Need help solving second order DE.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation (DE) derived from a physical problem. Participants explore the conditions under which the DE can be solved, particularly focusing on the role of an unknown constant R and initial conditions related to velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a second-order differential equation and expresses uncertainty about solving it due to their educational background.
  • Another participant suggests that if R is constant, the DE can be solved using the roots of the auxiliary equation.
  • A later reply confirms that R is indeed constant and provides a proposed solution for x(t), although it is noted to be complex.
  • There is a discussion about the need for an additional condition to solve for the unknowns R, c1, and c2, given that there are three unknowns in the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the DE can be solved if R is constant, but the discussion reveals that additional information is needed to fully determine the unknowns involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependency on the constant R and the initial conditions provided, which are essential for solving the DE but remain unresolved in the current context.

Joans
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Hello, I hope I am writing to right part of a forum...

I made a differential equation when I was solving my problem, but unfortunately I am not capable of solving such equation since I am only 12th grader.
Or maybe it is not possible to solve it at all??

\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{18}\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}} = 5 - \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{R}\frac{dx}{dt}

R is unknown.

\frac{d^{2}x}{dt^{2}} = x(t)

\frac{dx}{dt} = v(t)

v(0) = 0
v(5) = 15

I need to find equation describing x(t). Jap, v is velocity, and nope it is not my homework.

It would be great if someone help me a bit, in school do not teach how to solve differential equations, nor second order. :)
 
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If R is constant, then you have a 2nd order DE with constant coefficients. Which can be solved by writing down the roots of the auxiliary equation.
http://www.efunda.com/math/ode/linearode_consthomo.cfm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes R is a constant.
Okay I guess I understood a bit:

x(t) = c_{1}e^{\frac{18(\sqrt{\frac{27}{R^{2}}+\frac{50\sqrt{3}}{9}}-\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{R})}{5\sqrt{3}}t}+c_{2}e^{-\frac{18(\sqrt{\frac{27}{R^{2}}+\frac{50\sqrt{3}}{9}}+\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{R})}{5\sqrt{3}}t}

anyway to me it gets too crazy.

x(0)'=0
x(5)'=15

is it possible to solve this equation normally that I would know R & c1 & c2 ?
 
Last edited:
Since you have three unknowns you'd need at least one more condition to find R.
 
I understood, thanks for help!
 

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