Initial Value w/ Vector-Valued Function

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The discussion revolves around integrating a vector-valued function from its second derivative to find the position vector. The integration process yields a position vector, but there is confusion regarding the constants of integration, particularly C2. Initial conditions are applied to determine the constants, revealing that C2 should be zero, contrary to an initial assumption that it was six. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying initial conditions to ensure the solution aligns with expected results. The thread also touches on a side question about the forum's layout regarding marking threads as solved.
opus
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Homework Statement
Solve the initial value problem for the vector function ##\vec r(t)##.
Relevant Equations
##\frac{d^2\vec r}{dt^2} = -\cos(t)\hat i - 12\sin(2t)\hat j - 9.8\hat k## ;
##\vec r(0) = 10\hat j + 150\hat k##
##\vec r'(0) = \hat i + 6\hat j##
From ##\vec r''(t)## we integrate to get
$$\vec r'(t) = \left(-\sin(t)+C_1\right)\hat i + \left(6\cos(2t)+C_2\right)\hat j - \left(9.8t+C_3\right)\hat k$$

Solving for the C constants using ##\vec r'(0) = 1\hat i + 6\hat j + 0\hat k##,
##\vec r'(0) = <C_1, C_2, C_3>##
##=<1, 6, 0>##

So we now have $$\vec r'(t) = \left(-\sin(t)+1\right)\hat i + \left(6\cos(2t)+6\right)\hat j - \left(9.8t\right)\hat k$$

Using the same process one more time,

##\vec r(t) = \left(\cos(t) + t + C_4\right)\hat i + \left(3\sin(2t) + 6t + C_5\right)\hat j - \left(4.9t^2 +C_6\right)\hat k##

Solving for the constants like before, and using the initial values given,
##\vec r(0) = < C_4, C_5, C_6 >##
##= <0, 10, 150>##

And we can now state the position vector as:
$$\vec r(t) = \left(\cos(t)+t\right)\hat i + \left(3sin(2t)+6t+10\right)\hat j + \left(-4.9t^2+150\right)\hat k$$

Would someone mind pointing me to where I have made a mistake? This doesn't match the given solution key which is:
##\vec r(t) = \left(\cos(t) + t-1\right)\hat i + \left(3\sin(2t)+10\right)\hat j + \left(150-4.9t^2\right)\hat k##
 
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Here is my handwritten work if that would help too.
 

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opus said:
From ##\vec r''(t)## we integrate to get
$$\vec r'(t) = \left(-\sin(t)+C_1\right)\hat i + \left(6\cos(2t)+C_2\right)\hat j - \left(9.8t+C_3\right)\hat k$$

Solving for the C constants using ##\vec r'(0) = 1\hat i + 6\hat j + 0\hat k##,
##\vec r'(0) = <C_1, C_2, C_3>##
##=<1, 6, 0>##

So we now have $$\vec r'(t) = \left(-\sin(t)+1\right)\hat i + \left(6\cos(2t)+6\right)\hat j - \left(9.8t\right)\hat k$$
##C_2## should be ##0##. I didn't check further.
 
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Thank you for the reply. What's the reasoning?
We have ##\vec r'(0) = 1\hat i + 6\hat j + 0\hat k##
So wouldn't it follow that ##\vec r'(0) = <C_1, C_2, C_3> = <1, 6, 0>## and therefore C2 would be 6?
 
opus said:
Thank you for the reply. What's the reasoning?
We have ##\vec r'(0) = 1\hat i + 6\hat j + 0\hat k##
So wouldn't it follow that ##\vec r'(0) = <C_1, C_2, C_3> = <1, 6, 0>## and therefore C2 would be 6?
Put ##t=0## in your ##\vec r'(t)## and see what you get.
 
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I get ##\vec r'(0) = 1\hat i + 12\hat j + 0\hat k## which does not match the given initial conditions. I wonder if my integration was wrong?
 
It is because your value for ##C_2## should be zero as I originally told you. Your solution is$$
\vec r'(t) = \langle -\sin t, 6\cos(2t), -9.8t \rangle + \langle C_1,C_2, C_3 \rangle $$so when you put ##t=0## your initial condition becomes$$
\vec r'(0) = \langle 0, 6, 0 \rangle + \langle C_1,C_2, C_3 \rangle = \langle 1,6,0\rangle $$giving ##C_1=1,~C_2=0,~C_3=0##.
 
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Oh ok I see what you mean. Sorry I was a little confused there. From the book and class I don't yet really grasp what's going on with the initial conditions with these, but they way you wrote it there by adding the constant vector separately makes more sense.
Thanks!
 
Side question: Is there a "mark solved" button in this new PF layout? Can't seem to find it.
 
  • #10
opus said:
Side question: Is there a "mark solved" button in this new PF layout? Can't seem to find it.
I don't see it either. This will let @Greg Bernhardt know.
 
  • #12
Ok just wanted to make sure. Thanks all!
 

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