Simple homogenous 2nd order Diff EQ, but i'm stuck on the process

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order homogeneous differential equation, specifically y'' - 3y' = 0, with given initial conditions y(0) = 9 and y(1) = 7. Participants are exploring the process of finding the constants in the general solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss solving for constants c1 and c2 using a system of equations derived from the initial conditions. There is mention of using matrix methods to approach the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on setting up the equations and using matrix methods to find the constants. The discussion includes various interpretations of the steps involved in solving the system.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the initial conditions and the need to solve for the constants in the context of the differential equation. The original poster expresses confusion about the process, indicating a learning phase in understanding second-order differentials.

mr_coffee
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Hello everyone, we just started 2nd order differentials, and i was loooking at his example and it made senes but now I'm doing the homework and I'm stuck.

Here is the problem:
Find y as a function of t if
y'' - 3y' = 0,
y(0) = 9, y(1) = 7 .
y(t) =?

Well there is my work
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/495/lastscan6vi.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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you have it right, just need to solve for c1 and c2 from this system (same as you have):

[tex]c_1+c_2=9[/tex]
[tex]c_1+c_2e^3=7[/tex]
 
Use matrix methods: the system is

[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}1&1\\1&e^3\end{array}\right) \left(\begin{array}{cc}c_1\\c_2\end{array}\right) =\left(\begin{array}{cc}9\\7\end{array}\right)[/tex]
 
multipling on the left by the inverse of the coefficient matrix gives

[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}c_1\\c_2\end{array}\right) = \frac{1}{(1)(e^3)-(1)(1)} \left(\begin{array}{cc}e^3&-1\\-1&1\end{array}\right) \left(\begin{array}{cc}9\\7\end{array}\right) = \frac{1}{e^3-1} \left(\begin{array}{cc}9e^3-7\\-9+7\end{array}\right) = \left(\begin{array}{cc}\frac{9e^3-7}{e^3-1}\\-\frac{2}{e^3-1}\end{array}\right)[/tex]

so [tex]c_1=\frac{9e^3-7}{e^3-1}\mbox{ and }c_2=-\frac{2}{e^3-1}[/tex]
 

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