Finding the General Solution for Second Order Confusion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution for second-order differential equations, specifically exercises 6.1 and 6.2. Participants are exploring the form of the solution, questioning the use of $$x=Ae^{imt}$$ versus $$Ae^{px}$$, and discussing the implications of their choices on the auxiliary equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the general solution and are questioning the necessity of starting with specific forms of the solution. There is a focus on the auxiliary equation and the terms involved, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their calculations and the correctness of their approach.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the correct form of the solution and the steps involved in deriving the auxiliary equation. Some participants are providing feedback on each other's work, pointing out potential errors, and suggesting that the original poster verify their solutions against the differential equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating constraints related to the problem statement, which specifies certain forms for the solutions. There is also mention of a missing differential equation in one participant's post, which may affect the discussion.

Taylor_1989
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Homework Statement


Hi guys, I am having trouble with ex 6.1 and 6.2. I am listed my ans below, and shown working. Could someone please advise. First I am not sure why I have to start with $$x=Ae^{imt}$$. Why cannot start with
$$Ae^{px}$$?
upload_2017-2-8_19-53-2.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i) $$Aux: -m^2+irm+r^2=0$$
$$\Delta=(ir)^2-4(-1)(r^2)=3r^2$$
$$\sqrt(\Delta)=r\sqrt(3)$$
$$m=\frac{ir\pm r\sqrt(3)}{2}$$

$$x=e^{\frac{-ir}{2}}(Ae^{\frac{ir\sqrt3}{2}}+Be^{\frac{-ir\sqrt3}{2}})$$

ii) For this I followed the same process but came up with, which not enitrly sure if that satisfys the general solution.[/B]
$$x=Ae^{\frac{-ir}{2}}$$

iii) Once again same process and I got

$$x=e^{\frac{ir}{2}}(Ae^{\frac{ir\sqrt5}{2}}+Be^{\frac{-ir\sqrt5}{2}})$$

6.2 why do I have to concern myself with the solution, of
$$y=Axe^{imt}$$
when I am finding the P.I?
 
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Taylor_1989 said:

Homework Statement


Hi guys, I am having trouble with ex 6.1 and 6.2. I am listed my ans below, and shown working. Could someone please advise. First I am not sure why I have to start with $$x=Ae^{imt}$$. Why cannot start with
$$Ae^{px}$$?
View attachment 112754

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i) $$Aux: -m^2+irm+r^2=0$$
You skipped too many steps. The first two terms above are OK, but the third term is wrong.
Taylor_1989 said:
$$\Delta=(ir)^2-4(-1)(r^2)=3r^2$$
$$\sqrt(\Delta)=r\sqrt(3)$$
$$m=\frac{ir\pm r\sqrt(3)}{2}$$

$$x=e^{\frac{-ir}{2}}(Ae^{\frac{ir\sqrt3}{2}}+Be^{\frac{-ir\sqrt3}{2}})$$

ii) For this I followed the same process but came up with, which not enitrly sure if that satisfys the general solution.

$$x=Ae^{\frac{-ir}{2}}$$

iii) Once again same process and I got

$$x=e^{\frac{ir}{2}}(Ae^{\frac{ir\sqrt5}{2}}+Be^{\frac{-ir\sqrt5}{2}})$$


6.2 why do I have to concern myself with the solution, of
$$y=Axe^{imt}$$
when I am finding the P.I?
I don't know. The image you posted doesn't include the differential equation.
 
@Mark44 when you say the third is wrong which are in ref to? the quadtratic? The question say I have to use

$$Ae^{imt}$$

are you saying I should replace I am with p?
 
My confusion come from the question it self. Am I looking for a general soulution of the forum, x=Ae^imx or am I take the 1st and 2nd differential and and subbing in
 
Taylor_1989 said:
My confusion come from the question it self. Am I looking for a general soulution of the forum, x=Ae^imx or am I take the 1st and 2nd differential and and subbing in
You're looking for a solution of the form ##x = Ae^{imt}##, not ##Ae^{imx}##. It's probably a typo, but you don't want to assume that ##x = Ae^{imx}## is a solution, with x as both the dependent and independent variables.
Find x'(t) and x''(t), and substitute into the differential equation. It looks like you were doing this to get the auxiliary equation you showed, but the ##r^2## term in your quadratic equation is wrong.

As for your question, "why can't I start with ##Ae^{px}##?" the problem statement says to use ##x = Ae^{imt}## and not otherwise.
 
Last edited:
@Mark44 how is the r^2 value wrong as I have to sub it in for labda

my working are as follows:

$$\lambda=r^2$$

$$x''=-A(m^2)e^{imt}, x'= A(im)e^{imt}, x= Ae^{imt}$$
subbing the values in and factoring Ae^imt out of the equation I get a quadtratic in m

$$-m^2+imr+r^2=0$$
 
Last edited:
I missed that (case i)bit in your posted image. Sorry to have caused some confusion.
 
Taylor_1989 said:
@Mark44 how is the r^2 value wrong as I have to sub it in for labda

my working are as follows:

$$\lambda=r^2$$

$$x''=-A(m^2)e^{imt}, x'= A(im)e^{imt}, x= Ae^{imt}$$
subbing the values in and factoring Ae^imt out of the equation I get a quadtratic in m

$$-m^2+imr+r^2=0$$
Or ##m^2 -imr - r^2 = 0##
Now solve for m to get your solution ##x = Ae^{imt}##.
 
my general solution would be:

$$x=Ae^{\frac{ir\pm \sqrt3 t}{2}}$$
 
  • #10
no worries the print screen is not great
 
  • #11
Taylor_1989 said:
no worries the print screen is not great
It was clear enough -- I just didn't read far enough.
Taylor_1989 said:
my general solution would be:

$$x=Ae^{\frac{ir\pm \sqrt3 t}{2}}$$
This is close.

From your solution for m, ##m_1 = \frac r 2(\sqrt 3 + i), m_2 = \frac r 2(-\sqrt 3 + i)##
So, ##im_1 = \frac r 2(-1 + \sqrt 3 i)## and ##im_2 = \frac r 2(-1 - \sqrt 3 i)##
##x_1(t) = Ae^{im_1t}## and ##x_2(t) = Ae^{im_2t}##
It would be a good idea to verify that both are solutions to your diff. equation.
 

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