Initial Value problem with complex roots

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem involving a second-order differential equation with piecewise conditions. The equation is d²y/dt² + 4y = {1, 0 <= t <= π/2} and {sin(t), π/2 < t}, with initial conditions y(0) = 2 and y'(0) = -1. Participants are exploring the implications of complex roots in the characteristic equation and the appropriate form for a particular solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the characteristic equation and the method of undetermined coefficients for finding particular solutions. There are questions about the correctness of assumed forms for the particular solution and the values used in the initial conditions. Some participants suggest alternative forms for the particular solution and question the assumptions made in the setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's approaches. Some have offered alternative methods and forms for the particular solution, while others are questioning the validity of certain steps taken in the calculations. There is a general sense of exploration without a clear consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of piecewise functions and the implications of using different methods, such as variation of parameters or Laplace transforms, in solving the initial value problem. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the particular solution aligns with the conditions set by the piecewise definition of the problem.

ManMonkeyFish
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1.Solve the following initial value problem


d^2y/dt^2 + 4y = { 1, 0<= t <=Pi/2 } {sin(t), Pi/2 < t}


y(0) = 2

y'(0) = -1

I used y(t) = e^rt
3. For y'' + 4y' =1

y(t)= e^rt
Yp(0)=1

r^2+4 = 0
r = 2i

y1(t) = C1 Cos(2t) + C2Sin(2t) + Yp(0)
y1'(t) = -2C1Sin(2t) + 2C2Cos(2t)

y1(0) = 2 = C1 +1
y1'(0) = -1 = 2C2
C1 = 1
C2 = -1/2

y1(t) = Cos(2t) - 1/2 Sin(2t) + 1
y1'(t) = -2Sin(2t) - Cos(2t)

y1(Pi/2) = 0 ??

y1'(Pi/2) = 1

for t > Pi/2

0 = y1(Pi/2) = C1
1 = y1'(pi/2) = 2C2

C1 = 0
C2 = 1/2

so my answer is

-2Sin(2t) - Cos(2t) 0<= t <= Pi/2

Cos(2t) Pi/2 < t

Which I believe is wrong, I think I made a mistake at this step:cry:

y1(t) = Cos(2t) - 1/2 Sin(2t) + 1

y1(Pi/2) = 0 ??


Thank you for any help, this one has been giving me problems .
I need to find out where I am going wrong, and I appreciate any and all feedback.
 
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ManMonkeyFish said:
1.Solve the following initial value problem


d^2y/dt^2 + 4y = { 1, 0<= t <=Pi/2 } {sin(t), Pi/2 < t}


y(0) = 2

y'(0) = -1




I used y(t) = e^rt



3. For y'' + 4y' =1

y(t)= e^rt
Yp(0)=1

r^2+4 = 0
r = 2i

y1(t) = C1 Cos(2t) + C2Sin(2t) + Yp(0)
y1'(t) = -2C1Sin(2t) + 2C2Cos(2t)

y1(0) = 2 = C1 +1


Yp(0)? Yp(0)=1? No, I don't think so. Put y1(t) into the original equation.
 
ManMonkeyFish said:
1.Solve the following initial value problem


d^2y/dt^2 + 4y = { 1, 0<= t <=Pi/2 } {sin(t), Pi/2 < t}


y(0) = 2

y'(0) = -1




I used y(t) = e^rt



3. For y'' + 4y' =1

typo. You mean y"+4y= 1

y(t)= e^rt
Yp(0)=1
Is yp a "particular solution to the whole equation? If so this is wrong. Since the right hand side is a constant, you can look for a particular solution that is a constant but not necessarily 1! What happens if you put y(t)= A (a constant into the equation?

r^2+4 = 0
r = 2i

y1(t) = C1 Cos(2t) + C2Sin(2t) + Yp(0)
y1'(t) = -2C1Sin(2t) + 2C2Cos(2t)

y1(0) = 2 = C1 +1
y1'(0) = -1 = 2C2
Good except that it is NOT "+ 1".

C1 = 1
C2 = -1/2

y1(t) = Cos(2t) - 1/2 Sin(2t) + 1
y1'(t) = -2Sin(2t) - Cos(2t)

y1(Pi/2) = 0 ??

y1'(Pi/2) = 1

for t > Pi/2

0 = y1(Pi/2) = C1
1 = y1'(pi/2) = 2C2

C1 = 0
C2 = 1/2

so my answer is

-2Sin(2t) - Cos(2t) 0<= t <= Pi/2

Cos(2t) Pi/2 < t

Which I believe is wrong, I think I made a mistake at this step:cry:

y1(t) = Cos(2t) - 1/2 Sin(2t) + 1

y1(Pi/2) = 0 ??
Thank you for any help, this one has been giving me problems .
I need to find out where I am going wrong, and I appreciate any and all feedback.
 
Are you allowed to use "variation of parameters"? How about Laplace transforms ? (LT are traditionally used for delta and step functions on the RHS).

...beauty bare - but not here...

: )
 
You have an altogether different partitular solution for t>t/2. Try y_p=Asin(t) +Bcos(t)
 
HallsofIvy is this the proper way?
Y(p) = 1/4

Y(t) = k (k is a constant)

Y''(t) = 0

so 4k = 1

k = 1/4

Which leads to the first

y(0) => 2 = C1Cos(2t) + C2Sin(2t) + 1/4 (not 1 :cry: )
y'(0) => -1 = -2C1Sin(2t) + 2C2Cos(2t)

C1 = 9/4
C2 = -1/2


which gives

y = 7/4 cos(2t) - 1/2 sin(2t) + 1/4 for 0 <=t <= Pi/2

now using y(p) = aSin(t) + bCos(t) (Thank you gammamcc!)

3aSin(t) + 3bCos(t) plugging in Pi/2 gives 3a = sin(t) (sin(t) , Pi/2 < t)
a= 1/3 sin(t)
Y(p) = 1/3 sin(t)

Is plugging in the values then setting it equal to the bounds legal or do I have to set the sin(t) to sin(Pi/2) as well which would equal 1.
Giving Y(p) = 1/3 instead of Y(p) = 1/3 sin(t)

Using Y(p) = 1/3 sin(t) I have

y = -1/2Sin(2t) + 11/6Cos(2t) + 1/3Sin(t) for Pi/2 < t

If this is correct then would you kindly explain the way at finding the second Y(p) as I do not feel very comfortable in how I arrived at that answer. Thank you!
 
This way of finding a particular solution is essentially called 'guessing'. Ie guess a form for the answer and then show it works. There is a more systematic way called variation of parameters - but guessing is much easier (when you can do it).
 
And your answer is correct.
 
Dick said:
This way of finding a particular solution is essentially called 'guessing'. Ie guess a form for the answer and then show it works. There is a more systematic way called variation of parameters - but guessing is much easier (when you can do it).

So as long as the "guess" fits the form and works it is allowed? So using an equation and setting it equal to the value given, then plugging in the value in the leftside only is acceptable?

Dick said:
And your answer is correct.

Thanks!
 
  • #10
Yes. You only need one particular solution. So guess AND SHOW IT WORKS is perfectly valid. Note just guessing is not enough. :)
 

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