Really Quick Differential Equation question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a differential equation using eigenvectors, specifically addressing the use of complex eigenvalues. The user initially applied the eigenvalue lambda = -i to derive the solution but encountered discrepancies when substituting back into the original equation. After considering the implications of the negative sign, the user concluded that using cos(-t) and sin(-t) was necessary, which resolved the issue upon replacing t with -t.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations and their solutions
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of complex numbers in mathematical contexts
  • Basic trigonometric functions, specifically cosine and sine
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex eigenvalues in differential equations
  • Learn about the role of trigonometric functions in solutions of differential equations
  • Explore the method of undetermined coefficients for solving differential equations
  • Review the implications of negative signs in mathematical solutions
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Students studying differential equations, mathematicians dealing with eigenvalues, and educators teaching advanced algebra concepts.

Saladsamurai
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!Really Quick Differential Equation question...

Homework Statement


Alright so this is what I have for this problem. As you can see I used -i to find my Eigenvectors...now when I find my solution and plug it back into the original, I am getting the opposite of what I am supposed to get.

Was I supposed to use -t instead of +t in my solution since I used lambda=-i to find it?
Or did I make some stupid algebraic error again?


Picture3-4.png


THanks!
 
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I am thinking I should have used cos(-t) and sin(-t) since I used [itex]-i\Rightarrow \alpha=0\ \beta=-1[/itex]
 
Saladsamurai said:
I am thinking I should have used cos(-t) and sin(-t) since I used [itex]-i\Rightarrow \alpha=0\ \beta=-1[/itex]

I replaced t with -t and this worked. So I will assume my reason was correct.
 

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