Y'' + y = f(x) - Variation of Parameters?

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The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' + y = f(x) using the method of variation of parameters. The complementary function is identified as y_CF = A cos(x) + B sin(x), and the method involves setting up equations for A' and B' based on the derivatives of the solution components. Participants clarify that A' and B' can be derived from the equations, leading to integrals of f(x). There is confusion regarding the integration process and the presence of sine and cosine terms in the particular integral, indicating a need for further clarification on the integration steps. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the variation of parameters method to arrive at the solution.
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y'' + y = f(x) -- Variation of Parameters?

Homework Statement


Use variation of parameters to solve

##y'' + y = f(x), y(0) = y'(0) = 0.##

Homework Equations


A description of the method is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variation_of_parameters

The Attempt at a Solution


The complementary function is:

##y_{CF} = A\cos(x) + B\sin(x) = Ay_1 + By_2##, say.

If ##y = A(x)y_{1}(x) + B(x)y_{2}(x)## is the solution of the forced equation, then, if we choose ##A'y_1 + B'y_2 = 0##, ##y' = Ay'_{1} + By'_{2}## and ##y'' = A'y'_{1} + B'y'_{2}##.

Since ##y_{1,2}## satisfy the homogeneous equation, substitution will lead to ##A'y'_{1} + B'y'_{2} = f(x)##.

Solving these two equations for A' and B' yields

##A'(y_{2}y'_{1} - y_{1}y'_{2}) = f(x)y_{2}## and
##B'(y_{2}y'_{1} - y_{1}y'_{2}) = -f(x)y_{2}##

Now, if ##y_{1} = \cos(x), y_{2} = \sin(x)## then differentiating and substituting gives us

##A' = -f(x) \implies A = \int -f(x) dx## and
##B' = f(x) \implies B = \int f(x) dx##.

But from here, I'm stuck. Any advice?

EDIT: Am I going about this the wrong way? I'm following the example at the top of page 3 here.
 
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Anyone? (Sorry, this homework is due pretty soon...)
 
Well, just solve your linear equations for A' and B' and then integrate. You are pretty close to the solution!
 
I've ended up with the particular integral:

##y = (\sin x - \cos x)\int f(x) dx##

But I think this is incorrect -- WolframAlpha is having sines and cosines in the integral itself. Where are those coming from?
 
FeDeX_LaTeX said:

Homework Statement


Use variation of parameters to solve

##y'' + y = f(x), y(0) = y'(0) = 0.##

The Attempt at a Solution


The complementary function is:

##y_{CF} = A\cos(x) + B\sin(x) = Ay_1 + By_2##, say.

If ##y = A(x)y_{1}(x) + B(x)y_{2}(x)## is the solution of the forced equation, then, if we choose ##A'y_1 + B'y_2 = 0##, ##y' = Ay'_{1} + By'_{2}## and ##y'' = A'y'_{1} + B'y'_{2}##.

Correctly: ##y'' = A'y'_{1} + B'y'_{2}+Ay''_{1}+By''_{2}##

FeDeX_LaTeX said:
Since ##y_{1,2}## satisfy the homogeneous equation, substitution will lead to ##A'y'_{1} + B'y'_{2} = f(x)##.

Solving these two equations for A' and B' yields

##A'(y_{2}y'_{1} - y_{1}y'_{2}) = f(x)y_{2}## and
##B'(y_{2}y'_{1} - y_{1}y'_{2}) = -f(x)y_{2}##

Now, if ##y_{1} = \cos(x), y_{2} = \sin(x)## then differentiating and substituting gives us

##A' = -f(x) \implies A = \int -f(x) dx## and
##B' = f(x) \implies B = \int f(x) dx##.

.

It is A' = \frac{f(x)y_2}{y_1'y_2-y_1y_2'}=-f(x)\sin(x) and B' = -\frac{f(x)y_1}{y_1'y_2-y_1y_2'}=f(x)\cos(x)ehild
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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