MHB Solving an IVP for a system of ODEs

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The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem (IVP) for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) involving the variables u and v, with uncertainty regarding the nature of w. Participants debate whether w is a constant or a function of time, with implications for the complexity of the solution. Differentiation of the equations leads to further insights, suggesting that if w is treated as a function, the problem becomes more complicated due to the introduction of additional variables. The possibility of using Laplace transforms to solve the IVP is mentioned, but its acceptability is questioned. The source of the problem is identified as a textbook titled "Differential Equations (From Engineering Viewpoint)" by Dr. R.C. Shah.
krish
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Hello, I am having trouble solving the below IVP, particularly I am confused with the w:

du/dt = v - w(t-5)

dv/dt = 2 - u(t)

u(0)=0, v(0)=0

Any help would be great. Thank you.
 
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What is $$w$$ ? ,is it a constant or a function of $t$ ?
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
What is $$w$$ ? ,is it a constant or a function of $t$ ?

I believe w is a constant.
 
krish said:
I believe w is a constant.

Aha , try differentiating one of the equations and tell me if you got any ideas .
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Aha , try differentiating one of the equations and tell me if you got any ideas .

So I differentiated the second equation with respect to t:
v'' = -du/dt

Then I substitute first equation for du/dt:

v'' = -(v - w(t-5)) = -v + w(t-5)
v'' + v - w(t-5) = 0

Does it become: v'' + v = wt - 5w ? How does keeping the w matter?

And then I solve the IVP. Is this correct? But what if w is a function of t? Then I am confused, is that possible? Thank you for answering.
 
krish said:
So I differentiated the second equation with respect to t:
v'' = -du/dt

Then I substitute first equation for du/dt:

v'' = -(v - w(t-5)) = -v + w(t-5)
v'' + v - w(t-5) = 0

Does it become: v'' + v = wt - 5w ? How does keeping the w matter?

And then I solve the IVP. Is this correct? But what if w is a function of t? Then I am confused, is that possible? Thank you for answering.

That seems a not-easy problem to deal with if we try the other differentiation we get

$$u''+ut = 2- w $$

The problem will get more complicated if assumed that $w$ a function because we have a three functions and two equations !

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It might be solvable by Laplace but I don't know whether it is an acceptable solution ?
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
That seems a not-easy problem to deal with if we try the other differentiation we get

$$u''+ut = 2- w $$

The problem will get more complicated if assumed that $w$ a function because we have a three functions and two equations !

- - - Updated - - -

It might be solvable by Laplace but I don't know whether it is an acceptable solution ?

Can w(t-5) be the Heavyside unit function?
 
krish said:
Can w(t-5) be the Heavyside unit function?

I don't know there is no indication , that depends on the source.
From Where did you get that problem ?
 
Last edited:
ZaidAlyafey said:
I don't know there is no indication , that depends on the source.
From Where did you get that problem ?

It's in the review questions in my Differential Equations textbook.
 
  • #10
krish said:
It's in the review questions in my Differential Equations textbook.

Ok , tell me the name of the textbook and the page number .
 
  • #11
ZaidAlyafey said:
Ok , tell me the name of the textbook and the page number .

Differential Equations (From Engineering Viewpoint) - Dr. R.C. Shah
Page 309
 

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