Linear Equation with Constant Coefficients Problem

In summary, the solutions for the given conditions are: a) \phi(x)=cos(x)+2sin(x) b) \phi(x)=c1sin(x) c) \phi(x)=c1sin(x) d) \phi(x)=0
  • #1
JM00404
7
0
Find all solutions [tex] \phi [/tex] of [tex] y''+y=0 [/tex] satisfying:
1) [tex] \phi(0)=1, \phi(\pi/2)=2 [/tex]
2) [tex] \phi(0)=0, \phi(\pi)=0 [/tex]
3) [tex] \phi(0)=0, \phi'(\pi/2)=0 [/tex]
4) [tex] \phi(0)=0, \phi(\pi/2)=0 [/tex]

I cannot seem to solve parts 2-4 in a way that would result in the coefficients being any constant other than zero. Whenever I solve for one of the constants in the equation [tex] \phi(0)=0 [/tex] , I find that [tex] C_1=-C_2 [/tex] ; which isn't alarming yet since the magnitude of either constant is not yet known. When I try to solve the second property in each of the subsequent equations, I find that [tex] C_2=0 [/tex] , for example, which implies that [tex] C_1=0 [/tex] since [tex] C_1=-C_2 [/tex] . Below, I have included a portion of the work that I completed to get to the current situation that I am in. Any assistance offered would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[tex] y''+y=0 [/tex] .
Characteristic Polynomial: [tex] p(r)=r^2+1=(r-i)(r+i) [/tex]
[tex] \implies [/tex] Roots [tex] =\pm i [/tex] .
[tex] \therefore \phi(x)=C_1e^ {ix} +C_2e^ {-ix} [/tex] where [tex] C_1 [/tex] & [tex] C_2 [/tex] are constants.
[tex] \phi(0)=C_1e^0+C_2e^0=C_1+C_2=1 \implies C_1=1-C_2 [/tex] .
[tex] \phi(\pi/2)=C_1e^ {\pi i/2} +C_2e^{ -\pi i/2} =(1-C_2)e^ {\pi i/2} +C_2e^ {-\pi i/2} =\cdots=(1-2C_2)i=2 \implies C_2=(\frac 1 2 +i) \implies C_1=(\frac 1 2 -i ) [/tex].
[tex] \therefore \phi(x)=(\frac 1 2 -i)e^ {ix} +(\frac 1 2 +i)e^ {-ix} =\cdots=cos(x)+2sin(x) [/tex] .
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The first condition of 2) gives, as you say, [itex]C_1 = -C_2[/itex]. Using this and the second condition of 2), I get that [itex]C_2[/itex] can be anything.

Regards,
George
 
  • #3
b) y=(c1)sinx
c) y=(c1)sinx
d) y=o

(c1)= any constant

For b and c, I get (c2)=0, so (c1) can be any constant and there is no cosx term
For d, I get both (c1) and (c2) are 0, so the only soln. is y=0
 
  • #4
hunchback6116 said:
b) y=(c1)sinx
c) y=(c1)sinx
d) y=o

(c1)= any constant

For b and c, I get (c2)=0, so (c1) can be any constant and there is no cosx term
For d, I get both (c1) and (c2) are 0, so the only soln. is y=0

Careful - I think your C's are different JM00404's C's. This doesn't affect the final answers, but it does affect the values of the C's.

JM00404 has chose C's such that

[tex]\phi(x) = C_1 e^{ix} + C_2 e^{-ix}[/tex].

I think your C's are such that

[tex]\phi(x) = C_1 sinx + C_2 cosx[/tex].

Regards,
George
 
  • #5
You're right

You're right. The general solution to the equation that I am using is

y(x) = (c1)sinx + (c2)cosx
 
  • #6
Lets look @ (2). we have a general solution y=(c1)sinx+(c2)cosx, the first restriction y(0)=0, inplies that c2=0. The second restriction y(Pi)=0 does nothing because for any value of c1, sinx will be zero at Pi. so the solution is a bunch of sine curves with any amplitude. This is a good example of a second order d.e. that has 2 boundary conditions that don't determine a unique solution.
 

FAQ: Linear Equation with Constant Coefficients Problem

What is a linear equation with constant coefficients problem?

A linear equation with constant coefficients problem is a type of mathematical problem that involves finding the solution to an equation in the form of y = mx + b, where m and b are constants and x is the variable. The goal is to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Why are linear equations with constant coefficients important?

Linear equations with constant coefficients are important because they have a wide range of applications in real-life situations, such as calculating the cost of a product based on the number of units produced, determining the trajectory of a projectile, and modeling population growth.

How do you solve a linear equation with constant coefficients problem?

To solve a linear equation with constant coefficients problem, you can use various methods such as substitution, elimination, or graphing. The most common method is to isolate the variable on one side of the equation by using algebraic operations and then solve for its value.

What are the common mistakes made when solving linear equations with constant coefficients?

One common mistake is forgetting to distribute a coefficient when simplifying an equation. Another mistake is incorrectly combining like terms, which can result in an incorrect solution. It is also important to pay attention to the signs of the coefficients and variables when performing operations.

How can I check if my solution to a linear equation with constant coefficients problem is correct?

You can check your solution by plugging the value of the variable you found back into the original equation. If the equation is true, then your solution is correct. You can also graph the equation and see if the point of intersection matches your solution. Additionally, you can use online calculators or ask a friend or teacher to verify your answer.

Back
Top