How to check a particular solution of System of Linear ODEs?

In summary, to check if a given solution works for a system of inhomogeneous linear ODEs, one can use symbolic differentiation in Mathematica to verify that the proposed solution satisfies the ODEs.
  • #1
Hall
351
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If I have been given a system of inhomogeneous linear ODEs,
$$
\vec{x'} =
\begin{bmatrix}
4 & -1 \\
5 & -2 \\
\end{bmatrix}
\vec{x}
+
\begin{bmatrix}
18e^{2t} \\
30e^{2t}\\
\end{bmatrix}
$$

I have found its particular solution to be:
$$
1/4
\begin{bmatrix}
-31e^{2t} - 25e^{6t} \\
85e^{2t} - 25e^{6t} \\
\end{bmatrix}
$$

But this answer doesn't match with the answer given in the book. Can someone tell me how to check if this solutions works by writing some code in Mathematica? I know, I can use DSolve for solving them, but I'm asking a reverse of that.

Please guide me step by step, I'm new to Mathematica and I don't have any background in programming.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Hall said:
If I have been given a system of inhomogeneous linear ODEs,
$$
\vec{x'} =
\begin{bmatrix}
4 & -1 \\
5 & -2 \\
\end{bmatrix}
\vec{x}
+
\begin{bmatrix}
18e^{2t} \\
30e^{2t}\\
\end{bmatrix}
$$

I have found its particular solution to be:
$$
1/4
\begin{bmatrix}
-31e^{2t} - 25e^{6t} \\
85e^{2t} - 25e^{6t} \\
\end{bmatrix}
$$

But this answer doesn't match with the answer given in the book.

I look at your solution, and I must ask myself: Where does [itex]e^{6t}[/itex] come from? [itex]e^{2t}[/itex] is an eigenfunction of the derivative operator: [itex](e^{2t})' = 2e^{2t}[/itex]. So I would expect the particular function to be [itex]ae^{2t}[/itex] for some constant vector [itex]a[/itex], which can be determined by substituting this into the ODE. That your answer is not of this form, or of this form plus a complementary function (6 is not an eigenvalue of the matrix, so a multiple of [itex]e^{6t}[/itex] is not a complementary function), leads me to suspect that you have made an error, but since you haven't shown your working I can't tell you what it is.

Can someone tell me how to check if this solutions works by writing some code in Mathematica? I know, I can use DSolve for solving them, but I'm asking a reverse of that.

Please guide me step by step, I'm new to Mathematica and I don't have any background in programming.

The answer to this question is "symbolic differentiation". Define your proposed solution as a function, and check to see that
Code:
f'[t] - {{4, -1},{5, -2}} . f[t] - {18*exp[2*t], 30*exp[2*t]}
is zero. Have a look at the examples at https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/Derivative.html.
 
Last edited:
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FAQ: How to check a particular solution of System of Linear ODEs?

How do I verify if a given solution satisfies a system of linear ODEs?

To verify if a given solution satisfies a system of linear ODEs, you need to substitute the solution into each equation of the system. This involves taking the derivatives of the proposed solution and checking if these derivatives, when substituted back into the original equations, satisfy all the equations in the system.

What initial conditions should I use to check a particular solution of a system of linear ODEs?

To check a particular solution, you should use the initial conditions provided with the system of linear ODEs. These initial conditions are typically given as values of the dependent variables at a specific point, often at time t=0. Substitute these initial values into the solution to see if they match the initial conditions.

Can a particular solution be checked using matrix methods?

Yes, a particular solution can be checked using matrix methods. Represent the system of linear ODEs in matrix form, and then use the proposed solution vector. Compute the derivatives and substitute them into the matrix equation. If the left-hand side equals the right-hand side, the solution is verified.

What role do eigenvalues and eigenvectors play in verifying a solution of a system of linear ODEs?

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are crucial in solving and verifying solutions of systems of linear ODEs, especially when dealing with homogeneous systems. The general solution often involves terms with eigenvalues and eigenvectors. By expressing the particular solution in terms of these eigenvalues and eigenvectors, you can verify if it satisfies the system.

How do I handle non-homogeneous systems when checking a particular solution?

For non-homogeneous systems, you need to find the particular solution that satisfies the non-homogeneous part and the complementary solution that solves the associated homogeneous system. Verify the particular solution by substituting it into the non-homogeneous system and ensuring it satisfies the entire equation, including the non-homogeneous term.

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