Showing Superposition: u(x, t) Equation

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jmorgan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Superposition
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers around demonstrating the equation u(x, t) = ∑ An sin(npix)e^(2n²π²t) using the principle of superposition. The principle asserts that for a linear homogeneous ordinary differential equation, any linear combination of known solutions remains a valid solution. The user, jmorgan, is seeking clarification on the problem, which is noted to be incomplete without a differential equation and known solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the principle of superposition in linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Knowledge of Fourier series and their applications
  • Basic concepts of mathematical analysis and limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principle of superposition in linear ODEs
  • Learn about Fourier series and their convergence properties
  • Explore examples of linear homogeneous differential equations
  • Review the derivation of solutions to specific differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations, as well as researchers and practitioners in applied mathematics and physics looking to understand the principle of superposition in the context of wave equations.

jmorgan
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi, I can't quite understand how to do this question please could someone help :)

Show, by the principle of superposition, that

u(x, t) =

∑ An sin(npix)e2n2pi2t
n=1

where A1, A2,..., are arbitrary constants.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello jmorgan and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 
jmorgan said:
Hi, I can't quite understand how to do this question please could someone help :)

Show, by the principle of superposition, that

u(x, t) =

∑ An sin(npix)e2n2pi2t
n=1

where A1, A2,..., are arbitrary constants.

Thanks

Hi jmorgan! ;)

It appears that your problem statement is incomplete.
It seems to me there should be a differential equation and a set of solutions that is already known.
The principle of superposition means that for a linear homogeneous ordinary differential equation any linear combination of known solutions is also a solution.
Can you clarify? (Wondering)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K