ODE - having trouble using method of undetermined coefficients

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding particular solutions to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the method of undetermined coefficients. The specific problems involve second-order linear ODEs with trigonometric forcing terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore potential forms for particular solutions based on the forcing terms. The original poster considers using terms involving trigonometric functions multiplied by powers of t due to the nature of the roots of the characteristic polynomial. Questions arise regarding the correctness of these assumptions and the multiplicity of roots.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the characteristic equation and the implications of the absence of certain terms in the ODEs. Some participants offer hints and suggestions for refining the guesses for particular solutions, while others question the original poster's reasoning regarding the multiplicity of roots.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific instructions regarding the forcing term being a solution of the associated homogeneous solution, which may influence the approach to finding particular solutions. Participants are also considering the implications of the structure of the ODEs on their solution strategies.

amanda_ou812
Messages
48
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Find a particular solution.
1. y'' +4y = 4 cos (2t) (for this problem, the instructions tell me that the forcing term is a solution of the associated homogeneous solution)
2. y'' + 16 y = 3 sin (4t)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


1. I guess that Acos (2t) + Bsin (2t) was a solution but it did not work out. I am thinking that since the roots to the characteristic polynomial are 2i with a multiplicity of two this means that a basis for the homogeneous solution space is { cos (2t) + sin (2t) , t cos (2t) + t sin (2t)}. So I am thinking a better guess should be A t^2 cos (2t) + B t^2 sin (2t). Is this correct?
2. For this one I guessed Acos (4t) + Bsin (4t) was a solution but it did not work out (provided that I did my computation correctly). Any suggestions?


Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1) The characteristic equation is

[tex]r^2 + 4 = 0[/tex]

2i is not a multiplicity of 2...
 
since your ODE does not have y' term, what would be a better guess?

hint:
y=Acos(4t)
y''=-Acost(4t)
 
If I choose y =A cos (2t) Then wouldn't y'' = -4 A cos (2t) and then y'' + 4 y = 0
 
I figured it out
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K