Variation of parameters method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation y'' + y = tan(x) + e^{3x} - 1 using the variation of parameters method. The original poster presents their attempts to find a particular solution and expresses confusion regarding the use of primes in their notation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the particular solution and the reasoning behind using derivatives in the notation. Questions arise about the origin of the equations used and the appropriateness of the assumed form for the particular solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on simplifying the notation and clarifying the approach to finding the particular solution. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations involved and their derivation, with no explicit consensus reached on the best method yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of ensuring the particular solution satisfies the original differential equation, raising questions about the assumptions made in the problem setup.

djeitnstine
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Homework Statement



[tex]y''+y=tan(x)+e^{3x}-1[/tex]

Homework Equations



homogeneous solution:
[tex]y_{hom..}=C_{1}cos(x)+C_{2}sin(x)[/tex]

particular solution:
[tex]y_{parti..}=v_{1}' cos(x)+v_{2}' sin(x)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]v_{1}' cos(x)+v_{2}' sin(x)=0[/tex] (1)

[tex]-v_{1}' sin(x)+v_{2}' cos(x) = tan(x)+e^{3x}-1[/tex] (2)

(1)* by sin (2)* by cos

and solve for v2

[tex]sin(x)+e^{3x}cos(x)-cos(x)=v_{2}'[/tex]

[tex]-cos(x)+ \frac{3}{10}e^{3x}cos(x)-\frac{1}{10}sin(x)-sin(x)=v_{2}[/tex]

Now finding v1 is the problem here. if I reverse the multiplication and do (1)* by cos (2)* by sin it seems even worse =(. I saw the complete answer and if I remember correctly its [tex]y_{p}=\frac{1}{2}cos(x)ln(sin(x)+1)-\frac{1}{2}cos(x)ln(sin(x)-1)-\frac{1}{10}e^{3x}+1[/tex]

I really just need to know what to multiply by to get going
 
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djeitnstine said:
particular solution:
[tex]y_{parti..}=v_{1}' cos(x)+v_{2}' sin(x)[/tex]

Why the primes? Why not just use [tex]y_p=v_{1}\cos(x)+v_{2}\sin(x)[/tex] as your ansatz (assumed form)?

[tex]v_{1}' cos(x)+v_{2}' sin(x)=0[/tex] (1)

[tex]-v_{1}' sin(x)+v_{2}' cos(x) = tan(x)+e^{3x}-1[/tex] (2)

Where are these equations coming from?:confused:

Your particular solution should satisfy [itex]y_p''+y_p=\tan(x)+e^{3x}-1[/itex] not [itex]y_p=0[/itex] or (2)
 
As gabbagabbahey said, drop the primes from you solution- they are confusing.
y(x)= v1(x)cos(x)+ v2(x)sin(x)
Differenitate:
y'= v1' cos(x)- v1 sin(x)+ v2' sin(x)+ v2 cos(x)
Now, we can simplify this by "restricting" our search. Out of the infinitely many v1 and v2 that would satisfy the equation, we only look for those such that
v1' cos(x)+ v2' sin(x)= 0

So now
y'= -v1 sin(x)+ v2 cos(x)
Differentiate again: y"= -v1' sin(x)- v1 cos(x)+ v2' cos(x)- v2 sin(x).

Put that and the equation for y' into the original differential equation and it gives one equation for v1' and v2' (all of the v1 and v2 terms without ' will cancel). That, together with v1' cos(x)+ v2' sin(x)= 0 gives to equations to solve (algebraically) for v1' and v2' and then you integrate to find v1 and v2.
 
Ok thanks I finally got the answer.
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Why the primes? Why not just use [tex]y_p=v_{1}\cos(x)+v_{2}\sin(x)[/tex] as your ansatz (assumed form)?



Where are these equations coming from?:confused:

Your particular solution should satisfy [itex]y_p''+y_p=\tan(x)+e^{3x}-1[/itex] not [itex]y_p=0[/itex] or (2)

These equations come from a proof shown by various texts including my professor. One example is at http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/ under the Diff Eq. pdf if you'd like to see.
 

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