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

In summary, we can use the variation of parameters method to solve the equation y'' + y = f(x), with initial conditions y(0) = y'(0) = 0. This involves finding the complementary function and using it to solve for the particular integral. By differentiating and substituting, we can then solve for the coefficients A and B, which will give us the general solution to the equation.
  • #1
FeDeX_LaTeX
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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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  • #2
Anyone? (Sorry, this homework is due pretty soon...)
 
  • #3
Well, just solve your linear equations for [itex]A'[/itex] and [itex]B'[/itex] and then integrate. You are pretty close to the solution!
 
  • #4
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?
 
  • #5
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 [tex]A' = \frac{f(x)y_2}{y_1'y_2-y_1y_2'}=-f(x)\sin(x)[/tex] and [tex]B' = -\frac{f(x)y_1}{y_1'y_2-y_1y_2'}=f(x)\cos(x)[/tex]ehild
 
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1. What is the purpose of "Y'' + y = f(x) - Variation of Parameters?

The purpose of "Y'' + y = f(x) - Variation of Parameters is to find a particular solution to a non-homogeneous linear differential equation. This method allows us to solve for the coefficients of the general solution by using a set of equations known as the variation of parameters formula.

2. How is the variation of parameters formula derived?

The variation of parameters formula is derived by using the method of undetermined coefficients to find a particular solution, and then using this solution to solve for the coefficients of the general solution. This method involves using the Wronskian determinant to find the coefficients of the general solution.

3. When should I use the variation of parameters method?

The variation of parameters method is typically used when the differential equation is non-homogeneous and the coefficients are functions of x. It is also useful when the particular solution is difficult to guess using the method of undetermined coefficients.

4. What is the difference between the variation of parameters method and the method of undetermined coefficients?

The main difference between the variation of parameters method and the method of undetermined coefficients is that the variation of parameters method allows for more flexibility in finding a particular solution. The method of undetermined coefficients only works for specific types of functions, whereas the variation of parameters method can be used for a wider range of functions.

5. Can the variation of parameters method be used for higher order differential equations?

Yes, the variation of parameters method can be used for higher order differential equations with non-constant coefficients. However, the process becomes more complex as the order of the differential equation increases.

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