Second-Order Differential Equation

[Char. Limit]

Homework Statement

Prove that for the differential equation m x''(t) = -k x(t), one solution is x=A cos(\omega t), where \omega = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}}.

Homework Equations

x^2+1 = (x+i)(x-i)

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, I haven't taken differential equations yet, but I understand that you have to turn this differential equation into a polynomial somehow. Then, the roots of that polynomial give you the solution. I need the details, though...

 

[vela]

Since you're given a solution, you can prove it satisfies the equation simply by plugging it in.

More generally, for a homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients, you can assume a solution of the form y=e^rx. Plug that into the differential equation and see what you get.

 

[Char. Limit]

Hmm... all right, let's assume that's the case...

if x=A e^(rt), then x'' = r^2 A e^(rt), and so...

m r^2 A e^(rt) = - k A e^(rt)

Divide both sides by A e^(rt), because that's never zero...

m r^2 + k = 0

Divide both sides by k...

\frac{m}{k} r^2 + 1 = 0

\left(\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} r\right)^2 + 1 = 0

\left(\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} r + i\right) = 0, r = -\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} i = -\omega i

\left(\sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} r - i\right) = 0, r = \sqrt{\frac{k}{m}} i = \omega i

So, we get...

x(t) = A ( e^{\omega i t} + e^{-\omega i t}) = A cos(\omega t)

Is that right?

 

[Mark44]

Why not start with x(t) = Acos(wt), take m times the second derivative, and confirm that it is equal to -kx(t)?

 

[Char. Limit]

Because our physics teacher challenged us to do it the hard way.

 

[vela]

Yes, that's right. Any linear combination of the two solutions you found, e^iωx and e^-iωx, in particular cos ωx, will also be a solution.