When do I use y=Acoshx+Bsinhx?

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The discussion revolves around the use of different forms of solutions for differential equations, specifically the choice between exponential functions and hyperbolic functions in the context of boundary value problems and separation of variables.

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  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the necessity of using the form y=Acoshx + Bsinhx instead of y=Ae^ux + Be^-ux for a specific differential equation. They also inquire about the setup of functions in a boundary value problem and the implications of using different forms based on boundary conditions.
  • Another participant discusses the flexibility of using either +lambda^2 or -lambda^2 when separating variables, depending on the desired form of solutions based on boundary conditions.
  • Some participants provide insights into the advantages of each solution form in relation to solving for constants with boundary conditions, highlighting the ease of determining constants with hyperbolic functions compared to exponential functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem and the implications of their choices. Some guidance has been offered regarding the advantages of different solution forms, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach for the original poster's specific questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of boundary conditions and the implications of their choices in function forms. There is an emphasis on understanding the reasoning behind selecting specific forms based on the nature of the differential equations and boundary conditions involved.

yuze
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When I have:
y''-yu^2=0

Why can't I just solve it using y=Ae^ux+Be^-ux ?
Is there any specific reason for me to use y=Acoshx + Bsinhx?

Also, for questions such as ut=uxx-u with BC u(0,t)=0 and u(L,t)=u1
When I am setting up u=v+w do I have to set V as Acoshx+Bsinhx?
I saw the solutions do that, but why can't I set V as u1x/L in this case?
 
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When I am separating variables, my understanding is that I can use either +lambda^2 or -lambda^2 depending on how I want my Xn or Tn to look like based on what boundary conditions I have. Is this line of thinking correct?

For example:
u=XT
X''/X=T''/T=+/-lambda^2Sorry for so many questions at once.
 
Last edited:
If you have ##X'' - \mu^2 X=0## you may use either ##X = Ae^{\mu x} + Be^{-\mu x}## or ##X= A\cosh (\mu x) + B\sinh(\mu x)##. The advantage of one over the other is in solving for the constants with the boundary conditions. For example if you have ##X(0) = c## and ##X'(0)= d##, in the first case you would have$$X(0) = Ae^0 + Be^0 = A +B = c$$and in the second case you would have$$
X(0)= A\cosh(0) + B\sinh(0) = A\cdot 1 + B\cdot 0 = A = c$$So you already know ##A## and the second boundary condition will be easy to solve for ##B##. In the exponential case you have two linked equations in two unknowns and it will be slightly more work to solve for the constants.
 
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LCKurtz said:
If you have ##X'' - \mu^2 X=0## you may use either ##X = Ae^{\mu x} + Be^{-\mu x}## or ##X= A\cosh (\mu x) + B\sinh(\mu x)##. The advantage of one over the other is in solving for the constants with the boundary conditions. For example if you have ##X(0) = c## and ##X'(0)= d##, in the first case you would have$$X(0) = Ae^0 + Be^0 = A +B = c$$and in the second case you would have$$
X(0)= A\cosh(0) + B\sinh(0) = A\cdot 1 + B\cdot 0 = A = c$$So you already know ##A## and the second boundary condition will be easy to solve for ##B##. In the exponential case you have two linked equations in two unknowns and it will be slightly more work to solve for the constants.
I see, thanks!
 

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