Paradox in Solving y``+8y`+16y=64cosh4x

  • Thread starter Thread starter asdf1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Paradox
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the differential equation y`` + 8y` + 16y = 64cosh4x. The initial assumption for the particular solution, yp = c1cosh4x + c2sinh4x, leads to a paradox when substituting into the equation, resulting in contradictory coefficients. The suggested method of reduction of order is recommended, specifically using the substitution y = u(x)e^(-4x) to address the non-exponential terms in the complementary solution. The error in the initial substitution is acknowledged, and a revised approach using y = Ae^(4x) + Bx^2e^(-4x) is proposed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with hyperbolic functions, specifically cosh and sinh
  • Knowledge of the method of undetermined coefficients
  • Experience with reduction of order technique in differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of reduction of order in detail
  • Learn about the method of undetermined coefficients and its limitations
  • Explore hyperbolic functions and their properties in differential equations
  • Investigate the implications of non-homogeneous terms in second-order differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and professionals dealing with differential equations, particularly those focused on solving linear second-order equations with non-homogeneous terms.

asdf1
Messages
734
Reaction score
0
for the following question:
y``+8y`+16y=64cosh4x

my problem:
suppose yp=c1cosh4x+c2sinh4x
then yp`=4c1sinh4x+4c2cosh4x
so yp``=16c1cosh4x+16sinh4x

so 16c1cosh4x+16sinh4x +8(4c1sinh4x+4c2cosh4x)+16(c1cosh4x+c2sinh4x)= (32c1+32c2)cosh4x+(32c2+32c1)sinh4x

which implies that (32c1+32c2)=0 and (32c2+32c1)=0 which is paradoxing!
does anybody know what went wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try reduction of order. In using this method you can take just part of the solution to the associated homogeneous equation. I would try y = u\left( x \right)e^{ - 4x}. Any 'non-exponentials' eg polynomials in the complimentary solution get absorbed into u(x). Try the substitution I suggested and see if it leads anywhere.

Edit: The method of undetermined coefficients only works for a few types of functions.

Edit 2: I made an error in my suggested substitution. Fixed now.
 
Last edited:
Did you notice that e-4x and xe-4x are solutions to the homogeneous equation? Since 64 cosh 4x= 32(e4x+ e-4x) , you will have to multiply by x2. I would recommend trying y= Ae4x+ Bx2e-4x.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
hmmm... then what's wrong with my orignal assumptions? @@
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K