Solving 2nd Order Differential Equation: y'' - 4y = 0

[snowJT]

Homework Statement

y'' - 4y = 0 when y = 1, y' = -1, x = 0

2. The attempt at a solution

y'' - 4y = 0

m^2 - 4 = 0

m = 2, m = -2

Substituting: y = 1, x = 0

1 = C1 + C2

C1 = -C2 + 1

Substituting: y' = -1, x = 0

-1 -C2 + 1 + C2

C2 = C2

Therefore: y = -C2e^2^x + C2e^-^2^x

Obviously I went wrong with my substitutions... Can I get a hint?

 

[Plastic Photon]

Try solving the initial value as a system of equations, maybe this will give you a better approach than substitution.

 

[DeathKnight]

since m=+/-2
y is of the form
y=A(e^-2x)+B(e^2x)
y`=-2A(e^-2x)+2B(e^2x)
Use the given conditions. Make two equations... You know the rest.
Hope this helps.
Abdullah

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[snowJT]

thanks guys, I got it

 

[HallsofIvy]

Homework Statement

y'' - 4y = 0 when y = 1, y' = -1, x = 0

2. The attempt at a solution

y'' - 4y = 0

m^2 - 4 = 0

m = 2, m = -2

It would be a really smart idea to write out the general solution here:
y= C₁e^2x+ C₂e^-2x
Otherwise no one knows what the rest of this means!

Substituting: y = 1, x = 0

1 = C1 + C2

Okay, C₁e⁰+ C₂e⁰= C₁+ C₂= 1

C1 = -C2 + 1

Substituting: y' = -1, x = 0

-1 -C2 + 1 + C2

Isn't there an "=" missing here?
If y(x)= C₁e^2x+ C₂e^-2x
then y'(x)= 2C₁e^2x- 2C₂e^-2x
so y'(0)= 2C₁- 2C₂= -1

C2 = C2

Surely that's not what you meant to say!

Therefore: y = -C2e^2^x + C2e^-^2^x

Obviously I went wrong with my substitutions... Can I get a hint?

You have C₁+ C₂= 1 and 2C₁- 2C₂= -1. Solve those two equations.