Solving Simultaneous Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving two equations simultaneously, specifically an equation for \( y \) and its derivative \( y' \) with respect to \( t_0 \). The equations involve constants \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \) and exponential functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use substitution to express \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \) in terms of \( y \) and \( y' \). Some participants question whether the equations truly represent simultaneous equations, while others suggest methods for isolating \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \) through algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the equations and discussing algebraic approaches. There is a suggestion to multiply and subtract the equations to isolate variables, but there is also a noted discrepancy regarding the algebraic results, prompting further inquiry into the correctness of the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a potential mistake in algebra leading to different denominators in the results, indicating a need for careful verification of the steps taken in the problem-solving process.

Nano-Passion
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I need help solving these two equations simultaneously

[itex]y = c_1e^{r_1t_o}+c_2e^{r_2t_o}[/itex]

[itex]y' = c_1r_1e^{r_1t_o}+c_2r_2e^{r_2t_o}[/itex] My plan of solving these two equations is by substitution. By rearranging I obtain the following:

[itex]c_1 = [y-c_2e^{r_2t_o}]e^{-r_1t_o}[/itex]
[itex]c_1= \frac{[y' -c_2r_2e^{r_2t_o}]e^{-r_1t_o}}{r_1}[/itex]

Likewise,

[itex]c_2=[y-C_1e^{r_1t_o}]e^{-r_2t_o}[/itex]
[itex]c_2=\frac{[y'-c_1r_1e^{r_1e^r_1t_o}]e^{-r_2t_o}}{r_2}[/itex]

Don't know what to do from here. :confused:
 
Last edited:
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Sorry, I don't see how these are two simultaneous equations. It's just the one equation you have for y and then you have its derivative with respect to t0 below it...
 
Marioeden[I said:
;3997417]Sorry, I don't see how these are two simultaneous equations. It's just the one equation you have for y and then you have its derivative with respect to t0 below it...

No, I am are trying to simultaneously solve from equations y & y' for c_1 & c_2. [/I]
 
ah right, you want c1 and c2 in terms of y and y'

So like multiply the first equation by r2 and subtract them, then you'll get c1. Do the same thing but multiply the first equation by r1 instead and subtract them and you'll get c2 :)
 
Edit: Fixing Mistake

Marioeden said:
ah right, you want c1 and c2 in terms of y and y'

So like multiply the first equation by r2 and subtract them, then you'll get c1.

Okay so I get

[itex]c_1 = \frac{[y'-yr_2]}{r_2-r_1}e^{-r_1t_o}[/itex]

The book gets the same answer but with r_1-r_2 in the denominator. Any ideas why? As long as I subtract the first equation from the second, I will always get r_2-r_1.

P.s. I'll solve the other half after I grab some food.
 
Last edited:
You may want to double check your algebra, the book is right...
 

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