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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation x''[t] + 2x[t] + 5x[t] = sin(t). Participants are exploring the methods for finding a particular solution and the implications of using complex exponentials in their approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution of complex exponentials and the extraction of real and imaginary parts to find the particular solution. There is confusion regarding the correct form of the solution and the roles of real and imaginary components in the context of Euler's formula.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of the solution process. Some have provided insights into the use of complex conjugates and the implications of different conventions for the constants involved. There is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation of the solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of their explanations and the sharing of complete solutions. There is also a noted confusion about the conventions used for the constants in the solution process.

jaobyccdee
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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.
 
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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))
 

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