MHB -m30b Convert the differential equation

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The discussion focuses on converting the second-order differential equation y'' + 5y' + 6y = e^x into a system of first-order equations. Participants clarify that the characteristic equation is λ^2 + 5λ + 6 = 0, leading to roots λ = -2 and λ = -3, which correspond to the homogeneous solution. The system is defined with A(x) = y(x) and B(x) = y'(x), resulting in the equations A' = B and B' = e^x - 5B - 6A. The final matrix representation of the system is presented, allowing for further analysis and solution of the nonhomogeneous equations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly setting up the system before solving it.
karush
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Convert the differential equation

$$y''+5y'+6y=e^x$$
into a system of first order (nonhomogeneous) differential equations and solve the system.

the characteristic equation is
$$\lambda^2+5\lambda+6=e^x$$
factor
$$(\lambda+2)(\lambda+3)=e^x$$

ok not real sure what to do with this $=e^x$ thing
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
Convert the differential equation

$$y''+5y'+6y=e^x$$
into a system of fi rst order (nonhomogeneous) differential equations and solve the system.

the characteristic equation is
$$\lambda^2+5\lambda+6=e^x$$
factor
$$(\lambda+2)(\lambda+3)=e^x$$

ok not real sure what to do with this $=e^x$ thing
The characteristic equation is [math]\lambda ^2 + 5 \lambda + 6 = 0[/math]. You don't need the [math]e^x[/math] until later.

-Dan
 
$(\lambda+2)(\lambda+3)=0$
the root are then
$\lambda-2, \quad \lambda-3$
so then we have
$e^{-2x},\quad e^{-3x} $

then hopefully

$y=c_1e^{-2x}+c_2e^{-3x}$

so how do we finish this ? with =e^x
 
karush said:
$(\lambda+2)(\lambda+3)=0$
the root are then
$\lambda-2, \quad \lambda-3$
so then we have
$e^{-2x},\quad e^{-3x} $

then hopefully

$y=c_1e^{-2x}+c_2e^{-3x}$

so how do we finish this ? with =e^x
I was commenting on what the characteristic equation is, not what you are supposed to do for this problem.

Let's define A(x) = y(x) and B(x) = y'(x). Then
A'(x) = y'(x)
B'(x) = y''(x)

Putting this into your original equation gives
[math]y'' = -5y' - 6y + e^x[/math]

or
[math]B' = -5B - 6A + e^x[/math]

And don't forget: [math]A' = B[/math], from the original definition of B.

So you have the system of differential equations:
[math]\left ( \begin{matrix} A' \\ B' \end{matrix} \right ) = \left ( \begin{matrix} B \\ -6A - 5B \end{matrix} \right )+ \left ( \begin{matrix} 0 \\ e^x \end{matrix} \right )[/math]

or, using the usual notation:
[math]\left ( \begin{matrix} A \\ B \end{matrix} \right ) ^{\prime} = \left ( \begin{matrix} 0 & 1 \\ -6 & -5 \end{matrix} \right ) \left ( \begin{matrix} A \\ B \end{matrix} \right ) + \left ( \begin{matrix} 0 \\ e^x \end{matrix} \right )[/math]

Now you have a pair of simultaneous first order linear differential equations, which you've been studying.

-Dan
 
karush said:
Convert the differential equation

$$y''+5y'+6y=e^x$$
into a system of first order (nonhomogeneous) differential equations
This first part has not been addressed. Let z= y'. Then y''= z'.
Then $z'+ 5z+ 6y= e^z$ or $z'= e^x- 5z- 6y$. Together with z= y' we have the two equations y'= z and $z'= e^x- 5z- 6y$.

That could also be written as the matrix equation
$\begin{pmatrix}y \\ z \end{pmatrix}'= \begin{pmatrix}0 & 1 \\ -6 & -5 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}y \\ z \end{pmatrix}+ \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ e^x\end{pmatrix}$.

The characteristic equation for the differential equation is the characteristic equation for that matrix, $\left|\begin{array}{cc}-\lambda & 1 \\ -6 & -5- \lambda\end{array}\right|= 0$.
 
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