Second order DE problem with initial condition rather than 0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation with initial conditions specified at a point other than zero. The equation is y'' + 8y' - 9y = 0, with initial conditions y(1) = 1 and y'(1) = 0. Participants explore the implications of these conditions on the solution process and the form of the general solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's attempt to solve the differential equation using characteristic equations and the confusion arising from the initial conditions being at t=1 instead of t=0. Some participants suggest checking the initial conditions against the derived solution to verify correctness.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the use of exponent properties and the implications of shifting the initial conditions. There is acknowledgment that the original poster's numerical solution is close but not exact, and some participants suggest that a symbolic approach may yield a clearer understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the concept of shifting the initial conditions and how it affects the form of the general solution. There is mention of the roots of the characteristic equation and how they relate to the shifted equation, indicating a need for further clarification on this aspect.

ehabmozart
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Homework Statement



Solve the following DE

y'' + 8y' − 9y = 0, y(1) = 1, y'(1) = 0

Homework Equations



Homogenous DE with constant coefficients

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, i solved it normally using a CE and having
yH= c1 e^t + c2 e^(-9t) ..
y' = c1 e^t -9 c2 e^(-9t)

I then plugged in 1 in each of the above equation set from the homo. equation and its derivative and set that

c1 e^1 + c2 e^-9 = 1
c1e^1 -9c2 e^-9=0

I solved the eqns getting c1 =0.33 and c2= 810 getting my final homo. eqn as

y= 0.33 e^t + 810 e^ -9t

HOWEVER, this isn't the answer. The forum asks for my attempt NO? ... Well, the detailed answer just confuses me... Te fact that the I.C is y(0) and it is y(1) instead changes the procedure. I don't know why.. The book gives yh= k1 e^(t-1) + k2 e^-9(t-1) giving a note that c1=k1 e^-1 and c2= k2 e^9 ... They then write y'= k1 e^(t-1) -9 k2 e^-9(t-1)...

I am sorry for making this long but can any PATIENT person give me an explanation to this. I am pretty confused here and thanks in advance to whoever shows up with a good reply. I appreciate it a LOT! :D
 
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No procedure has been changed. From looking at what you post, it appears as if the book choose to use properties of exponents to simplify their anticipated answer.
 
Also, all you have to do is check whether, for your answer, ##y(1) =1## and ##y'(1) = 0## to within reasonable errors, since you truncated the constants.
 
can someone kindly teach me the 'properties of exponents to simplify their anticipated answer.' in this context?
 
ehabmozart said:
I solved the eqns getting c1 =0.33 and c2= 810 getting my final homo. eqn as

y= 0.33 e^t + 810 e^ -9t

HOWEVER, this isn't the answer.
You're correct. That isn't the answer. It is close to the answer. The issue is that you solved for c1 and c2 numerically. Why? It wouldn't have taken any more effort to solve for it symbolically and obtained an exact answer.

The book gives yh= k1 e^(t-1) + k2 e^-9(t-1) giving a note that c1=k1 e^-1 and c2= k2 e^9 ... They then write y'= k1 e^(t-1) -9 k2 e^-9(t-1)...
Two things you should notice here. One is that this shift simplifies things a bit. The other is that this is exactly the same as your answer had you solved for your c1 and c2 exactly.
 
Thanks a lot guys for your kind hands! I just have a small part falling out. The SHIFT! Consider we begin at y(0) and the roots of the CE is 1 and -1 .. so the homo. equation will be y= c1 e ^( t ) + c2 e^(-t).. Now consider when it begins at 2.. How to do the shift or what steps were done to write the new SHIFTED equation as y=k1 e^ (t-2) + c2 e^-1(t-2)? Thanks again for your patience
 

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