Second Order Differential Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form Q'' + Q = Sin(2x) with specified boundary conditions Q(0) = 1 and Q'(0) = 2. Participants are exploring the general and particular solutions to the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of solving the ODE by separating the general solution from the particular solution. There are attempts to derive the characteristic equation and identify the roots, with some questioning the validity of the steps taken in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided corrections and clarifications regarding the derivation of the general solution, while others have suggested specific forms for the particular solution. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to refine the understanding of the problem, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of boundary conditions and the handling of complex roots in the characteristic equation. Participants are also navigating the limitations of formatting equations in their posts.

JamesEllison
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Homework Statement


Solve the ODE with the boundary conditions given

Q''+Q = Sin(2x) where Q(0) = 1 and Q'(0) = 2
So i know i need to solve the general and particular solutions, however, I am a little confused. Any help or advice would be great, Thanks in advance.

Homework Equations


Y = Yg +Yp


The Attempt at a Solution


Assume RHS = 0 for general solution
Q'' + Q = 0

Let Q = e^kx
Q' = k e^kx
Q'' = k^2 e^kx
therefore
k^2e^kx + e^kx = 0
e^kx(k^2) = 0
k=0??
Yg = A e ^kx +Bx e^kx?

Particular Solution
Yp = A Sin 2x + B Cos 2x
Yp' = 2A Cos 2x - 2B Sin 2x
Yp"= -4A Sin 2x - 4B Cos (2x)


-4A Sin 2x - 4B Cos (2x) + A Sin 2x + B Cos 2x = Sin(2x)
-3A Sin 2x = Sin 2x
a = -1/3
 
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You've got a mistake. You made the claim that
$$
k^2e^{kx}+e^{kx}=0\\
\Rightarrow k^2e^{kx}=0
$$
That's not true, is it? What's ##k## really?
 
JamesEllison said:

Homework Statement


Solve the ODE with the boundary conditions given

Q''+Q = Sin(2x) where Q(0) = 1 and Q'(0) = 2
So i know i need to solve the general and particular solutions, however, I am a little confused. Any help or advice would be great, Thanks in advance.

Homework Equations


Y = Yg +Yp


The Attempt at a Solution


Assume RHS = 0 for general solution
Q'' + Q = 0

Let Q = e^kx
Q' = k e^kx
Q'' = k^2 e^kx
therefore
k^2e^kx + e^kx = 0
e^kx(k^2) = 0
No, factoring out e^{kx} gives e^{kx}(k^2+ 1)= 0.

k=0??
Yg = A e ^kx +Bx e^kx?

Particular Solution
Yp = A Sin 2x + B Cos 2x
Yp' = 2A Cos 2x - 2B Sin 2x
Yp"= -4A Sin 2x - 4B Cos (2x)


-4A Sin 2x - 4B Cos (2x) + A Sin 2x + B Cos 2x = Sin(2x)
-3A Sin 2x = Sin 2x
a = -1/3
 
I see. Thanks.
 
e^kt(k^2+1) = 0
k = i ---> sqrt(-1)

So then the general assumption would be.

Yg = e^-kt(ASin2x + iBsin2x) ?
 
Or just
Yg = A Sin2x + i BCos 2x
?
Sorry about lack of real looking equations I am on my iPhone
 
$$
k=\pm i
$$
So the general form of the solution is
$$
Q_g(x)=c_1 e^{ix}+c_2 e^{-ix}
$$
Or equivalently,
$$
Q_g(x)=A\sin(x)+B\cos(x)
$$
Now take a guess at the particular solution. Let's guess that ##Q_p(x)=D\sin(2x)##. Plug this into the differential equation and solve for D. It will give you the particular solution.
 
Excellent.
So from there:

Yp = C Sin(2x)
Yp' = 2C Cos(2x)
Yp" = -4C Sin(2x)

-4C Sin(2x) + C Sin(2x) = Sin(2x)
-3C = 1
C = -1/3

Yp = -1/3 Sin (2x)
So then the solution starts as

Y = Yg + Yp
Y = A Sin (x) + B Cos(x) -1/3 Sin(2x)

Sub in initial Conditions Q(0) = 1 or x=0
Y = A Sin (x) + B Cos(x) -1/3 Sin(2x)
1 = 0 + B - 0
B = 1

Sub in next conditions
Q'(0) = 2
Y = A Sin (x) + B Cos(x) -1/3 Sin(2x)
Y' = A Cos(x) - B Sin(x) - 2/3 Cos (2x)
Y'(0) = A - 2/3 = 2
A = 8/3

So the final solution for the equation would be

Y = 8/3 Sin(x) + Cos(x) - 1/3 Sin(2x) ?

:D
 
Looks good to me.
 

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