What Values of r Satisfy Differential Equations with Exponential Solutions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the values of \( r \) for which specific differential equations have solutions of the form \( y = e^{rt} \). The focus includes multiple differential equations and the process of finding \( r \) through differentiation and substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants are tasked with finding values of \( r \) for equations such as \( y' + 2y = 0 \), with some suggesting \( r = 2 \) based on their calculations.
  • One participant emphasizes that the goal is not to solve the differential equations but to identify the values of \( r \) that fit the proposed solution form.
  • Another participant questions the expression \( (y^{rt})^n = ry^{rt} \), indicating a potential misunderstanding of the differentiation process.
  • A participant states that the \( n \)-th derivative of \( e^{rt} \) is \( r^n e^{rt} \), which is presented as a general property of exponential functions.
  • For the equation \( y'' - y = 0 \), one participant claims \( r = 0 \), while another provides a derivation leading to \( r^2 - 1 = 0 \), suggesting \( r = \pm 1 \) as potential solutions.
  • For the equation \( y'' + y' - 6y = 0 \), one participant mentions obtaining \( r = 4 \) or \( r = 5 \), but this is contested by another who points out the need for further clarification on the derivation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the values of \( r \) for various equations, with some calculations leading to conflicting results. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct values for certain equations, particularly for equations 16 and 17.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the differentiation process and the interpretation of the problem statement, which may affect the accuracy of the proposed values of \( r \). Some assumptions about the form of solutions and the application of derivatives are not fully clarified.

karush
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$ \textsf{Determine the values of $r$}$
$ \textsf{for which the given differential equation has solutions }$
$ \textsf{of the form $y = e^{rt}$}$
$\textit{15. $\quad y'+2y=0$}$
\begin{align*}
2\exp\int \, dx &=2e^{t}+c\\
&=e^{2t}+c\\
\therefore r&=2
\end{align*}
no sure about the rest due to mutiple differentiation
$\textit{16 $\quad y''-y=0$}$
$\textit{17. $\quad y''+y'-6y=0$}$
$\textit{18. $\quad y'''-3y''+2y'=0$}$
 
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karush said:
$ \textsf{Determine the values of $r$}$
$ \textsf{for which the given differential equation has solutions }$
$ \textsf{of the form $y = e^{rt}$}$
$\textit{15. $\quad y'+2y=0$}$
\begin{align*}
2\exp\int \, dx &=2e^{t}+c\\
&=e^{2t}+c\\
\therefore r&=2
\end{align*}
no sure about the rest due to mutiple differentiation
$\textit{16 $\quad y''-y=0$}$
$\textit{17. $\quad y''+y'-6y=0$}$
$\textit{18. $\quad y'''-3y''+2y'=0$}$
You don't seem to have the spirit of the problem statement. You are not instructed to "solve the DE". You are just finding values of r for that form. Take all the derivatives of $e^{rt}$ that you need, in each case.
 
doesn't $(y^{rt})^n=ry^{rt}$
 
$\dfrac{d^{n}}{dt^{n}}e^{rt}=r^{n}e^{rt}$
 
karush said:
$ \textsf{Determine the values of $r$}$
$ \textsf{for which the given differential equation has solutions }$
$ \textsf{of the form $y = e^{rt}$}$
$\textit{15. $\quad y'+2y=0$}$
\begin{align*}
2\exp\int \, dx &=2e^{t}+c\\
&=e^{2t}+c\\
\therefore r&=2
\end{align*}
no sure about the rest due to mutiple differentiation
$\textit{16 $\quad y''-y=0$}$
$\textit{17. $\quad y''+y'-6y=0$}$
$\textit{18. $\quad y'''-3y''+2y'=0$}$
for 16 I got r=0, and for 17 I got r=4 or 5
 
Gryfen said:
for 16 I got r=0, and for 17 I got r=4 or 5
No. Equation 16 is y''- y= 0. Taking y= e^{rx} then y'= re^{rx} and y''= r^2e^{rx} so y''- y= r^2e^{rx}- e^{rx}= (r^2- 1)e^{rx}= 0. e^{rx} is not 0 we can divide both sides by it to get r^2- 1= 0. What values of r satisfy that?
 

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