Solving 2nd Order DE: y''+4y'+5y=0 & y(0)=1, y'(0)=0

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In summary, the conversation discusses solving a second order differential equation and finding a solution that satisfies the conditions y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0. The general solution is determined to be y= e^(-2x)(c_1 *cos(x) + c_2*sin(x)) and the values of the constants are found through substitution and solving a system of equations. The process of finding y' is also discussed.
  • #1
laura_a
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Homework Statement


I had to solve the 2nd order d.e
y'' + 4y' + 5y=0
Which I have done, then I need to find a solution for which y(0)=1
and y'(0)=0



The Attempt at a Solution



My general soltuion for the d.e is y= e^(-2x) (c_1 *cos(x) + c_2*sin(x))

so for y(0)=1= e^0 (c_1 * 1 + 0)
so I end up with c_1=1 but I don't have an answer for c_2, I assume I just can't write c_2 =0? SO that is my first question. My second is how do I solve y'(0)=0 ... it might sound like a silly question but there is no examples in my text and I'm not sure, should I just do this

y= e^(-2x) (c_1 *cos(x) + c_2*sin(x))
y'= -e^(-2x)(c_2*cos(x) + 3*c_1*sin(x))
y'(0)=0=-e^0 * (c_2*cos(0) + 0)
0= c_2

So If I'm even on the right track, this means the constant(s) equal zero?
 
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  • #2


If you insert zero in x for your solution it comes down to a c_1 cos(0) = 1 so we get...

If you derive your solution w.r.t. x and you again fill in zero you'll get: -2* c_2*cos(0) = 0 so we get...
 
  • #3


yes constant may out to be zero depend on conditions.

your procedure was completely correct..
 
  • #4


Your derivative of y is way off. You need to use the product rule. If you correct that you'll find you don't get c2=0.
 
  • #5


Okay, I've re-done the derivative and ended up with

y' = e^(-2x)(C_2*cos(x) - C_1*sin(x)) - 2e^(-2x)*(C_1*cos(x) + C_2*sin(x))
so I had to find the solution for which y'(0)=0
y'(0)=0=e^0(C_2) - 2e^0(C1)
0=C_2 - 2C1
so

2C_1 = C_2

Firstly, is that correct working for y' and if so, how do I answer the question when I end up with two variables? do I just sub one of them into the equation so they all have the same C for example

y'=e^(-2x)(2C_1*cos(x) - C_1*sin(x)) - 2e^(-2x)*(C_1*cos(x) + 2C_1*sin(x))

Would that be an acceptable answer?
 
  • #6


y(0) = 1 gives you the value of C_1 =1 .
 
  • #7


Does that mean I can simply plug that into my y' that would give me...


y'=e^(-2x)(2cos(x) - sin(x)) - 2e^(-2x)*(cos(x) + 2sin(x))

Can you just do that, I didn't know I could use a value I got from y(0) into y'
 
  • #8


In post 5 you correctly determined 2C_1 =C_2 and you know C_1...hence your y is solved for the constants. I don't know why you are struggling with y'.

Just determine your constants and then you're done, m'kay?
 
  • #9


laura_a said:
Does that mean I can simply plug that into my y' that would give me...


y'=e^(-2x)(2cos(x) - sin(x)) - 2e^(-2x)*(cos(x) + 2sin(x))

Can you just do that, I didn't know I could use a value I got from y(0) into y'

The conditions y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0 have to both hold. It's two equations in the two unknowns C1 and C2. So of course you can substitute one into the other.
 

FAQ: Solving 2nd Order DE: y''+4y'+5y=0 & y(0)=1, y'(0)=0

What is a 2nd order differential equation?

A 2nd order differential equation is a mathematical equation that involves a function and its first and second derivatives. In this case, the equation is y''+4y'+5y=0.

What does the notation y(0) and y'(0) mean in this equation?

The notation y(0) represents the initial condition for the function y, where the input value is 0. Similarly, y'(0) represents the initial condition for the first derivative of y, also with an input value of 0.

How do you solve a 2nd order differential equation?

There are various methods to solve a 2nd order differential equation, such as finding the general solution, undetermined coefficients, or variation of parameters. In this case, we can use the method of undetermined coefficients.

What is the general solution to this differential equation?

The general solution to y''+4y'+5y=0 is y=Ae-2xcos(x)+Be-2xsin(x), where A and B are constants. This can be determined by using the method of undetermined coefficients and solving for the coefficients.

How do you find the specific solution for the given initial conditions?

To find the specific solution, we substitute the given initial conditions (y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0) into the general solution and solve for the constants A and B. In this case, we get A=1 and B=2. Therefore, the specific solution is y=e-2xcos(x)+2e-2xsin(x).

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