Chapter 3: Problem 2
A homogeneous second-order linear differential equation, two functions \(y_{1}\) and \(y_{2}\), and a pair of initial conditions are given. First verify that \(y_{1}\) and \(y_{2}\) are solutions of the differential equation. Then find a particular solution of the form \(y=c_{1} y_{1}+c_{2} y_{2}\) that satisfies the given initial conditions. Primes denote derivatives with respect to \(x\). $$ y^{\prime \prime}-9 y=0 ; y_{1}=e^{3 x}, y_{2}=e^{-3 x} ; y(0)=-1, y^{\prime}(0)=15 $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Verify that y1 and y2 are solutions
Form the general solution
Apply the initial condition y(0) = -1
Apply the initial condition y'(0) = 15
Solve the system of equations
Construct the particular solution
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Homogeneous Differential Equations
In the case of second-order linear differential equations like this one, the simplicity of the structure permits solutions of exponential forms, such as the ones given here:
- The differential equation given is \( y'' - 9y = 0 \).
- For the solutions \( y_1 = e^{3x} \) and \( y_2 = e^{-3x} \), each term in the equation contains the function \( y \) or its derivatives. Due to this property, these solutions will naturally satisfy the neutralization needed for a homogeneous equation.
- Showing that these trial solutions nullify the differential equation is essentially what verifying solutions means in this context.
Initial Value Problem
In our exercise, two initial conditions are presented:
- The solution must satisfy \( y(0) = -1 \), meaning when \( x = 0 \), the function's output should be \(-1\).
- Additionally, the first derivative \( y'(0) = 15 \) must hold, prescribing that the rate of change of the function at zero should equal 15.
Particular Solution
- A general solution to a homogeneous differential equation usually involves arbitrary constants, which allow for a family of solutions including the true particular ones fitting specific conditions.
- In this case, the general solution is \( y = c_1 e^{3x} + c_2 e^{-3x} \).
- Apply each of the initial conditions to establish values for the constants \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \).
- Solving the set of equations from the initial conditions reveals \( c_1 = 2 \) and \( c_2 = -3 \), leading us to the particular solution: \( y = 2e^{3x} - 3e^{-3x} \).
Verification of Solutions
- For any proposed solution like \( y_1 \) or \( y_2 \), verify by substitution back into the original differential equation and check that the equation holds.
- For example, substitute \( y_1 = e^{3x} \) back through to compute its derivatives and substitute again inside the original equation \( y'' - 9y = 0 \).This must sum to zero to confirm \( y_1 \) is a valid solution.
- Similarly, ensure your particular solution \( y = 2e^{3x} - 3e^{-3x} \) adheres to the original differential equation and meets any and all given initial conditions effectively.