Second order homogenous problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the initial value problem for a second-order homogeneous differential equation, specifically y'' - y' - 2y = 0 with initial conditions y(0) = β and y'(0) = 2. Participants are tasked with finding the value of β that ensures the solution approaches zero as t approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the characteristic equation and the roots derived from it, with some confusion regarding the correct values of r. There are attempts to express the general solution based on these roots and questions about how to ensure the solution approaches zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and corrections regarding the characteristic roots. There is a mix of interpretations about how to proceed with the solution, and some participants are questioning the assumptions made about the constants involved in the solution.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the characteristic equation and the resulting roots, which impacts the subsequent steps in solving the problem. Participants are also exploring the implications of the initial conditions on the constants in the solution.

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Homework Statement

Solve the initial value problem y''-y'-2y=0 y(0)=β , y'(0)=2. Then find β so that the solution approaches zero as t→∞

Homework Equations


R^2-R-2=0

C1+C2=β, -C1+2C2=2

The Attempt at a Solution

I solved the equation got the r- values 1 and -2 , then i solved the two equations to find the constants, my first constant is c1=(2β-2)/3 and my second one is c2=(β+2)/3. Now I've got the equations and I don't know how to continue from here, should I try it from the first derivative (solving for minimum value or anything) or from the y-equation( it never gets to zero)
 
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hi bigu01! :smile:

hint: if you want Cekt -> 0 as t -> ∞, with k > 0,

then you need C = … ? :wink:
 
bigu01 said:

Homework Statement

Solve the initial value problem y''-y'-2y=0 y(0)=β , y'(0)=2. Then find β so that the solution approaches zero as t→∞



Homework Equations


R^2-R-2=0

C1+C2=β, -C1+2C2=2



The Attempt at a Solution

I solved the equation got the r- values 1 and -2
Well, here's your first problem. r= 1 and r= -2 do NOT satisfy the equation:
(1)^2- 1- 2= -2, not 0, and (-2)^2- (-2)- 2= 4, not 0.

, then i solved the two equations to find the constants, my first constant is c1=(2β-2)/3 and my second one is c2=(β+2)/3. Now I've got the equations and I don't know how to continue from here, should I try it from the first derivative (solving for minimum value or anything) or from the y-equation( it never gets to zero)
 
HallsofIvy said:
Well, here's your first problem. r= 1 and r= -2 do NOT satisfy the equation:
(1)^2- 1- 2= -2, not 0, and (-2)^2- (-2)- 2= 4, not 0.


The R-s are inputed to the e^rt not directly in the equation right, so if you input the r=1 and r=-2 ,
y becomes y=c1e^t+c2e^-2t
 
bigu01 said:
The R-s are inputed to the e^rt not directly in the equation right, so if you input the r=1 and r=-2 ,
y becomes y=c1e^t+c2e^-2t
No.

Your characteristic equation is r2 - r - 2 = 0. The solutions are NOT r = 1 and r = -2. This is what HallsOfIvy is saying.

Try again.
 
Mark44 said:
No.

Your characteristic equation is r2 - r - 2 = 0. The solutions are NOT r = 1 and r = -2. This is what HallsOfIvy is saying.

Try again.
Oh I see r=-1 and r=2 I solved it like that in my notebook,but when putting here looks like I've mixed them.Sorry.Then I have (β+2)/3*e^2t+(2β+2)*e^-t =y and I have to get y=0 as t->∞
 
tiny-tim said:
hi bigu01! :smile:

hint: if you want Cekt -> 0 as t -> ∞, with k > 0,

then you need C = … ? :wink:

k=e^-t?
 
sorry, you're not making any sense :redface:
 
tiny-tim said:
sorry, you're not making any sense :redface:

β=-2 C should be 0 , β+2=0
 
  • #10
bigu01 said:
C should be 0 , β+2=0

that's better! :biggrin:
 

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