Problem with substitution in a difference equation

In summary, the conversation discusses verifying the response of a system governed by a 1st order difference equation. The solution for the response is provided, and it is suggested to verify it by substitution. There is a question about the steps in the solution, and it is clarified that there is an error in the first step and it should be y(k)-ay(k-1). The correct expression is simplified and a proof for it is provided. It is then explained that the two threads were merged by mistake and that the correct form of the expression is derived. Overall, the conversation provides a clear explanation of the solution and clarifies any misunderstandings.
  • #1
jwxie
282
0

Homework Statement


Verify that the response of the system governed by the 1st order different equation
[itex]y(k)=bu(k)+ay(k-1)[/itex]

is given by this solution
[itex]y(k)=\frac{b}{1+a}\left [ (-1)^{k}+a^{k+1} \right ][/itex]
for u(k) = (-1)^k


The Attempt at a Solution



The solution said we can verify this by substitution. I didn't get how we jump to the second step

(sub)
[itex]\frac{b}{1+a}\left [ (-1)^{k}+a^{k+1} \right ]-\frac{ab}{1+a}\left [ (-1)^{k}+a^{k} \right ][/itex]

2nd step
[itex]\frac{b(-1)^{k}[1+a]}{(1+a)}+\frac{ba^{k}(a-a)}{1+a}[/itex]

How did we get the top (1+a) in the first term, and the (a-a) in the second term?
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
There has to be an error.
Was the first step supposed to be [itex]y(k)-ay(k-1)[/itex]? This would either have been
[tex]\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] + \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k}+a^{k}][/tex]

or

[tex]\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] - \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k-1}+a^{k}][/tex].

(Notice the power of the second (-1) term.)
 
  • #3
Hi Thompson, yes the first step is indeed to rewrite the difference equation in the standard form, which is y(k) - ay(k-1)
Thanks.
 
  • #4
Unsure if this proof is correct

I completed this proof in the attachment but can someone please check my working

The aim was to show that the height of P above floor after the crate is tilted is h(cosb+2sinb)

From the rectangles you can work out
Length of OP=h√5
sin(a)=1/√5
cos(a)=2/√5

therefore
height=h√5.sin(a+b)
=h√5.(sinacosb+cosasinb)
=h√5.(1/√5cosb+2/√5sinb)
=h(cosb+2sinb)
 

Attachments

  • Trig.jpg
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  • #5


Yes, that's perfectly correct!:smile:

But why did you open a new thread for this?
(I'm merging the two threads.)
 
  • #6
Hmmm.. excuse me? What is this proof all about?
LOOOL
how is this relevant to my difference equation problem?
 
  • #7
anyone? still haven't figure it out yet. Thanks, and sorry for the bump.
 
  • #8
Darn it! The first expression I posted had an error! It should be

[tex]
\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] + \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k}-a^{k}]
[/tex]

Sorry about that. I'm new to doing math via computer, and usually make silly errors.


These two threads were apparently merged by mistake- okay, so let's take the first form of [itex]y(k)-a(yk-1)[/itex] that I posted
[tex]
\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] + \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k}-a^{k}]
[/tex]

multiply out the terms in the numerators..

[tex]
\frac{b(-1)^k +ba^{k+1}}{1+a} + \frac{ab(-1)^{k}-ba^{k+1}}{1+a}
[/tex]

then simply group the terms appropriately. In the reduced form you posted (the second step) they got

[itex]
\frac{b(-1)^{k}[1+a]}{(1+a)}+\frac{ba^{k}(a-a)}{1+a}
[/itex]

from grouping terms immediately instead of expanding the numerators, but you can do it either way.
 
  • #9
It's also important for you to see where

[tex]

\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] + \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k}-a^{k}]

[/tex]

comes from.

[tex]
y(k)-ay(k-1)=\frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] - \frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k-1}+a^{k}][/tex]

[tex]= \frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] - \frac{ab}{1+a}[\frac{(-1)^{k}}{(-1)}-(-a^{k})][/tex]

[tex]= \frac{b}{1+a}[(-1)^k+a^{k+1}] -(-1)\frac{ab}{1+a}[(-1)^{k}+(-a^{k})]
[/tex]

Does that make sense?
 
  • #10
hey JThompson, thank you very much. Your explanations are very clear. Thanks!
 

FAQ: Problem with substitution in a difference equation

What is a difference equation?

A difference equation is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between the values of a sequence or function at different points in time. It is commonly used to model dynamic systems, such as population growth or economic trends.

What is the problem with substitution in a difference equation?

The problem with substitution in a difference equation is that it can lead to incorrect solutions or errors in the calculation. This is because the equation may contain variables that depend on previous values, and substituting these variables can change the overall relationship between the values.

How can substitution be avoided in a difference equation?

One way to avoid substitution in a difference equation is to use the original equation to calculate the values at each time step, rather than substituting values into a simplified version of the equation. This ensures that all variables are properly accounted for in the calculation.

What are some consequences of incorrect substitution in a difference equation?

Incorrect substitution in a difference equation can lead to inaccurate predictions or models, which can have serious consequences in real-world applications. It can also make it more difficult to identify and correct errors, as they may not be immediately apparent.

How can the problem with substitution in a difference equation be addressed?

To address the problem with substitution in a difference equation, it is important to carefully check and double-check all calculations and equations. It can also be helpful to use multiple methods or approaches to solving the equation, and to consult with others to verify the accuracy of the results.

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