Verify My IVP Help Appreciated!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the solution to an initial value problem (IVP) involving a second-order differential equation: $y'' - y = e^t$, with initial conditions $y(0) = 0$ and $y'(0) = 1$. Participants explore the correctness of the proposed solution and the steps involved in deriving it.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution to the IVP: $\frac{1}{2}te^t + \frac{1}{2}e^t - \frac{1}{2}e^{-t}$.
  • Another participant notes that while the solution satisfies the differential equation and one initial condition, it fails to meet the derivative initial condition, yielding $y'(0) = \frac{3}{2}$ instead of the required value.
  • A third participant outlines the general solution approach, identifying the homogeneous and particular solutions, and derives the correct expressions for $y(0)$ and $y'(0)$ based on the initial conditions.
  • Further, this participant calculates the constants $C_1$ and $C_2$ and presents a revised solution that satisfies the initial conditions.
  • One participant acknowledges the misunderstanding regarding the combination of the particular and homogeneous solutions and expresses intent to rework the problem.
  • Another participant claims to have found the correct solution after the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the correctness of the initial proposed solution, with multiple competing views on the correct approach to solving the IVP. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial solution's validity until further verification is provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the steps taken in deriving the solution, particularly in combining the homogeneous and particular solutions and calculating derivatives. There are unresolved aspects regarding the initial conditions and the implications of the proposed solutions.

shamieh
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Need someone to verify that my solution is correct, thanks in advance.

Solve the IVP $y'' - y = e^t$, $y(0) = 0$, $y'(0) = 1$

Solution: $\frac{1}{2}te^t + \frac{1}{2}e^t - \frac{1}{2}e^{-t}$
 
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Well, your solution solves the DE and the first initial condition, but not the initial condition involving the derivative. I get, for your solution, that $y'(0)=\tfrac32$. Can you show your steps?
 
$y_h = C_1e^t + C_2e^{-t}$ and I know that $y_p = \frac{1}{2}te^t$

so $y(0) = C_1 + C_2$ and $y'(0) = C_1e^t - C_2e^{-t}$

so
$C_1 + C_2 = 0$
$+$
$C_1 - C_2 = 1$

$C_2 = -1/2$ and $C_1 = 1/2$

so $y_p + y_h = \frac{1}{2} t e^t + \frac{1}{2}e^t - \frac{1}{2}e^{-t}$
 
So is my solution correct?
 
shamieh said:
So is my solution correct?

You posted the same solution as in your initial post, which you have already been told is incorrect. :D

You should have found the general solution to the given ODE is:

$$y(t)=c_1e^t+c_2e^{-t}+\frac{t}{2}e^{t}$$

And so we find:

$$y'(t)=c_1e^t-c_2e^{-t}+\frac{1}{2}e^{t}(t+1)$$

Now, to determine the parameters, we use the initial conditions:

$$y(0)=c_1+c_2=0$$

$$y'(0)=c_1-c_2+\frac{1}{2}=1\implies c_1-c_2=\frac{1}{2}$$

Thus, we obtain:

$$\left(c_1,c_2\right)=\left(\frac{1}{4},-\frac{1}{4}\right)$$

Thus, the solution satisfying the given conditions is:

$$y(t)=\frac{1}{4}e^t-\frac{1}{4}e^{-t}+\frac{t}{2}e^{t}=\frac{1}{4e^t}\left((2t+1)e^{2t}-1\right)$$
 
Oh now I see what you all are saying Mark. I did not put the particular solution with the homogeneous solution & took the derivative incorrectly. Gonna re-work the problem. Thanks so much.
 
Ahh I got the correct solutuion. Thank you
 
Last edited:

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