conjugation then a particular solution is

(C+C*)cos(t)+(C-C*)sin(t)

note that in general (and here)

Re(C) cos(t)+Im(C) sin(t)

is not a particular solution

Edited to add: I think you used another convention for C, using your convention for C
Im(C) cos(t)+Re(C) sin(t)
is a particular solution, you probably just switched them
 
Last edited:
jaobyccdee said:
Sorry, i don't get it. When we are plugging it the equations, we write -Ae^(it)+2iAe^(it)+5Ae^(it)=e^(it), right? coz sin is the imaginary part of e^(it). And we solved that A=1/(4+2i), multiplying by its complex conjugate gives (4-2i)/20. and then i don't know how it gets to 1/5Sin[t]- 1/10 Cos[t].

Right so we know

(D2+2D+5)Cei t=ei t
and conclude

sin(t)=Im[ei t]
=Im[(D2+2D+5)Cei t]
=(D2+2D+5)Im[Cei t]
=(D2+2D+5)(Im[C]cos(t)+Re(C)sin(t))
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
980
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K