Solving 2nd Order ODE for k: 20dx²/dt² + dx/dt + kx = 0

In summary, the conversation is about finding the value of k in the given equation when t = 0, x = 1 and dx/dt = 1. The equation is then solved using a substitution and two equations with three unknowns are obtained. The missing constraint makes it difficult to solve for the unknowns.
  • #1
nunos
7
0
Find k:

[tex]20\frac{d^2x}{dt^2} + \frac{dx}{dt} + kx = 0[/tex]

when t = 0
- x = 1
- dx/dt = 1

My attempt at this in maxima:

Code:
(%i1) 20*'diff( 'diff(x, t), t) + 'diff(x, t) + k*x = 0;
                                 2
                                d x   dx
(%o1)                        20 --- + -- + k x = 0
                                  2   dt
                                dt
(%i2) ode2(%, x, t);
Is  80 k - 1  positive, negative, or zero?

positive;
                                 k    1                     k    1
                            sqrt(- - ---) t            sqrt(- - ---) t
            - t/40               5   400                    5   400
(%o2) x = %e       (%k1 sin(---------------) + %k2 cos(---------------))
                                   2                          2
(%i3) ic2(%, x=1, t=0, 'diff(x,t) = 1);
                             k    1
                        sqrt(- - ---) t
            - t/40           5   400
(%o3) x = %e       (cos(---------------)
                               2
             k    1                                 k    1
        sqrt(- - ---) t                        sqrt(- - ---) t
             5   400              k    1            5   400
 - (sin(---------------) (20 sqrt(- - ---) sin(---------------)
               2                  5   400             2
            k    1                              k    1
       sqrt(- - ---) t                     sqrt(- - ---) t
            5   400            t/40             5   400
 + cos(---------------) + 40 %e    ))/(sin(---------------)
              2                                   2
                             k    1
                        sqrt(- - ---) t
           k    1            5   400
 - 20 sqrt(- - ---) cos(---------------)))
           5   400             2
(%i4) solve(%, k);
           sqrt(80 k - 1) t              t/20  2
(%o4) [sin(----------------) = - (sqrt(%e     x
                  40
                  t/40     sqrt(80 k - 1) t         t/20
 + ((320 k - 4) %e     cos(----------------) + 80 %e    ) x
                                  40
                  2 sqrt(80 k - 1) t           t/20      t/40          t/40
 + (4 - 320 k) cos (----------------) + 1600 %e    ) + %e     x + 40 %e    )
                           40
                         sqrt(80 k - 1) t
/(2 sqrt(80 k - 1)), sin(----------------) = 
                                40
        t/20  2                  t/40     sqrt(80 k - 1) t         t/20
(sqrt(%e     x  + ((320 k - 4) %e     cos(----------------) + 80 %e    ) x
                                                 40
                  2 sqrt(80 k - 1) t           t/20      t/40          t/40
 + (4 - 320 k) cos (----------------) + 1600 %e    ) - %e     x - 40 %e    )
                           40
/(2 sqrt(80 k - 1))]

What am I doing wrong or what am I not doing? Help is very appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Is this a homework question? From my initial attempt, I am getting two equations with three unknowns.

20x'' + x' + kx = 0. Try x(t) = ert, then 20r2ert + rert + kert = 0 and 20r2 + r + k = 0.

[tex]r_{1,2}=\frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{1 - 4(20)k}}{40}[/tex]

If the discriminant is nonzero then

[tex]x(t) = c_1e^{r_1t} + c_2e^{r_2t}[/tex]

[tex]x'(t) = c_1r_1e^{r_1t} + c_2r_2e^{r_2t[/tex]

x(0) = 1 implies 1 = c1 + c2
x'(0) = 1 implies 1 = c1r1 + c2r2

It seems to me that there needs to be another constraint in order to solve for c1, c2 and k. Perhaps I am overlooking something, but I will keep trying.
 

1. How do you solve a 2nd order ODE for k?

Solving a 2nd order ODE for k involves using various mathematical techniques, such as separation of variables, substitution, or solving for the characteristic equation. It also requires knowledge of initial conditions to determine the specific solution.

2. What is the purpose of solving a 2nd order ODE for k?

The purpose of solving a 2nd order ODE for k is to find the relationship between the dependent variable (x) and the independent variable (t) in a system described by the equation. This allows for predicting the behavior of the system over time.

3. Can the value of k in the equation be negative?

Yes, the value of k can be negative in the equation. It can take on any real value, which will affect the behavior and stability of the solution.

4. What are the solutions of a 2nd order ODE for k?

The solutions of a 2nd order ODE for k are typically expressed in terms of the dependent variable (x) and the independent variable (t). They can be either analytic solutions, which are exact and can be written as a formula, or numerical solutions, which are approximations obtained through numerical methods.

5. How can solving a 2nd order ODE for k be applied in real-world scenarios?

Solving a 2nd order ODE for k has various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and biology. It can be used to model and predict the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of a pendulum or the growth of a population. It can also be applied in control systems to optimize processes and improve efficiency.

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