Solving x''(t)+Kx(t)=0 when x has the form sin(ωt+ø): the soln r LD

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) x''(t) + (k/m)x(t) = 0, particularly when the solution is assumed to be of the form sin(ωt + ø). Participants explore the implications of this assumption on the linear independence of the solutions and the conditions under which they hold.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant derives the solutions x₁(t) = Asin(√(k/m)t + ø) and x₂(t) = Bsin(-√(k/m)t + ø), and checks their linear independence using the Wronskian, concluding that it vanishes at ø = 0 or ω = 0.
  • Another participant suggests that the two solutions do not necessarily share the same phase shift (ø), proposing x₁(t) = Asin(√(k/m)t + ø₁) and x₂(t) = Bsin(-√(k/m)t + ø₂).
  • A different participant reiterates the derivation of the solutions and discusses the general solution form, indicating that it can be expressed in terms of cosine and sine with parameters that include amplitudes and phase shifts.
  • One participant emphasizes that if two functions are linearly dependent, the Wronskian will vanish everywhere, while if it is non-zero at any point, the functions must be linearly independent, suggesting that the functions are independent unless ω = 0 or ø is a multiple of π.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the linear independence of the solutions based on the Wronskian, with some asserting that the solutions are independent under certain conditions, while others suggest that the phase shifts may affect this independence. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the conditions under which the solutions are linearly independent.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the vanishing of the Wronskian depends on specific values of ω and ø, indicating that assumptions about these parameters are critical to the discussion. There is also mention of the general solution form, which introduces additional parameters that may complicate the analysis of independence.

gikiian
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I have the ODE x''(t)+\frac{k}{m}x(t)=0.

Given that the solution is of the form sin(ωt+ø), I plug this form into the original ODE and obtain ω=+\sqrt\frac{k}{m},-\sqrt\frac{k}{m}.

And hence, I obtain two solutions of the ODE as follows:

x_{1}(t)=Asin(\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø), x_{2}(t)=Bsin(-\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø)

Next, I check for the linear independence of the two solutions using the 2x2 Wronskian matrix and obtain Wronskian=-2ωsin(ø) which vanishes at ø=0 or ω=0, implying that the two solutions are not linearly independent.

How can I find the second solution of the second order ODE?
 
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The two solutions are not necessarily with the same ø
x_{1}(t)=Asin(\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø_1), x_{2}(t)=Bsin(-\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø_2)
 
gikiian said:
I have the ODE x''(t)+\frac{k}{m}x(t)=0.

Given that the solution is of the form sin(ωt+ø), I plug this form into the original ODE and obtain ω=+\sqrt\frac{k}{m},-\sqrt\frac{k}{m}.

And hence, I obtain two solutions of the ODE as follows:

x_{1}(t)=Asin(\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø), x_{2}(t)=Bsin(-\sqrt\frac{k}{m}t+ø)

Next, I check for the linear independence of the two solutions using the 2x2 Wronskian matrix and obtain Wronskian=-2ωsin(ø) which vanishes at ø=0 or ω=0, implying that the two solutions are not linearly independent.

How can I find the second solution of the second order ODE?

The general solution of x'' + \omega^2x =0 is
x = A\cos (\omega t)+ B\sin (\omega t)
By use of the sum formulae for sine and cosine this can be written as either
<br /> x = R \cos (\omega t + \phi)<br />
where R^2 = A^2 + B^2, \cos \phi = A and \sin\phi = -B, or as
<br /> x = R \sin (\omega t + \theta)<br />
where R^2 = A^2 + B^2, \cos \theta = B and \sin\theta = A.

The point is that the general solution has two parameters: either two amplitudes or an amplitude and a phase shift.
 
gikiian said:
I have the ODE <br /> <br /> Next, I check for the linear independence of the two solutions using the 2x2 Wronskian matrix and obtain Wronskian=-2ωsin(ø) which vanishes at ø=0 or ω=0, implying that the two solutions are not linearly independent.<br />
<br /> <br /> 1) If two functions are linearly dependent, then the Wronskian will vanish everywhere. <br /> <br /> 2) If the Wronskian is not zero at any point, then the functions must be linearly independent.<br /> <br /> So, your two functions are linearly independent unless w = 0 or ø is a multiple of pi.
 

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