Solving IVP $y''-y=0$ with $y_1,y_2$

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the initial value problem (IVP) for the differential equation $y'' - y = 0$ using the solutions $y_1(t) = e^t$ and $y_2(t) = \cosh{t}$. The homogeneous solution is derived as $y_h = A e^{t} + B e^{-t}$, with the characteristic equation yielding roots $m = -1$ and $m = 1$. To find a particular solution, the method of undetermined coefficients is recommended, specifically suggesting the use of $te^t$ instead of $e^t$ to avoid redundancy with the homogeneous solution.

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karush
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$\tiny{b.1.3.7}$
Solve IVP
$y''-y=0;\quad y_1(t)=e^t,\quad y_2(t)=\cosh{t}$
$\begin{array}{lll}
&\exp\left(\int \, dx\right)= e^x\\
& e^x(y''-y)=0\\
& e^x-e^x=0\\ \\
&y_1(x)=e^x\\
&(e^x)''-(e^x)=0\\
&(e^x)-(e^x)=0\\ \\

&y_2(x)=\cosh{x}\\
&(\cosh{x})''-(\cosh{x})=0\\
\end{array}$

ok there was no book answer so hopefully went in right direction so suggestions...:unsure:
 
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That method doesn't work for second degree equations. Use the method of characteristics.

We have y'' - y = 0. So write [math]m^2 - 1 = 0[/math]. This has solutions m = -1, 1. Thus the homogeneous solution will be
[math]y_h = A e^{1 \cdot t} + B e^{-1 \cdot t}[/math]

To fit the particular solution you can look at the method of undetermined coefficients. Hint: Let [math]cosh(t) = \dfrac{1}{2} ( e^{t} + e^{-t} )[/math].

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
That method doesn't work for second degree equations. Use the method of characteristics.

We have y'' - y = 0. So write [math]m^2 - 1 = 0[/math]. This has solutions m = -1, 1. Thus the homogeneous solution will be
[math]y_h = A e^{1 \cdot t} + B e^{-1 \cdot t}[/math]

To fit the particular solution you can look at the method of undetermined coefficients. Hint: Let [math]cosh(t) = \dfrac{1}{2} ( e^{t} + e^{-t} )[/math].

-Dan

so we can do this?
$\dfrac{1}{2} ( e^{t} + e^{-t} )=A e^{1 \cdot t} + B e^{-1 \cdot t}$
 
Hmmm... Apparently the whole method isn't contained in what I quoted.

If you have a term [math]Ae^{t}[/math] in [math]y_h[/math] then you can't have that term in [math]y_p[/math]. (Think about it... If you use [math]e^t[/math] in your particular solution then it will just give 0 because it is already in the homogeneous solution.) So instead of using [math]e^t[/math] try [math]te^t[/math]. If that doesn't work or if you need it (in this case you will) try [math]t^2 e^t[/math], etc.

-Dan
 
$Ae^{1- t}= Ae^1e^{-t}$ and the constant, e, can be "absorbed" into "A"; $A'= Ae$ so $Ae^{1- t}= A'e^{-t}$.
Similarly $Be^{1- t}= B'e^{-t}$ with $B'= Be$.

And, of course those can be combined: $A'e^{-t}+ B'e^{-t}= Ce^{-t}$ with C= A'+ B'
 

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