Simple Differential equation with reduction of order

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving differential equations using the method of reduction of order and undetermined coefficients. The original poster presents a second-order linear differential equation and seeks a second solution given a known solution. Additionally, there is a query regarding the particular solution for a different differential equation involving trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the reduction of order method but encounters difficulties simplifying a resulting equation. They express confusion over the implications of arriving at a zero equation. Another participant suggests a simplification that leads to a clearer path forward. The poster also raises a question about the setup of a particular solution in a different context, noting a discrepancy in their results compared to expected outcomes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts and providing guidance on the reduction of order method. There is an exploration of the implications of constants in solutions, particularly regarding the complementary solution and its relationship to the particular solution. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being discussed, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's complementary solution and its implications for the particular solution, highlighting the need to adjust their approach based on the nature of the solutions involved. The discussion also reflects on the challenges of working with terms that vanish or simplify unexpectedly in the context of differential equations.

trap101
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use method of reduction of order to find second solution:

t2y''-4ty+6y = 0 , y1(t)= t2


Attempt:

So I've done all the steps, up to the substitution, but I'm having problems with what appears to be a simple linear equation but I can't solve it: Any ways, with w = v' I arrive at:

w't4 = 0

Everything else canceled out. But trying to get an integrating factor with this would lead me to 0.
 
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trap101 said:
use method of reduction of order to find second solution:

t2y''-4ty+6y = 0 , y1(t)= t2Attempt:

So I've done all the steps, up to the substitution, but I'm having problems with what appears to be a simple linear equation but I can't solve it: Any ways, with w = v' I arrive at:

w't4 = 0

Everything else canceled out. But trying to get an integrating factor with this would lead me to 0.

Actually, you are OK so far. Divide out the ##t^4## and you have ##w'=0## or ##v''=0##. Integrate it twice and remember when you are done that ##y=t^2v##. You will see what a second independent solution is.
 
Last edited:
LCKurtz said:
Actually, you are OK so far. Divide out the ##t^4## and you have ##w'=0## or ##v''=0##. Integrate it twice and remember when you are done that ##y=t^2v##. You will see what a second independent solution is.

Your right. This working with zero in this scenario is so weird...

I had another quick question with regards to undetermined coefficients:

y''+2y' = 3 + 4sin(2t)

So working out everything I get everything correct, but I'm missing a term in the particular solution. my solution is:

Yp(t) = -1/2cos(2t) - 1/2sin(2t)

I guess the issue is when I'm setting up my guess and setting the expressions equal. so my initial "guess" is:

Yp(t) = A + B cos(2t) + C sin(2t)

obviously after diffeentiating this twice the constant A term disappeared and as well there is no "y" in the differential equation. yet in the solution they got:

3/2 -1/2cos(2t) - 1/2sin(2t) plus the complimentary equation. How do I get the 3/2?
 
trap101 said:
Your right. This working with zero in this scenario is so weird...

I had another quick question with regards to undetermined coefficients:

y''+2y' = 3 + 4sin(2t)

So working out everything I get everything correct, but I'm missing a term in the particular solution. my solution is:

Yp(t) = -1/2cos(2t) - 1/2sin(2t)

I guess the issue is when I'm setting up my guess and setting the expressions equal. so my initial "guess" is:

Yp(t) = A + B cos(2t) + C sin(2t)

obviously after diffeentiating this twice the constant A term disappeared and as well there is no "y" in the differential equation. yet in the solution they got:

3/2 -1/2cos(2t) - 1/2sin(2t) plus the complimentary equation. How do I get the 3/2?

You didn't show your ##y_c## complementary solution. But ##y=A## obviously is a solution of the homogeneous equation, so it can't work for ##y_p##. Try ##y_p=At## plus the sine an cosine terms.
 
LCKurtz said:
You didn't show your ##y_c## complementary solution. But ##y=A## obviously is a solution of the homogeneous equation, so it can't work for ##y_p##. Try ##y_p=At## plus the sine an cosine terms.


Sorry for the delayed response. had class. my complementary solution was:

yc(t) = c1e0t + c2e-2t

So where does the A term appear in the complemetary solution? is it because c1 is only the constant without e0t in it?
 
trap101 said:
Sorry for the delayed response. had class. my complementary solution was:

yc(t) = c1e0t + c2e-2t

So where does the A term appear in the complemetary solution? is it because c1 is only the constant without e0t in it?

If you simplify ##c_1e^{0t}## what do you get?
 
LCKurtz said:
If you simplify ##c_1e^{0t}## what do you get?



Yes. I get the constant alone. Is it because it's the constant or should I look at it as it's because they are the same degree polynomial?
 
trap101 said:
Yes. I get the constant alone. Is it because it's the constant or should I look at it as it's because they are the same degree polynomial?

Too many pronoun "its" in that question. I have no idea what you are asking me.
 
LCKurtz said:
Too many pronoun "its" in that question. I have no idea what you are asking me.


Sorry. What I was asking is that since in the complementary solution I have y(t) = c1 + c2e-2 does the constant c1 match with the "A" that I have as my "guess" for the polynomial portion of the particular solution? and if so, then that's my I add a "t" to it? i.e: At + (the rest)?
 
  • #10
trap101 said:
Sorry. What I was asking is that since in the complementary solution I have y(t) = c1 + c2e-2 does the constant c1 match with the "A" that I have as my "guess" for the polynomial portion of the particular solution? and if so, then that's my I add a "t" to it? i.e: At + (the rest)?

Yes. The fact that a constant ##c_1## is a solution of the homogeneous equation means that a constant, no matter whether you call it ##A## or something else can't be a solution of the NH equation. So no point in trying ##y_p = A##.
 

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