Finding a Solution for a Differential System with Initial Conditions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a solution for a system of differential equations given by ##{x}'''=2x+y## and ##{y}'''=x+2y##, along with specific initial conditions for both functions x and y. The problem is situated within the context of differential equations, particularly focusing on higher-order systems.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the associated matrix, questioning the validity of their calculations and the implications for the general solution. There are discussions about the nature of the system being third order rather than first order, and participants express confusion regarding the number of initial conditions relative to the constants in the solution.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered insights into the nature of the equations and the implications of the initial conditions. There is an ongoing exploration of potential methods to approach the problem, including transforming the system into first-order equations and considering complex eigenvalues. However, no consensus has been reached on a definitive method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of having six initial conditions for only two constants in the solution, raising questions about the setup and assumptions of the problem. There is also mention of the need to clarify the meaning of derivatives in the context of the equations.

skrat
Messages
740
Reaction score
8

Homework Statement


Find a solution of the system ##{x}'''=2x+y## and ##{y}'''=x+2y## for which ##x(0)={x}'(0)=0## and ##{x}''(0)=1## also for ##y(0)={y}'(0)=0## and ##{y}''(0)=1##.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I must be doing something wrong:

##\begin{bmatrix}
{x}'''\\
{y}'''
\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}
2 & 1\\
1&2
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
x\\
y
\end{bmatrix}##

Eigenvalues are ##\lambda _1=1## and ##\lambda _2=3## so eigenvectors ##v_1=(-1,1)## and ##v_2=(1,1)##.

Therefore matrix ##D=\begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0\\
0& 3
\end{bmatrix}## and matrix ##P=\begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 1\\
1&1
\end{bmatrix}##

So general solution should be ##\begin{bmatrix}
x\\
y
\end{bmatrix}=Pe^{Dx}\vec{c}=\begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 1\\
1&1
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
e^x & 0\\
0& e^{3x}
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
A\\
B
\end{bmatrix}##

But all these conditions ##x(0)={x}'(0)=0## and ##{x}''(0)=1## also for ##y(0)={y}'(0)=0## and ##{y}''(0)=1##... What do I do? :/

Thank you for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
skrat said:

Homework Statement


Find a solution of the system ##{x}'''=2x+y## and ##{y}'''=x+2y## for which ##x(0)={x}'(0)=0## and ##{x}''(0)=1## also for ##y(0)={y}'(0)=0## and ##{y}''(0)=1##.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I must be doing something wrong:

##\begin{bmatrix}
{x}'''\\
{y}'''
\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}
2 & 1\\
1&2
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
x\\
y
\end{bmatrix}##

Eigenvalues are ##\lambda _1=1## and ##\lambda _2=3## so eigenvectors ##v_1=(-1,1)## and ##v_2=(1,1)##.

Therefore matrix ##D=\begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0\\
0& 3
\end{bmatrix}## and matrix ##P=\begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 1\\
1&1
\end{bmatrix}##

So general solution should be ##\begin{bmatrix}
x\\
y
\end{bmatrix}=Pe^{Dx}\vec{c}=\begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 1\\
1&1
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
e^x & 0\\
0& e^{3x}
\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}
A\\
B
\end{bmatrix}##

But all these conditions ##x(0)={x}'(0)=0## and ##{x}''(0)=1## also for ##y(0)={y}'(0)=0## and ##{y}''(0)=1##... What do I do? :/

Thank you for your help!

λ2 is not 3, but third root of 3. Both x and y are functions of the same variable, say t. And you tried to find the solutions as x(t)=aeλt and y(t)=beλt. You cannot write exponents of x into the solution.

What does the last matrix equation mean for x(t) and y(t)? ( Expand the product.) You have to find the constants A and B so as the initial conditions are fulfilled.

ehild
 
Last edited:
##det\begin{bmatrix}
2-\lambda &1 \\
1 & 2-\lambda
\end{bmatrix}=(2-\lambda )^2-1=\lambda ^2-4\lambda +3=(\lambda -1)(\lambda -3)=0## ?

am... it means that ##\begin{bmatrix}
x\\
y
\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}
-Ae^x+Be^{3x}\\
Ae^x+Be^{3x}
\end{bmatrix}## but i have 6 conditions for only two constants... O.o
 
It is not a first order but third order system of equations. And your matrix equation means that x= -Aex+Be3x. Do you think it true? ehild
 
Last edited:
ehild said:
It is not a first order but third order system of equations.

Am, I can see the problem but I have to admit that I don't know what to do? Should I calculate the eigen values of matrix ##A^3## ?

ehild said:
And your matrix equation means that x= -Aex+Be3x. Do you think it true?

Uf, good point, I guess the ##'## mean derivation by t and not by x.
 
skrat said:
Am, I can see the problem but I have to admit that I don't know what to do? Should I calculate the eigen values of matrix ##A^3## ?

No, why ? Still, yo can assume the solutions of form x=aeλt, y=beλt). Substitute into the original equations. You get values 1 and 3 for λ3. But λ is a complex number, and you have the complex third roots, 6 values altogether.

Or you can introduce dummy variables u=dx/dt, v=du/dt and p=dy/dt, q=dp/dt to transform the original equations into first order ones. Then you have a system of six first order equations and you can solve it with the standard method.

ehild
 
Aaa, ok, i get it now... Is this a standard procedure for systems that are second orders or higher?

So I will get a polynomial ##\lambda ^6-4\lambda ^3+3=(\lambda -1)(\lambda ^3-3)(\lambda ^2+\lambda +1)##

This gives me ##\lambda _1=1## and ##\lambda _{1,2}=\frac{1}{2}(-1\pm i\sqrt{3})## and ##\lambda _3= \sqrt[3]{3}##

How exactly do I get the other two? O.o
 
λ6-4λ3+3=0 is a quadratic equation in λ3, with solutions λ3=1 and λ3=3.

So the roots are 1, (-1/2±√3/2 i) and 31/3, 31/3(-1/2±√3/2 i)

(You can factorize λ3-3 in the same way you did with λ3. If a=31/3, λ3-3=(λ-a)(λ2+aλ+a2).)

ehild
 
Thank you, now I know how to finish this!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K