Find General Solution to Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the second order inhomogeneous differential equation y'' - 3y' + 2y = e2xcos x. Participants are exploring the general solution and the particular solution associated with the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods for finding the particular solution, including the inverted operator technique and the variation of parameters method. There are attempts to substitute expressions into the original equation, leading to questions about the correctness of derived coefficients.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the algebra involved in substituting the particular solution into the differential equation. Some participants have provided corrections and clarifications regarding the coefficients used in the particular solution, while others are seeking further details on the algebraic manipulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential confusion regarding the coefficients C and D in the particular solution, as well as the need for detailed algebraic steps to clarify the process. There is an emphasis on ensuring accuracy in the substitution process.

JoshMaths
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Homework Statement



y'' - 3y' + 2y = e2xcos x

The Attempt at a Solution



So this is a second order inhomogeneous equation.

gives λ = {2,1}
get yCF giving Ae2x + Bex
so yP = e2x(Ccosx + Dsinx)

Here is where is gets a bit fuzzy.

Subbing this into the top equation gives me 2e2x((-2D-C)cosx + (2C-D)sinx)

which is wrong, i have gone through it and am missing something can you help me find this correct expression? Thanks.
 
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Well, it depends on what method you used to find ##y_p##. Personally, i use the inverted operator technique (but there is apparently also the variation of parameters method).

Here is what i would do: Use the shift theorem to separate ##e^{2x}## (moves to the left) from ##\cos x##. $$\frac{ke^{ax}.\phi (x)}{L(D)}\to ke^{ax}.\frac{\phi (x)}{L(D+a)}$$where k=1, a=2.
From there, use the appropriate inverted operator technique on ##\cos x## which is: $$\frac{k\cos (ax+b)}{L(D)} \to \frac{k\cos (ax+b)}{L(-a^2)}$$ where k=1, a=1, b =0.
 
JoshMaths said:
So this is a second order inhomogeneous equation.

gives λ = {2,1}
get yCF giving Ae2x + Bex
so yP = e2x(Acosx + Bsinx)

Correct so far.


JoshMaths said:
Here is where is gets a bit fuzzy.

Subbing this into the top equation gives me 2e2x((-2D-C)cosx + (2C-D)sinx)

What are C and D? Show your work in detail, please.

ehild
 
JoshMaths said:

Homework Statement



y'' - 3y' + 2y = e2xcos x

The Attempt at a Solution



So this is a second order inhomogeneous equation.

gives λ = {2,1}
get yCF giving Ae2x + Bex
so yP = e2x(Ccosx + Dsinx)

Here is where is gets a bit fuzzy.

Subbing this into the top equation gives me 2e2x((-2D-C)cosx + (2C-D)sinx)

which is wrong, i have gone through it and am missing something can you help me find this correct expression? Thanks.
Subbing into the top equation, I get e2x((-C+D)cosx + (-C-D)sinx) for the left hand side.
 
SammyS said:
Subbing into the top equation, I get e2x((-C+D)cosx + (-C-D)sinx) for the left hand side.

That is correct, Sammy. :cool:

ehild
 
ehild said:
Correct so far.

What are C and D? Show your work in detail, please.

ehild

Yep, my mistake, C and D were in y particular but I always mix them up accidentally. It has been fixed.

SammyS said:
Subbing into the top equation, I get e2x((-C+D)cosx + (-C-D)sinx) for the left hand side.

Yep, this is right, i tried and i got (-C-3D)cosx +(3C-D)sinx i guess i am just not seeing it. I understand if you don't have time to write out some of the algebra manipulations but they would be useful if anyone could find a minute. If not, i'll keep working at it.
 
JoshMaths said:
Yep, my mistake, C and D were in y particular but I always mix them up accidentally. It has been fixed.

Yep, this is right, i tried and i got (-C-3D)cosx +(3C-D)sinx i guess i am just not seeing it. I understand if you don't have time to write out some of the algebra manipulations but they would be useful if anyone could find a minute. If not, i'll keep working at it.
What do you get for y' and y'' ?
 
SammyS said:
What do you get for y' and y'' ?

I have tried with y'' + 3y' + 2y = e2xcos x

and get e2x((11C+7D)cosx + (11D-7C)sinx) which is correct so i think it was just that specific example i was having trouble with, but i understand the principle behind it better now.
 
To repeat my question(s) ...

What do you get for yP' ?

What do you get for yP'' ?
 

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