Solving First Order Differential Equation using substitution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the first-order differential equation x + x' = 5.1sin(600*t)*u(t) using substitution methods. Participants explore different approaches to find a solution, including the implications of the function u(t) and the choice of substitution variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a substitution of the form x(t) = A sin(w1*t) + B cos(w2*t) + c cos(w3*t)*u(t) to solve the equation.
  • The same participant derives a set of equations from their substitution but notes that there are fewer equations than unknowns, raising the question of how to determine A, B, w1, and w2.
  • Another participant suggests a different method involving multiplying both sides of the equation by e^t and rewriting the left-hand side as d/dt(xe^t).
  • A third participant questions the use of multiple frequencies (w1, w2, w3), arguing that there is only one frequency present in the solution, which should be w1 = w2 = w3 = 600.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the function u(t), questioning whether it represents a general function or a specific one, such as the unit step function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate substitution and the nature of the function u(t). There is no consensus on the method of solution or the interpretation of u(t), indicating multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on the definition of u(t) and the implications of choosing different substitution variables. The initial condition x(0) = 0 is mentioned but not fully integrated into the discussion.

sristi89
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Hi,

Here is the equation:

x+x'=5.1sin(600*t)*u(t)

Our teacher gave us a hint that we should try using a substitution which is a system of sines, cosines, and looks something similar to 5.1sin(600*t)*u(t).

I tried substituting:

x(t)= A sin (w1*t)+B cos (w2*t)+ c cos(w3*t)*u(t)

By differentiated this I get:

x'(t)=A*w(1)*cos(w1*t)-B*w2*sin(w2*t)-c*w3*sin(w3*t)*u(t)+c cos(w3*t)*u'(t)

Putting everything together I have:

A sin (w1*t)+B cos (w2*t)+ c cos(w3*t)*u(t)+A*w(1)*cos(w1*t)-B*w2*sin(w2*t)-c*w3*sin(w3*t)*u(t)+c cos(w3*t)*u'(t) =5.1sin(600*t)*u(t)

Then I get 5 equations:

1) A sin (w1*t)-B*w2*sin(w2*t)=0
2) B cos (w2*t)+A*w(1)*cos(w1*t)=0
3)c cos(w3*t)*u(t)=0
4)-c*w3*sin(w3*t)*u(t)=0
5)-c*w3*sin(w3*t)*u(t)=5.1sin(600*t)*u(t)

By solving 5, I get w3=600 and c=-.0085. As there are less equations than unknowns, how do I find A, B, wi, and w2.

Also, the initial condition is x(0)=0.

Thanks
 
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An easy way to solve this problem is to multiply by e^t both sides, and rewriting the left then as d/dt(xe^t).
 
i don't understand why you use w1,w2 and w3. clearly there is only one possible frequency for the solution so w1=w2=w3=600.
 
sristi89 said:
Hi,

Here is the equation:

x+x'=5.1sin(600*t)*u(t)


Thanks


I think we need to be clear first about the function u(t) here. What it is. It is any function or it is a specific function such as the unit step function.
 

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