Second order differential help (Laplace)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation using the Laplace transform method. Participants share their approaches, calculations, and corrections related to the homogeneous and particular solutions, as well as the application of the Laplace transform.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest solving the homogeneous equation first, leading to a general solution involving exponential and trigonometric functions.
  • There is a proposal for a particular solution of the form \(y_p = at^2 + bt + c + d\cos(2t) + e\sin(2t)\), with some participants noting a mistake in the formulation of this particular solution.
  • One participant applies the Laplace transform and presents the resulting equation, indicating a discrepancy with another participant's approach.
  • Corrections are made regarding the initial conditions and the formulation of the right-hand side of the equation, with one participant acknowledging a mistake in their initial workings.
  • Participants discuss the simplification of fractions related to the Laplace transform, with some expressing confusion about the next steps in the solution process.
  • There is mention of using inverse Laplace transforms and the relationship between the transformed functions and their time-domain counterparts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach or solution, with multiple competing views and ongoing corrections and refinements of earlier claims.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific steps in their calculations, particularly regarding the simplification of terms and the application of inverse Laplace transforms. There are also unresolved issues related to the initial conditions and the formulation of the right-hand side of the differential equation.

Bibbster
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Hey guys , having a bit of bother getting a solution for this question. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
There is a Picture attached showing how far I have got ..View attachment 1586
 

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Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

How I would do is solve the homogeneous which is relatively trivial and you get
\[
y_c = e^{-\frac{1}{2}t}\left[c_1\cos\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right) + c_2\sin\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right)\right]
\]
Then let \(y_p = at^2 + bt + c + d\cos(2t) + e\sin(2t)\).
Then take \(y_p'' + y_p' + 4y_p = \text{RHS}\), equate the coefficients, and then use linear alg to find the coefficients of the paticular solution.


I just saw you wanted a Laplace transform.

When I apply \(\mathcal{L}\), I get
\[
s^2y(s) - s - 2 + sy(s) - 1 + 4y(s) = \frac{8}{s^3} + \frac{2}{s^2} + \frac{2}{s} + \frac{s}{s^2 + 4} + \frac{2}{s^2 + 4}
\]
which simplifies to
\[
(s^2 + s + 4)y(s) - s - 3 = \text{RHS}.
\]
I don't think we have the same here.
 
Last edited:
Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

dwsmith said:
How I would do is solve the homogeneous which is relatively trivial and you get
\[
y_c = e^{-\frac{1}{2}t}(c_1\cos(t\sqrt{15}) + c_2\sin(t\sqrt{15}))
\]
Then let \(y_p = at^2 + bt + c + d\cos(2t) + e\cos(2t)\).
Then take \(y_p'' + y_p' + 4y_p = \text{RHS}\), equate the coefficients, and then use linear alg to find the coefficients of the paticular solution.

Just letting you know that you made a minor mistake in your $y_p$; you accidentally put $\cos(2t)$ twice (i.e. $d\cos(2t)+e\cos(2t)$ when I'm sure you meant $d\cos(2t)+e\sin(2t)$.
 
Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

dwsmith said:
How I would do is solve the homogeneous which is relatively trivial and you get
\[
y_c = e^{-\frac{1}{2}t}\left[c_1\cos\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right) + c_2\sin\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right)\right]
\]
Then let \(y_p = at^2 + bt + c + d\cos(2t) + e\sin(2t)\).
Then take \(y_p'' + y_p' + 4y_p = \text{RHS}\), equate the coefficients, and then use linear alg to find the coefficients of the paticular solution.


I just saw you wanted a Laplace transform.

When I apply \(\mathcal{L}\), I get
\[
s^2y(s) - s - 2 + sy(s) - 1 + 4y(s) = \frac{8}{s^3} + \frac{2}{s^2} + \frac{2}{s} + \frac{s}{s^2 + 4} + \frac{2}{s^2 + 4}
\]
which simplifies to
\[
(s^2 + s + 4)y(s) - s - 3 = \text{RHS}.
\]
I don't think we have the same here.
I see where the confusion is coming from , my mistake v(o)=-1 rather than 1 as it says in above picture. Sorry about that! However, was I along the right lines in my above working or?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

dwsmith said:
How I would do is solve the homogeneous which is relatively trivial and you get
\[
y_c = e^{-\frac{1}{2}t}\left[c_1\cos\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right) + c_2\sin\left(t\frac{\sqrt{15}} {2}\right)\right]
\]
Then let \(y_p = at^2 + bt + c + d\cos(2t) + e\sin(2t)\).
Then take \(y_p'' + y_p' + 4y_p = \text{RHS}\), equate the coefficients, and then use linear alg to find the coefficients of the paticular solution.


I just saw you wanted a Laplace transform.

When I apply \(\mathcal{L}\), I get
\[
s^2y(s) - s - 2 + sy(s) - 1 + 4y(s) = \frac{8}{s^3} + \frac{2}{s^2} + \frac{2}{s} + \frac{s}{s^2 + 4} + \frac{2}{s^2 + 4}
\]
which simplifies to
\[
(s^2 + s + 4)y(s) - s - 3 = \text{RHS}.
\]
I don't think we have the same here.

I apologize for being a nuisance, had a look at this when i got home from work again and noticed the following:

\displaystyle \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+4)(s^2+s+4)} \ = \ \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+4)} + \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+s+4)}

is incorrect ^^^ as i had in initial workings.

Following on from this i had an idea that if i split up the first term i could get: \displaystyle \ \dfrac{-s}{(s^2+s+4)} + \dfrac{1}{(s^2+s+4)} which would then leave me to find possible solutions for \displaystyle (s^2+s+4) with one being \displaystyle =(s+0.5)^2+15/4. Then after that (if correct) I'm once again confused . :(

below are my new workings to keep you guys on track with what I am thinking. (first term isn't split up as unsure ).

View attachment 1593
 

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Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

Bibbster said:
I apologize for being a nuisance, had a look at this when i got home from work again and noticed the following:

\displaystyle \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+4)(s^2+s+4)} \ = \ \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+4)} + \dfrac{2s}{(s^2+s+4)}

is incorrect ^^^ as i had in initial workings.

Following on from this i had an idea that if i split up the first term i could get: \displaystyle \ \dfrac{-s}{(s^2+s+4)} + \dfrac{1}{(s^2+s+4)} which would then leave me to find possible solutions for \displaystyle (s^2+s+4) with one being \displaystyle =(s+0.5)^2+15/4. Then after that (if correct) I'm once again confused . :(

below are my new workings to keep you guys on track with what I am thinking. (first term isn't split up as unsure ).

View attachment 1593

That fraction you are speaking of reduces to
\[
\frac{2}{s^2+4}-\frac{2}{s^2+s+4}
\]
 
Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

dwsmith said:
That fraction you are speaking of reduces to
\[
\frac{2}{s^2+4}-\frac{2}{s^2+s+4}
\]

as you said , i now have \dfrac{2}{(s^2+4)}-\dfrac{2}{(s^2+s+4)} with \dfrac{2}{(s^2+4)} becoming Sin2t and \dfrac{2}{(s^2+s+4)} becoming \dfrac{2}{(s^2+0.5)^2+15/4} however I am struggling to tackle this one , if you could point me in right direction that'd be great
 
Re: Second order differential help (laplace)

Bibbster said:
as you said , i now have \dfrac{2}{(s^2+4)}-\dfrac{2}{(s^2+s+4)} with \dfrac{2}{(s^2+4)} becoming Sin2t and \dfrac{2}{(s^2+s+4)} becoming \dfrac{2}{(s^2+0.5)^2+15/4} however I am struggling to tackle this one , if you could point me in right direction that'd be great

Now recall that $\mathcal{L}^{-1}\{F(s-a)\} = e^{at}f(t)$

Hence,

\[\mathcal{L}^{-1}\left\{\frac{2}{\left(s +\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 +\frac{15}{4}}\right\}= e^{-\frac{1}{2}t}\mathcal{L}^{-1}\left\{\frac{2}{s^2+\frac{15}{4}}\right\}\]

Can you take things from here?
 

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