Higher Order Homogeneous ODE (IVP)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a higher order homogeneous ordinary differential equation (ODE) given initial value conditions. The specific equation is y'''' + y' = 0, with initial conditions y(0) = 5, y'(0) = 2, and y''(0) = 4.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the characteristic equation derived from the ODE and discuss the implications of having a root equal to zero. There are attempts to express the general solution and apply initial conditions, leading to questions about the correctness of the derived solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the initial steps and suggest a substitution to simplify the problem. There is recognition of a potential misunderstanding in the formulation of the final solution, prompting further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of a zero root and the validity of their derived solutions. There is a sense of frustration regarding the complexity of the problem and the initial conditions provided.

kape
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Higher Order Homogeneous ODE (IVP) [Solved]

I am having problems with this IVP:

y'''' + y' = 0

y(0) = 5
y'(0) = 2
y''(0) = 4

What I have done so far is:

[tex]\lambda^3 + \lambda = 0[/tex]

[tex]\lambda(\lambda^2 + 1) = 0[/tex]

So one roots is [tex]\lambda = 0[/tex]

(though.. can there be a root that is zero??)

And the other root is:

[tex]\lambda^2 = -1[/tex]

[tex]\lambda = \pm\sqrt{-1}[/tex]

[tex]\lambda = \pmi[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\omega = 1[/tex]

[tex]y = ce^(0)x + Acos\omegax + Bsin\omegax[/tex]

[tex]y = c + Acosx + Bsinx[/tex]

[tex]y' = -Asinx + Bcosx[/tex]

[tex]y' = -Acosx - Bsinx[/tex]

So, putting in the initial values..

c + A = 5 (so c = 9)
B = 2
A = -4

and so the answer is:

[tex]y = 9e^x - 4cosx + 2sinx[/tex]

But it seems the answer is wrong..

(though, considering my severe lack of math skills, it doesn't surprise me)


I really need to be able to solve this problem.. can anyone help?
 
Last edited:
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1.You put one prime more than was necessary in the first equation.

2.Make the substitution

[tex]y'(x)=f(x)[/tex]

and then integrate the resulting ODE. Then you'll know what to do.

Daniel.
 
kape said:
I am having problems with this IVP:

y'''' + y' = 0

y(0) = 5
y'(0) = 2
y''(0) = 4

What I have done so far is:

[tex]\lambda^3 + \lambda = 0[/tex]

[tex]\lambda(\lambda^2 + 1) = 0[/tex]

So one roots is [tex]\lambda = 0[/tex]

(though.. can there be a root that is zero??)
Yes, it is certainly possible for 0 to satisfy an equation!

And the other root is:

[tex]\lambda^2 = -1[/tex]

[tex]\lambda = \pm\sqrt{-1}[/tex]

[tex]\lambda = \pmi[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\omega = 1[/tex]

[tex]y = ce^(0)x + Acos\omegax + Bsin\omegax[/tex]

[tex]y = c + Acosx + Bsinx[/tex]

[tex]y' = -Asinx + Bcosx[/tex]

[tex]y' = -Acosx - Bsinx[/tex]

So, putting in the initial values..

c + A = 5 (so c = 9)
B = 2
A = -4

and so the answer is:

[tex]y = 9e^x - 4cosx + 2sinx[/tex]

But it seems the answer is wrong..

(though, considering my severe lack of math skills, it doesn't surprise me)


I really need to be able to solve this problem.. can anyone help?
Well, yes, of course, that's wrong! You started by saying (correctly) that the solution must be of the form
[tex]y = ce^{(0)x} + Acos \omega x + Bsin \omega x[/tex]
[tex]y = c+ A cos x+ B sin x[/tex]

But after solving (correctly) for c=9, A= -4, and B= 2, you give the solution as
[tex]y = 9e^x - 4cosx + 2sinx[/tex]

Do you see the difference?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
oh! thank you! i just understood! :D
 

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