Finding the Particular solution to a Diff. Eq. System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a system of differential equations represented by the equation \( W' = \left(\begin{matrix} 4 & 2 \\ 2 & 4 \end{matrix} \right) W + \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\6 \end{pmatrix} \). Participants are exploring the process of finding a particular solution after having identified the homogeneous solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for finding the particular solution, including the use of the homogeneous solution and the implications of integrating constants. Some question the approach of using the matrix's invertibility to find the particular solution directly.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to approach the problem, with some participants suggesting alternative strategies and questioning the assumptions made in the original poster's process. Guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the non-homogeneous part of the equation and the need to consider constants when integrating.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly interpreting the signs in the equations and the implications of the constant vector in the context of the differential equation. There is also a mention of the transition of the thread from a mathematics forum, which may influence the format of the discussion.

dumbdumNotSmart
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Mentor note: moved from mathematics forums, therefore no homework template

Hello mates. I have a System of Differential Equations on my hands.

$$ W' = \left(\begin{matrix} 4 & 2 \\ 2 & 4 \end{matrix} \right) W + \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\6 \end{pmatrix}$$
where transposed W is (x y z). I have found the homogenous solution to said system. Finding the Particular solution is what I am not sure about. So far I have tried acquiring the particular using the homogenous solution, which I found to be:
$$ W_H = c_1 e^{6t} \left(\begin{matrix} 1 \\ 1 \end{matrix} \right) + c_2e^{2t} \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}$$
Particular solution I am looking for is :
$$ W_P=\begin{pmatrix} e^{6t} & e^{2t} \\ e^{6t} & -e^{2t} \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1 \\u_2 \end{pmatrix} $$
And we can find it with the following equation (u' would be the derivative of u):
$$ \begin{pmatrix} 6\\6 \end{pmatrix} =\begin{pmatrix} e^{6t} & e^{2t} \\ e^{6t} & -e^{2t} \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1' \\u_2' \end{pmatrix} $$

This gives us the following equations:

$$ u_1' e^{6t} + u_2' e^{2t} =6 \\ u_1'e^{6t}-u_2'e^{2t}=6 \\ \Rightarrow u_1=-e^{-6t} \land u_2=0 $$

So my question is, when we integrate u2', would we consider the constant of integration... or not because we are finding the particular? Is my process correct? Thank you peeps
 
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dumbdumNotSmart said:
Particular solution I am looking for is :
I don't understand why you would proceed from here on in the way you do. The matrix defining the homogeneous part of the differential equation is invertible, so calculating a particular solution just amounts to taking an inverse.

And what is a "peep"?
 
Krylov said:
And what is a "peep"?
Singular of "peeps" -- or "people".
 
Mark44 said:
Singular of "peeps" -- or "people".
It sounded odd to me, thank you for the clarification.
 
dumbdumNotSmart said:
Mentor note: moved from mathematics forums, therefore no homework template

Hello mates. I have a System of Differential Equations on my hands.

$$ W' = \left(\begin{matrix} 4 & 2 \\ 2 & 4 \end{matrix} \right) W + \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\6 \end{pmatrix}$$
where transposed W is (x y z). I have found the homogenous solution to said system. Finding the Particular solution is what I am not sure about. So far I have tried acquiring the particular using the homogenous solution, which I found to be:
$$ W_H = c_1 e^{6t} \left(\begin{matrix} 1 \\ 1 \end{matrix} \right) + c_2e^{2t} \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}$$
Particular solution I am looking for is :
$$ W_P=\begin{pmatrix} e^{6t} & e^{2t} \\ e^{6t} & -e^{2t} \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1 \\u_2 \end{pmatrix} $$
And we can find it with the following equation (u' would be the derivative of u):
$$ \begin{pmatrix} 6\\6 \end{pmatrix} =\begin{pmatrix} e^{6t} & e^{2t} \\ e^{6t} & -e^{2t} \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1' \\u_2' \end{pmatrix} $$

This gives us the following equations:

$$ u_1' e^{6t} + u_2' e^{2t} =6 \\ u_1'e^{6t}-u_2'e^{2t}=6 \\ \Rightarrow u_1=-e^{-6t} \land u_2=0 $$

So my question is, when we integrate u2', would we consider the constant of integration... or not because we are finding the particular? Is my process correct? Thank you peeps

There is an easier way: suppose
A = \pmatrix{4 & 2 \\ 2 & 4}, \;\text{and} \; r = \pmatrix{6\\6}.
Your DE is ## W' = AW + r. ## If ##k## is the column-vector solution of ##Ak = r##, your DE reads as ##W' = A(W+k),## so the vector ##Z = W+k## satisfies ##Z' = AZ##, because ##k## is constant. So, ##W = Z-k##, where ##Z## is a solution of the homogeneous equation.
 
Equivalently- since the "non-homogeneous" part of the equation is the constant vector, \begin{pmatrix}6 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}, the part of the solution due to that must be constant, say, \begin{pmatrix}A \\ B \end{pmatrix}. The derivative of a constant is 0 so we have the equation
\begin{pmatrix}4 & 2 \\ 2 & 4 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}A\\ B\end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix}4A+ 2B\\ 2A+ 4B \end{pmatrix}= \begin{pmatrix}6 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}
so we have the two equation 4A+ 2B= 6 and 2A+ 4B= 6.
 
I think we now have the same hint three times. Also,
HallsofIvy said:
so we have the equation
mind the minus sign: To obtain a (constant) particular solution ##W_p##, solve
$$
\begin{bmatrix}
4& 2\\
2& 4
\end{bmatrix}
W_p
= \color{red}{-}
\begin{bmatrix}
6\\
6
\end{bmatrix}
$$
 
Thanks guys. It makes sense that the non-homogenous solution would have constant elements. Although I don't understand what you are saying krylov by minding the minus sign, when did it come in play?
 
dumbdumNotSmart said:
Although I don't understand what you are saying krylov by minding the minus sign, when did it come in play?
When you substitute an unknown constant vector ##W_p## into the inhomogeneous equation, indeed you end up with a linear system, but you have to be careful that there is a minus sign in from of ##(6,6)## in the right-hand side. That minus sign was accidentally missing in the post of @HallsofIvy .
 

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