Is my solution for a differential equation with a forcing function correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correctness of a solution to a differential equation with a forcing function. Participants explore the methods for finding the complementary and particular solutions, addressing potential errors in calculations and assumptions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a differential equation and claims to have solved the complementary part, obtaining roots of -1 and -4, leading to a proposed complementary solution.
  • Another participant challenges the correctness of the roots, suggesting that there may have been a mistake in the formulation of the equation, specifically questioning the presence of two second-order terms.
  • A clarification is made by the original poster, indicating that the second term was intended to be a first derivative, not a second derivative.
  • Participants suggest that the original poster should double-check their calculation for the particular solution, specifically the term involving A.e-2t.
  • One participant claims to have found a particular solution of y_{p} = -e^{-2t} and invites others to verify this result.
  • Another participant reports obtaining different coefficients for the complementary solution, suggesting A_1 = 1/3 and A_2 = 3/2, and asserts that the previously mentioned particular solution is correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the correctness of the roots and the calculations for the particular solution. Multiple competing views remain, and the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the initial conditions and the implications of the forcing function on the solution. There are unresolved mathematical steps related to the calculations of the complementary and particular solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in differential equations, particularly those involving forcing functions, may find the discussion relevant.

zoom1
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Have an equation;

d2y(t)/dt2 + 5d2y(t)/dt2 + 4y(t) = 2e-2t

Solved the complementary(homogenous) part and the function and got the roots of -1 and -4

so the yh(t) is A1.e-4t + A2.e-t

Forcing function is 2.e-2t so yparticular(t) is A.e-2t

Am I right here ? Or am I supposed to use Ate-2t

Well, if I use the first one, the resultant function doesn't give me the 2.e-2t when I put it into the differential equation, so there is something wrong obviously.

However F(t) or one of its derivatives are not identical to terms in the homogenous solution, so I think I have to use the first option, which is A.e-2t

After proceeding I ended up with yp(t) = 1/3.e-2t

Initial values are y(0) = 0 and y(1)(0) = 0

so, K1 = -1/9 and K2 = -2/9

Still couldn't find where I am wrong
Appreciate if you help me.
 
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zoom1 said:
Have an equation;

d2y(t)/dt2 + 5d2y(t)/dt2 + 4y(t) = 2e-2t

Solved the complementary(homogenous) part and the function and got the roots of -1 and -4

For the differential equation you posted, the above roots are not correct. Did you intend for there to be two second order terms in the equation when you posted it?
 
gulfcoastfella said:
For the differential equation you posted, the above roots are not correct. Did you intend for there to be two second order terms in the equation when you posted it?

Ohh, pardon me, the second term is not the second derivative, it had to be first derivative.
 
You should double check your calculation for Ae-2t
 
Office_Shredder said:
You should double check your calculation for Ae-2t

Got it! Thank you ;)
 
I got a particular solution of y[itex]_{p}[/itex] = -e[itex]^{-2t}[/itex]. See if you get the same.
 
I get [itex]A_1=\frac{1}{3}[/itex] and [itex]A_2=\frac{3}{2}[/itex]. The particular solution given above is correct.

Double-check your calculations.
 

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