Chapter 11: Problem 32
Solve $$ \frac{d^{2} x}{d t^{2}}=-4 x $$ with \(x(0)=0\) and \(x^{\prime}(0)=6\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \( x(t) = 3\sin(2t) \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Equation
This is a second-order linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients: \( \frac{d^{2} x}{dt^{2}} = -4x \). The general approach to solve such equations involves characteristic equations.
02
Form the Characteristic Equation
Assume a solution of the form \( x(t) = e^{rt} \). Plugging this into the differential equation gives the characteristic equation: \( r^2 = -4 \).
03
Solve the Characteristic Equation
The characteristic equation \( r^2 = -4 \) has solutions \( r = \pm 2i \), indicating complex conjugate roots.
04
Write the General Solution
For complex roots \( \pm bi \), the solution takes the form \( x(t) = C_1 \cos(bt) + C_2 \sin(bt) \). Here, \( b = 2 \), so \( x(t) = C_1 \cos(2t) + C_2 \sin(2t) \).
05
Apply Initial Conditions to Find Constants
First, use the condition \( x(0) = 0 \). Substituting gives \( C_1 = 0 \). Next, apply \( x'(0) = 6 \). Calculating the derivative: \( x'(t) = 0 \cdot \cos(2t) + 2C_2 \cdot \cos(2t) = 2C_2 \cdot \cos(2t) \). Substituting \( x'(0) = 6 \) gives \( 2C_2 = 6 \), hence \( C_2 = 3 \).
06
Write the Specific Solution
Now that we have \( C_1 = 0 \) and \( C_2 = 3 \), the specific solution is \( x(t) = 3\sin(2t) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Characteristic Equation
In the realm of solving second-order linear homogeneous differential equations, the characteristic equation plays a pivotal role. These equations typically appear in the form:
- \( \frac{d^2 x}{dt^2} + a \frac{dx}{dt} + bx = 0 \)
- For our problem, the characteristic equation resulting from \( \frac{d^{2} x}{d t^{2}}=-4 x \) is \( r^2 + 4 = 0 \).
- Solving this gives us the possible values of \( r \), which inform the general solution form.
Initial Conditions
Initial conditions are essential as they transform our general solution into a specific one that satisfies the given conditions of a problem. These conditions typically specify the function and its derivatives at a particular point. They are usually given as:
- \( x(0) = x_0 \)
- \( x'(0) = v_0 \)
- The initial conditions are \( x(0)=0 \) and \( x'(0)=6 \).
- By applying \( x(0)=0 \), we find \( C_1 = 0 \) in the general solution \( x(t) = C_1 \cos(2t) + C_2 \sin(2t) \).
- Using \( x'(0)=6 \) helps us identify \( C_2 = 3 \). With these constants, we narrow down to a specific solution.
Complex Roots
When solving a characteristic equation, the nature of the roots has a direct impact on the solution form:
- Real and distinct roots yield solutions involving exponential functions.
- Real repeated roots result in solutions with polynomials and exponentials.
- Complex conjugate roots introduce trigonometric functions into the solution.
- \( x(t) = C_1 \cos(bt) + C_2 \sin(bt) \)