Problem with finding the general solution of an ode

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution for the ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by y'' + gy' + 10y = e2xcos(x). Participants are addressing the process of determining both the homogeneous and particular solutions, exploring the necessary forms and derivatives involved in the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their approach to finding the particular solution, suggesting yp = Csin(x) + Dcos(x) and derives equations based on substituting this into the ODE.
  • Another participant points out a potential typo in the ODE and questions the form of the particular solution, suggesting it should include an exponential factor: yp(x) = e2x(Ccos(x) + Dsin(x)).
  • Further replies emphasize the need to compute the first and second derivatives of the proposed particular solution and provide guidance on using the product rule for differentiation.
  • Participants engage in a back-and-forth exchange, with one expressing confusion and seeking clarification on their intermediary steps and calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial approach to finding the particular solution, as multiple viewpoints are presented regarding the form it should take. Participants are collaboratively working through the problem, indicating an ongoing exploration rather than a settled conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a potential typo in the original ODE and discuss the implications of this on the solution process. There is also an emphasis on ensuring that all necessary terms are included in the particular solution, highlighting the complexity of the problem.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals working on ordinary differential equations, particularly those interested in the methods of finding particular solutions and the nuances involved in differentiating complex expressions.

brunette15
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Hi everyone, I am trying to find the general solution for the following ode: y'' +gy' + 10y = e2xcos(x)

The solution states that the answer is y = 1/145 (5cos(x) + 2sin(x))e2x + (Acos(x) + Bsin(x))e-3x

I was able to correctly find the homogeneous part of the equation as e-3x (Acos(x) + Bsin(x))

Now to find the particular solution I have guessed that the answer is yp = Csin(x) + Dcos(x)

From here,

yp' = Ccos(x) - Dsin(x)
yp'' = -Csin(x) - Dcos(x)

Substituting yp,yp',yp'' in the ODE

-Csin(x) - Dcos(x) + 6Ccos(x) - 6Dsin(x) + 10Csin(x) + 10Dcos(x) = e2xcos(x)

Gathering all sin(x)

-C-6D + 10C = 0

C = 2/3D -->equation1

Gathering all cos(x)

6C + 9D = e2x --> equation 2

Solving equation 1 and equation 2

D = e2x/13

C = e2x2/39

As you can see i have different values for C and D compared to the solution.

Can anyone see where i am going wrong or is there a chance that the solution may be incorrect?
Thanks in advance :)
 
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Judging by your homogeneous solution, the ODE should actually be:

$$y''+6y'+10y=e^{2x}\cos(x)$$

Is this correct?

Another issue I see is the form of your particular solution...do you see anything missing from it? :D
 
MarkFL said:
Judging by your homogeneous solution, the ODE should actually be:

$$y''+6y'+10y=e^{2x}\cos(x)$$

Is this correct?

Another issue I see is the form of your particular solution...do you see anything missing from it? :D

Yes sorry i made a typo that should be the correct ODE.

I still don't see what i am missing (Worried)
 
brunette15 said:
Yes sorry i made a typo that should be the correct ODE.

I still don't see what i am missing (Worried)

On the right side of the ODE you have:

$$e^{2x}\cos(x)$$

And so the form for your particular solution should be:

$$y_p(x)=e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$
 
MarkFL said:
On the right side of the ODE you have:

$$e^{2x}\cos(x)$$

And so the form for your particular solution should be:

$$y_p(x)=e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$

Can you please work me through it?
I am still struggling to get the right answer :(
 
brunette15 said:
Can you please work me through it?
I am still struggling to get the right answer :(

First, you need to compute the first and second derivatives of the particular solution $y_p(x)$...what do you get?
 
MarkFL said:
First, you need to compute the first and second derivatives of the particular solution $y_p(x)$...what do you get?

yp' = e2x (Ccos(x) - Dsin(x)) + e2(Csin(x) + Dcos(x))

yp'' = 2e2(Ccos(x) - Dsin(x)) + e2x(-Csin(x) - Dcos(x))

?
 
brunette15 said:
yp' = e2x (Ccos(x) - Dsin(x)) + e2(Csin(x) + Dcos(x))

yp'' = 2e2(Ccos(x) - Dsin(x)) + e2x(-Csin(x) - Dcos(x))

?

If you post your intermediary steps, it will be easier for us to tell you where you may be going astray. :D

Okay, we begin with:

$$y_p(x)=e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$

And then using the product rule to differentiate with respect to $x$, we obtain:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left(D\cos(x)-C\sin(x)\right)+2e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$

Factor:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left(D\cos(x)-C\sin(x)+2C\cos(x)+2D\sin(x)\right)$$

Combine like terms in the second factor:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left((D+2C)\cos(x)-(2D-C)\sin(x)\right)$$

This form will make things easier for you when you substitute into the ODE and when you differentiate again to get the second derivative.

Can you now compute $y_p''(x)$ and put it into the same factored/combined form? :D
 
MarkFL said:
If you post your intermediary steps, it will be easier for us to tell you where you may be going astray. :D

Okay, we begin with:

$$y_p(x)=e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$

And then using the product rule to differentiate with respect to $x$, we obtain:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left(D\cos(x)-C\sin(x)\right)+2e^{2x}\left(C\cos(x)+D\sin(x)\right)$$

Factor:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left(D\cos(x)-C\sin(x)+2C\cos(x)+2D\sin(x)\right)$$

Combine like terms in the second factor:

$$y_p'(x)=e^{2x}\left((D+2C)\cos(x)-(2D-C)\sin(x)\right)$$

This form will make things easier for you when you substitute into the ODE and when you differentiate again to get the second derivative.

Can you now compute $y_p''(x)$ and put it into the same factored/combined form? :D

I got it now :D thankyou!
 

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