Differential Equations [Show every member is a solution]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation problem involving the function y = e^(rx) and its derivatives. Participants are exploring the values of r that satisfy the equation 2y'' + y' - y = 0, as well as how to demonstrate that a family of functions derived from these values also serves as solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding specific values for r and how to apply these to show that the family of functions y = ae^(r1*x) + be^(r2*x) is a solution. Questions arise about the process of plugging in values and verifying the solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have successfully identified the values of r and are attempting to apply them in part B of the problem. There is ongoing exploration of the verification process, with some expressing confusion about how to handle the resulting expressions and the presence of unknown variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem, particularly in proving the solution with two unknown variables remaining after factoring. There is a sense of uncertainty regarding the steps needed to demonstrate the solution effectively.

Jay J
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Jay J said:

Homework Statement


PART A: For what values of r does the function y= e^ (rx) satisfy the differential equation 2y" + y' - y = 0?

PART B: If r1 and r2 are the values of r that you found in part A, show that every member of the family of functions y=ae^(r1*x) + be^(r2*x) is also a solution


Homework Equations


derivatives, factoring.


The Attempt at a Solution



I got part A, by taking the 1st and 2nd derivative of y and plugging into the equation and factoring to obtain r= -1 and r =1/2.

but what I'm really stuck on is how to show the answer for PART B?

Do you just plug in your r1 & r2 values from part a?

Please Help.

You should have gotten two specific values for r1 and r2, one of which happens to be a fraction. Show that the function y = aer_1 x + ber_2 x is a solution to your differential equation. That's it.
 
Mark44 said:
You should have gotten two specific values for r1 and r2, one of which happens to be a fraction. Show that the function y = aer_1 x + ber_2 x is a solution to your differential equation. That's it.

I did get 2 answers, r= -1 and r=1/2. So now just plug those into the equation in part b ?
 
Jay J said:
I did get 2 answers, r= -1 and r=1/2. So now just plug those into the equation in part b ?
Yes. Then for that function, show that 2y'' + y' - y = 0.
 
Mark44 said:
Yes. Then for that function, show that 2y'' + y' - y = 0.


O, okay thank you , it was really confusing me :confused:
 
Mark44 said:
Yes. Then for that function, show that 2y'' + y' - y = 0.


When I Plugged back into 2y'' + y' -y = 0 I get 2ae-x+1/2be1/2x -ae-x +1/2be1/2x -ae-x -be1/2x=0

and there's nothing to cancel out :rolleyes:?

Help?
 
Jay J said:
When I Plugged back into 2y'' + y' -y = 0 I get 2ae-x+1/2be1/2x -ae-x +1/2be1/2x -ae-x -be1/2x=0

and there's nothing to cancel out :rolleyes:?

Help?

2ae-x+1/2be1/2x -ae-x +1/2be1/2x -ae-x -be1/2x = e-x(2a - a - a) + e.5x(.5b + .5b - b) = ?
 
Mark44 said:
2ae-x+1/2be1/2x -ae-x +1/2be1/2x -ae-x -be1/2x = e-x(2a - a - a) + e.5x(.5b + .5b - b) = ?

ahh totally 4got about that ex . . let's see what I can do now lol
 
um I am still having some trouble with this . . cause even after factoring it your left with 2 unknown variables so how are you to prove it?
 
  • #10
Never Mind, I'm an idiot I already answered the Question lmao

Thanks Guys.
 

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