Initial Value w/ Vector-Valued Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a vector-valued function, specifically focusing on determining the constants of integration using initial conditions. The subject area includes calculus and vector calculus concepts related to motion and derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the second derivative to find the first derivative and subsequently the position vector. There are attempts to solve for constants using initial conditions, with some questioning the values assigned to these constants.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the reasoning behind the values of the constants. Some express confusion regarding the initial conditions and their implications, while others provide insights into the integration process and the assignment of constants.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of discrepancies between the participant's results and a provided solution key, leading to discussions about potential mistakes in integration or assumptions made during the process. The understanding of initial conditions appears to be a point of contention.

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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