General Solution of the first order differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to a first-order differential equation of the form dy/dt + y = ∞∑Sin(nt)/n², where n is a constant. Participants explore various methods for solving the equation, including the use of particular and homogeneous solutions, and the implications of the infinite series in the nonhomogeneous term.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the method of undetermined coefficients, suggesting a solution of the form y(t) = yh(t) + yp(t), where yh(t) = Acos(2t) + Bsin(2t).
  • Others suggest finding particular solutions to dy/dt + y = sin(nt)/n² and summing these solutions, noting that the resulting series should converge due to the n² in the denominator.
  • One participant points out that the equation can be approached using an integrating factor.
  • Another participant mentions that the general solution to the homogeneous equation y' + y = 0 is y(t) = Ce^(-t) and suggests looking for a solution in the form of a series involving A_n sin(nt) and B_n cos(nt).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches to solving the differential equation, but there is no consensus on a single method or solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the convergence of the series or the specific forms of the particular solutions. The discussion includes different interpretations of the nonhomogeneous term and its implications for the solution.

Yr11Kid
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dy/dt + y = \infty \sumSin(nt)/n^2 n=1


Ok still a bit new with all these symbols and stuff but that is the basic jist of it.

y(t) = yh(t) + yp(t) it what i thought about using to start off with, yh(t) = Acos2t + Bsin2t.
Then subbing yp(t) into the differential equation. Not really sure about how to do this, help much appreciated :)
 
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Hey everyone,
This question kind of confused me, i think the general idea is to use y(t) = yh(t) + yp(t) and basically saying yh(t) = Acos2t + Bsin2t

to find yp(t) subbing into the differential equation and equating.

help much appreciated :)
 

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Here's an idea. It shouldn't be too hard to find particular solutions to dy/dt + y = sin(nt)/n^2, where n is an unspecified constant. Do that and then sum the solutions. You'll end up with a weird infinite series, but it should be convergent because of the n^2 in the denominator. And this is probably the best you can do, since the problem itself has a series as the nonhomogeneous term.
 
Do you mean:
<br /> \frac{dy}{dt}+y=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\sin (nt)}{n^{2}}<br />
This is an integrating factor question.
 
The general solution to the equation y'+ y= 0 is y(t)= Ce^{-t}

To find the general solution to the entire equation, look for a solution of the form
\sum_{n=1}^\infty A_n sin(nt)+ B_n cos(nt)

That will give you as sequence of equations to solve for A_n and B_n. Once you have that, add to Ce^{-t}.
 
I am combining the two threads on the same thing.
 

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