Second order non homogeneous diff. equation at constant coefficients

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order non-homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients, specifically the equation y'' + y = cos(x) + 3sin(2x). Participants are exploring the correct approach to find the particular solution after determining the homogeneous solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find a particular solution using undetermined coefficients but questions the validity of their initial guess due to linear dependence with the homogeneous solution. Other participants suggest modifications to the proposed particular solution to account for this issue.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the appropriate form for the particular solution, with some suggesting the inclusion of additional terms to address the non-homogeneous components. There is recognition of the need to adjust the approach based on the characteristics of the homogeneous solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a correction in the original equation, indicating that the sine term should be 3sin(2x) instead of 3sin(x). This correction may influence the choice of terms in the particular solution.

Telemachus
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Hi there. I had some trouble trying to solve this:

[tex]y''+y=\cos x +3\sin 2x[/tex] (1)

At first I just found the solution for the homogeneous equation:
[tex]y_h=e^{\lambda x} \rightarrow \lambda^2+1=0 \rightarrow \lambda_1,\lambda_2=\pm i[/tex]

Then [tex]y_h=C_1\cos x+ C_2 \sin x[/tex]

So I've tried to find the particular solution. I thought I should suggest an equation like:
[tex]y_p=A\cos x +b\sin x+ C\cos 2x +D\sin 2x[/tex]
[tex]y_p'=-A\sin x +B\cos x - 2C\sin 2x + 2D\cos 2x[/tex]
[tex]y_p''=-A\cos x -B\sin x - 4C\cos 2x - 4D\sin 2x[/tex]
But then, when I've tried to find the undetermined coefficients for [tex]y_p[/tex] coefficients replacing in (1):

[tex]-A\cos x -B\sin x - 4C\cos 2x - 4D\sin 2x+A\cos x +b\sin x+ C\cos 2x +D\sin 2x=\cos x +3\sin x \rightarrow -3C\cos 2x -3D\sin 2x=cos(x)+3\sin 2x[/tex]
Then A=0,B=0,C=0 and D=-1.

So the general solution should be
[tex]y(x)=y_h+y_p=C_1\cos x+ C_2 \sin x-\sin 2x[/tex]
But with wolfram alpha I've corroborated my solution is wrong: y''+y=cos(x)+3 sin(2x) - Wolfram|Alpha

So, where is the mistake and how should I do this?

I think I've found unless one mistake, just noted it. I should use [tex]y_p=Ax \cos x +B x \sin x + C\sin 2x+ D\cos 2x[/tex] instead of [tex]y_p=A\cos x +b\sin x+ C\cos 2x +D\sin 2x[/tex], because the first two terms are linearly dependent with the homogeneous solution, right?
 
Last edited:
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For your particular solution, try
[tex]y_p=Ax\cos x +Bx\sin x[/tex]

The problem here is that cos(x) and sin(x) are solutions of the homogeneous version of your differential equation, so a particular solution (of the nonhomogeneous equation) can't include either of these functions.
 
right, I've made a mistake in (1) that I've just corrected, it was 2x for the sine instead of x. Shouldn't I add some more terms for the particular solution corresponding to the part of the equality of [tex]3\sin 2x[/tex]?
 
For this nonhomogeneous equation,
[tex]y''+y=\cos x +3\sin 2x[/tex]

try this for your particular solution,
[tex]y_p=Ax\cos x +Bx\sin x + C\cos 2x + D\sin 2x[/tex]
 
Thank you Mark :)
 
De nada...

I didn't go into any detail about why I chose the functions I did. For relatively simple nonhomogenous, constant coefficient, linear differential equations, the concept of annihilators provides some insight into the choices for the particular solutions.

In this thread, https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=348247, in post #4, I talk about it a bit.
 
Muchas gracias :D
 

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