ODE: Solving using Laplace Transform

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form y'' + λ²y = cos(λt) with specified initial conditions. The context is centered around the application of the Laplace transform to find a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the Laplace transform of the equation and express uncertainty about how to incorporate the boundary condition y'(π/λ) = 1 into their solution. There is also a focus on the implications of y'(0) being a constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with some participants offering insights into the relationship between y'(0) and the overall solution. There is a recognition of the need to derive y'(t) and evaluate it at the boundary condition, leading to a determination of y'(0). However, the conversation remains open-ended with no explicit consensus on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of initial and boundary conditions while working within the constraints of the problem. The nature of the constants involved and their roles in the solution process are under examination.

RJLiberator
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Homework Statement


Solve:
y''+λ^2y = cos(λt), y(0) = 1, y'(π/λ) = 1
where t > 0

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I start off by taking the Laplace transform of both sides. I get:

L(y) = \frac{s}{(s^2+λ^2)^2}+\frac{sy(0)}{s^2+λ^2}+\frac{y'(0)} {s^2+λ^2}

Now take the inverse Laplace transform

y = \frac{1}{2λ}tsin(λt) + y(0)cos(λt)+\frac{y'(0)}{λ}sin(λt)

since y(0) = 1, we get

y = \frac{1}{2λ}tsin(λt) +cos(λt)+\frac{y'(0)}{λ}sin(λt)Now this is where I get stuck. I have the boundary condition for y'(pi/λ)=1, but I'm not sure how to use it in this scenario.

If I take the derivative of y, then I get an expression with a y'(0) term in it that I'm not sure how to use...

Any thoughts?
 
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RJLiberator said:
If I take the derivative of y, then I get an expression with a y'(0) term in it that I'm not sure how to use...
Well, you end up with the solution of ##y'(0)## when you do that, no? If you put that back into your expression for ##y(t)##, isn't that the solution to your DE?
 
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Remember that ##y'(0)## is just a constant.
 
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Ah, beautiful, this was the hint I needed.

So I am capable of taking the derivative of y, since y'(0) is just some constant.

y'(t) = \frac{1}{2λ}[sin(λt)+λtcos(λt)]-λsin(λt)+y'(0)cos(λt)

Solving this for y'(π/λ) = 1 shows that y'(0) = -1-π/(2λ)

And thus, I have my determined y.
 

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