Graphing a d.e. w/ a discountinous forcing function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation (d.e.) y'' + y = f(t) with initial conditions y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 1, where the forcing function f(t) is defined as f(t) = 1 for 0 ≤ t < π/2 and f(t) = 0 for π/2 ≤ t < ∞. The solution obtained is Y(t) = 1 + sin(t) - cos(t) - U(π/2)[1 - sin(t)], where U(π/2) is the Heaviside step function. The main challenge presented is graphing the function Y(t) accurately.

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georgeh
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hey all
i have the following d.e.
y''+y=f(t); y(0)=0, y'(0)=1;
f(t)={ 1 , 0<=t < pi/2
{ 0, pi/2 <=t < infinity
so i solved the d.e.
and i got
Y(t) = 1+sin-cost-U_pi/2[1-sint]
i did all the work, i just don't know how to go about graphing the funciton..
any help would be appreciated.
 
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I'm having great difficulty trying to figure out what you mean in your expression for Y(t). :frown:
 

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