Solving Complex Eigenvectors: Find Matrix A & Compute Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a higher order differential equation, specifically y'' + y = 0, by expressing it in a matrix form. The original poster seeks to identify the 2x2 matrix A associated with the system and compute the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, while also attempting to apply initial conditions to find a specific solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the matrix A and its eigenvalues and eigenvectors, leading to a general solution. They express uncertainty about incorporating initial conditions into their solution.
  • Some participants suggest evaluating the initial conditions by substituting t = 0 into the derived equations.
  • Others question the interpretation of the solution, noting that the original poster may be misidentifying the vector representation of the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the solution and the application of initial conditions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differentiation of the solution, but a clear resolution has not yet been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements for the format of the solution and the use of initial conditions.

tatianaiistb
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Homework Statement



The higher order equation y"+y=0 can be written as a unknown d/dt[y y']=[y' y"]=[y' -y]

If this is du/dt=Au, what is the 2x2 matrix A? Find its eigenvectors and eigenvalues, and compute the solution THAT STARTS FROM y(0)=2, y'(0)=0.

Homework Equations



y'=Ay
y(0)=y0

The Attempt at a Solution



I found matrix A
[0 1
-1 0].
The eigenvalues are i and -i, and the eigenvectors
[1 -i]^T
[1 i]^T

I found the geneal solution to be:
y(t) = c1eit[1 i]^T+c2e-it[1 -i]^T

Which is equivalent,
y(t)=c1[cos(t) -sin(t)]^T + c2[sin(t) cos(t)]^T

I just don't know how to incorporate the initial conditions that y(0)=2 and y'(0)=0?

Any ideas?
 
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You know the function y(t), and you know what y(0) equals (and you know y'(t) from differentiating your original y(t) equation), so then try plugging in for t and see what you get.
 
That's what I tried doing but I'm getting a funky solution:

y(0)=2=c1*[1 0]^T + c2*[0 1]^T, so this is saying that [c1 c2]^T=2 ?

When I differentiate y(t) as in previous post,
y'(t)=[c2*cos(t)-c1*sin(t) -c1*cos(t)-c2*sin(t)]^T
y'(0)=0=[c2 -c1]^T=0

Totally lost!
 
Hi tatianaiistb! :smile:

Your solution is not y(t), but [y(t) y'(t)] which is a vector as it should be.
 

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