Elimination of arbitrary constants.

In summary, we took the derivatives of the given equations and used them to eliminate the parameters and constants from the relations. This allowed us to express the equations in terms of the remaining variables, $\omega$ and $x$, and write them in the form of second order differential equations.
  • #1
bergausstein
191
0
1. eliminate B and $\alpha$ from the relation

$\displaystyle x=B cos(\omega+\alpha)$

in which $\omega$ is a parameter(not to be eliminated).

I first took the two derivatives of x with respect to t:

$\displaystyle \frac{dx}{dt}=-\omega B\sin(\omega+\alpha)$

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-{\omega}^2 B\cos(\omega+\alpha)$

2.) Eliminate $c_1$ and $c_2$ from the relation

$\displaystyle y={c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)+x^2$can you help me what to do next? I just don't understand how my book explained the steps because it's brief. please show me the steps on eliminating the constants.
 
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  • #2
Let's look at the first problem. I believe what you are given is:

\(\displaystyle x=\beta\cos(\omega t+\alpha)\)

and you will find:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\beta\omega^2\cos(\omega t+\alpha)\)

Now, can you see how to replace part of the right side using the original equation, effectively eliminating the parameters $\beta$ and $\alpha$?
 
  • #3
this is what I tried I add the two eqn.

the result is,

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}+x+w^2=0$ is this correct?
 
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  • #4
What I have in mind is the following:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\beta\omega^2\cos(\omega t+\alpha)=-\omega^2\left(\beta\cos(\omega t+\alpha) \right)\)

Now, using the first equation, can you see that you may substitute for the expression \(\displaystyle \beta\cos(\omega t+\alpha)\)?
 
  • #5
now I get it, substituting x for $\beta\cos(\omega t+\alpha)$ in the second eqn.

I have,

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-{\omega}^2 x$

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}+w^2x=0$
 
  • #6
bergausstein said:
now I get it, substituting x for $\beta\cos(\omega t+\alpha)$ in the second eqn.

I have,

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-{\omega}^2 x$

$\displaystyle \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}+w^2x=0$

Yes, good work! Now the second problem is worked very similarly. Can you give it a try?
 
  • #7
Since the second prob has two constants, I assume that it is a solution to a 2nd order DE

$\displaystyle y={c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)+x^2$ ---a

I'll take the derivative twice,

$\displaystyle y'={c_1}\cos(x)-{c_2}\sin(x)+2x$----b

$\displaystyle y''=-{c_1}\sin(x)-{c_2}\cos(x)+2$----c

I noticed that from c

$\displaystyle y''=-\left({c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)\right)+2$

which can also be written as

$\displaystyle y''=x^2-y+2$ is this correct?
 
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  • #8
bergausstein said:
Since the second prob has two constants, I assume that it is a solution to a 2nd order DE

$\displaystyle y={c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)+x^2$ ---a

I'll take the derivative twice,

$\displaystyle y'={c_1}\cos(x)-{c_2}\sin(x)+2x$----b

$\displaystyle y''=-{c_1}\sin(x)-{c_2}\cos(x)+2$----c

I noticed that from c

$\displaystyle y''=-\left({c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)\right)+2$

which can also be written as

$\displaystyle y''-y-2=0$ is this correct?

That's almost correct. Let's go back to here:

\(\displaystyle y''=-\left(c_1\sin(x)+c_2\cos(x)\right)+2\)

Now, the original equation let's us write:

\(\displaystyle c_1\sin(x)+c_2\cos(x)=y-x^2\)

Now, continue...:D

edit: your edit of your post is correct, although the 2nd order ODE would traditionally be written as:

\(\displaystyle y''+y=x^2+2\)
 
  • #9
Edited

Since the second prob has two constants, I assume that it is a solution to a 2nd order DE

$\displaystyle y={c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)+x^2$ ---a

I'll take the derivative twice,

$\displaystyle y'={c_1}\cos(x)-{c_2}\sin(x)+2x$----b

$\displaystyle y''=-{c_1}\sin(x)-{c_2}\cos(x)+2$----c

I noticed that from c

$\displaystyle y''=-\left({c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)\right)+2$

which can also be written as

$\displaystyle {c_1}\sin(x)+{c_2}\cos(x)=2-y''$ -----d

substituting d to a I have,

$y=2-y''+x^2$ or $y''=x^2-y+2$ edited
 

FAQ: Elimination of arbitrary constants.

How do you eliminate arbitrary constants in a scientific equation?

The process of elimination of arbitrary constants involves identifying and removing any constants that do not have a physical significance in the equation. This is usually done by setting the constant equal to zero or by using additional information or constraints to determine its value.

Why is it important to eliminate arbitrary constants?

Eliminating arbitrary constants is important because it allows for a more accurate and meaningful representation of the relationships between variables in a scientific equation. It also helps to simplify the equation and make it easier to interpret and use in practical applications.

Can arbitrary constants be eliminated in all types of equations?

Yes, arbitrary constants can be eliminated in all types of equations, including linear, quadratic, exponential, and trigonometric equations. The process may vary slightly depending on the type of equation, but the goal is always to remove any constants that do not have a physical meaning.

Are there any limitations to eliminating arbitrary constants?

One limitation to eliminating arbitrary constants is that it may lead to a loss of generality in the equation. This means that the equation may only be applicable in certain situations or may not be able to accurately represent all possible scenarios. It is important to carefully consider the implications of removing arbitrary constants before doing so.

How does eliminating arbitrary constants affect the overall solution of an equation?

Eliminating arbitrary constants does not change the overall solution of an equation, as it only removes extraneous information. However, it can impact the specific numerical values of the variables in the solution, as well as the general form and interpretation of the equation.

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