Solving DE with ICs: y''(x) - 8y(x) = 0, y(0)=1, y'(0)=-2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation, specifically y''(x) - 8y(x) = 0, with initial conditions y(0)=1 and y'(0)=-2. Participants are exploring various substitution methods and integration techniques to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • One participant attempts a substitution method involving v = dy/dx and expresses confusion over the integration steps. Another participant questions the validity of an integral derived from the original equation, suggesting a potential error in the manipulation of terms. There are also mentions of using trigonometric substitution and separable variables, with participants expressing difficulty in progressing through the integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively sharing their attempts and questioning each other's reasoning. Some have provided insights into their thought processes, while others are still grappling with the integration and setup of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges related to typing errors and the complexity of the problem, indicating a need for clarity in their calculations and assumptions. There is an acknowledgment of the context being a differential equations class, which may influence their expectations of the problem-solving process.

thepatient
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Given (y')^2 *y'' -8y=0 and ICs y(0)=1 y'(0)= -2

I used substitution dy/dx = v and d^2y/dx^2 = vdv/dy and got to:

v^2*v*v' = 8y
V^3 dv/dy = 8y
v^4/4 =4y + c
V^4 =4y + c

And IC y'(0) = v(0) =-2
So c = 16

v = 2(y^2+1)^(1/4)
dy/dx = 2(y^2+1)^(1/4)

(y^2+1)^(-1/4)dy = 2dx

But here I got stuck. :( did I do the steps wrong? I then tried trig substitution and got:

Sec(u)^3/2 du = 2dx

But couldn't integrate either. This is a DE class so I didn't think it should be like that and maybe I made a mistake. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :]
 
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thepatient said:
Given (y')^2 *y'' -8y=0 and ICs y(0)=1 y'(0)= -2

I used substitution dy/dx = v and d^2y/dx^2 = vdv/dy and got to:

v^2*v*v' = 8y
V^3 dv/dy = 8y
v^4/4 =4y + c

The integral of 8y is NOT 4y+ C.

V^4 =4y + c
How did you get this? If you multiply both sides of v^4/4= 4y+ C (which was wrong) by 4 you would get y^4= 16y+ 4c (which you could write as y^4= 16y+ C' since 4 times an unknown constant is still an unknown constant).

And IC y'(0) = v(0) =-2
So c = 16

v = 2(y^2+1)^(1/4)
dy/dx = 2(y^2+1)^(1/4)

(y^2+1)^(-1/4)dy = 2dx

But here I got stuck. :( did I do the steps wrong? I then tried trig substitution and got:

Sec(u)^3/2 du = 2dx

But couldn't integrate either. This is a DE class so I didn't think it should be like that and maybe I made a mistake. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :]
 
Oops yes, I had before putting in first IC

V^4 = 16y^2 + C.

I jumped a bit a head of myself while typing this in. XD I just had this on an exam a few hours ago.
 
Last edited:
From:
V^3 dv/dy = 8y, I used method of separable variables.

V^3 dv = 8ydy then integrate both sides:

V^4/4 = 8y^2/2 + c
 
I accidentally left the squared out on that part. XD it's not easy typing on phone.
 

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