Chapter 17: Problem 5
Find the general solution of the given equation. $$y^{\prime \prime}-4 y=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The general solution is \(y(t) = C_1 e^{2t} + C_2 e^{-2t}\).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Type of Differential Equation
The given differential equation is a second-order linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients. It can be identified as \(y'' - 4y = 0\).
02
Write the Characteristic Equation
For a second-order differential equation of the form \(y'' - ay = 0\), the characteristic equation is given by \(r^2 - a = 0\). Here, \(a = 4\), so the characteristic equation is \(r^2 - 4 = 0\).
03
Solve the Characteristic Equation
Solve the characteristic equation \(r^2 - 4 = 0\). Rewriting it gives \((r - 2)(r + 2) = 0\), which results in two roots: \(r_1 = 2\) and \(r_2 = -2\).
04
Write the General Solution
The general solution for the differential equation with real and distinct roots \(r_1\) and \(r_2\) is given by \(y(t) = C_1 e^{r_1 t} + C_2 e^{r_2 t}\). Substituting the roots found, we have the general solution \(y(t) = C_1 e^{2t} + C_2 e^{-2t}\), where \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) are arbitrary constants.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Second-Order Differential Equations
Second-order differential equations are equations that involve the second derivative of a function. This means they describe how an unknown function's rate of change itself changes over time or space. They are called "second-order" because the highest derivative is the second derivative, typically denoted as \(y''\).
In the context of physical systems, second-order differential equations often model motion, such as vibrations or waves. Their general form is \(a y'' + b y' + c y = 0\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants.
In the context of physical systems, second-order differential equations often model motion, such as vibrations or waves. Their general form is \(a y'' + b y' + c y = 0\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants.
- These equations can model a variety of real-world phenomena, like electrical circuits and mechanical systems.
- Second-order equations can have a wide range of solutions, depending on additional conditions and terms in the equation.
Homogeneous Differential Equations
A homogeneous differential equation is one where every term is a function of the dependent variable and its derivatives. For example, any term with no dependent variables or derivatives is absent. When examining an equation like \(y'' - 4y = 0\), it qualifies as homogeneous due to its structure.
The term 'homogeneous' indicates that it can be represented as \(f(y', y, ") = 0\) with no extra constant terms disrupting this equality.
The term 'homogeneous' indicates that it can be represented as \(f(y', y, ") = 0\) with no extra constant terms disrupting this equality.
- Being homogeneous means the solutions are functions dependent on arbitrary constants, representing a family of solutions.
- The simplicity of homogeneous equations often makes them preferable to work with as they are easier to solve analytically than non-homogeneous ones.
Characteristic Equation
The characteristic equation is crucial when solving linear differential equations, especially for those with constant coefficients like \(y'' - 4y = 0\). It changes the differential equation into an algebraic form.
For a second-order homogeneous differential equation of the form \(y'' - ay = 0\), the characteristic equation is derived as \(r^2 - a = 0\). By solving for \(r\), we determine the type of solution the differential equation will have.
For a second-order homogeneous differential equation of the form \(y'' - ay = 0\), the characteristic equation is derived as \(r^2 - a = 0\). By solving for \(r\), we determine the type of solution the differential equation will have.
- The roots of the characteristic equation, like \(r^2 - 4 = 0\), provide essential insights into the behavior of the solution.
- Depending on whether the roots are real, complex, or repeated, different formulas for the general solution are used.
Constant Coefficients
When a differential equation has constant coefficients, each term involves the differential function multiplied by a constant. This property significantly simplifies the solution process.
In an equation like \(y'' - 4y = 0\), the coefficients are constant (with values 1 for \(y''\) and -4 for \(y\)), making it straightforward to apply standard solution techniques.
In an equation like \(y'' - 4y = 0\), the coefficients are constant (with values 1 for \(y''\) and -4 for \(y\)), making it straightforward to apply standard solution techniques.
- Constant coefficients ensure that the characteristic equation is polynomial with constant terms, simplifying algebraic operations.
- These equations yield solutions that are commonly expressed in terms of exponential functions, which are easier to analyze and work with.