Assignment 1

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course MTH 279

8/4 4I am having much more trouble than I anticipated working through these. Even using the book and notes I am struggling. Are there any other resources you would recommend? Or is there another online location with more practice tests rather than just the one?

"Part I: The equation m x '' = - k x

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Question: `q001. Show whether each of the following functions all satisfy the equation m x '' = -k x:

• x = cos(t)

• x = sin( sqrt( k / m) * t)

• x = 3 cos( sqrt( k / m) * t ) + 5 sin (sqrt(k / m) t)

• x = B sin(sqrt(k / m) * t) + C cos( sqrt( k / m) * t + 3)

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Your solution:

x = cos(t), x’ = sin(t), x’’ = -cos(t)

Sub: mx’’ = -kx : m(-cos(t)) = -k(cos(t)) : m = k

@&

Since m cannot be assumed equal to k, this shows that the function doesn't match the equation (unless m happens to equal k).

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x = sin(sqrt(k/m)(t)), x’ = cos(sqrt(k/m)(t))(sqrt(k/m)), x’’ = -sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m)

Sub: mx’’ = -kx : m(-sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) = -k(sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))

m(k/m) = k : k = k

x = 3cos(sqrt(k/m)(t)) + 5sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))

x’ = -3sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(sqrt(k/m)) + 5cos(sqrt(k/m)(t))(sqrt(k/m))

x’’ = -3cos(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) - 5sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m)

m(-3cos(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) - 5sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) = -k(3cos(sqrt(k/m)(t)) + 5sin(sqrt(k/m)(t))

k = k

x = Bsin(sqrt(k/m)(t)) + Ccos(sqrt(k/m)(t) + 3)

x’ = Bcos(sqrt(k/m)(t))(sqrt(k/m)) - Csin(sqrt(k/m)(t) + 3)(sqrt(k/m))

x’’ = -Bsin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) - Ccos(sqrt(k/m)(t) + 3)(k/m)

m(-Bsin(sqrt(k/m)(t))(k/m) - Ccos(sqrt(k/m)(t) + 3)(k/m)) = -k(Bsin(sqrt(k/m)(t)) + Ccos(sqrt(k/m)(t) + 3))

k = k

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

If x = cos(t) then x ' = - sin(t) and x '' = - cos(t). Substituting the expressions for x and x '' into the equation we obtain

m * (-cos(t)) = - k * cos(t).

Dividing both sides by cos(t) we obtain m = k. If m = k, then the equation is satisfied. If m is not equal to k, it is not.

If x = sin(sqrt(k/m) * t) then x ' = sqrt(k / m) cos(sqrt(k/m) * t) and x '' = -k / m sin(sqrt(k/m) * t). Substituting this into the equation we have

m * (-k/m sin(sqrt(k/m) * t) ) = -k sin(sqrt(k/m) * t

Simplifying both sides we see that the equation is true.

The same procedure can and should be used to show that the third equation is true.

The question of the fourth equation is left to you.

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I believe my work was correct for the problem, however I am confused as to what it means for me to get k=k, instead of m=k.

@&

k = k is automatically true. If your equation reduces to k = k, then it's a valid equation.

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@&

If it reduces to m = k it's not generally valid.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q002. An incorrect integration of the equation x ' = 2 x + t yields x = x^2 + t^2 / 2. After all the integral of x is x^2 / 2 and the integral of t is t^2 / 2.

Show that substituting x^2 + t^2 / 2 (or, if you prefer to include an integration constant, x^2 + t^2 / 2 + c) for x in the equation x ' = 2 x + t does not lead to equality.

Explain what is wrong with the reasoning given above.

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Your solution:

The incorrect solution takes the derivative according to two different terms. To do the problem correctly, we must take the derivative all in terms of t, which we do not yet have the means to do.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

The given function is a solution to the equation, provided its derivative x ' satisfies x ' = 2 x + t.

It would be tempting to say that the derivative of x^2 is 2 x, and the derivative of t^2 / 2 is t.

The problem with this is that the derivative of x^2 was taken with respect to x and the derivative of t^2 / 2 with respect to t.

We have to take both derivatives with respect to the same variable.

Similarly we can't integrate the expression 2 x + t by integrating the first term with respect to x and the second with respect to t.

Since in this context x ' represent the derivative of our solution function x with respect to t, the variable of integration therefore must be t.

We will soon see a method for solving this equation, but at this point we simply cannot integrate our as-yet-unknown x(t) function with respect to t.

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Self-critique (if necessary):OK

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Self-critique rating:OK

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Question:

`q003. The general solution to the equation

m x '' = - k x

is of the form x(t) = A cos(omega * t + theta_0), where A, omega and theta_0 are constants. (There are reasons for using the symbols omega and theta_0, but for right now just treat these symbols as you would any other constant like b or c).

Find the general solution to the equation 5 x'' = - 2000 x:

• Substitute A cos(omega * t + theta_0) for x in the given equation.

• The value of one of the three constants A, omega and theta_0 is dictated by the numbers in the equation. Which is it and what is its value?

• One of the unspecified constants is theta_0. Suppose for example that theta_0 = 0. What is the remaining unspecified constant?

• Still assuming that theta_0 = 0, describe the graph of the solution function x(t).

• Repeat, this time assuming that theta_0 = 3 pi / 2.

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Your solution:

x = Acos(omega(t) + theta_0)

x’ = -Asin(omega(t) + theta_0)(omega)

x’’ = -Acos(omega(t) + theta_0)(omega^2)

The constant dictated by the equation is omega.

Plugging into the given equation:

5(-Acos(omega(t) + theta_0)(omega^2)) = -2000(Acos(omega(t) + theta_0))

Omega^2 = 400 : omega = 20

If theta_0 is taken as 0, the equation is x(t) = Acos(20t)

The graph is a cosine curve dictated by constant A. The period is 2(pi) / 20 = pi/10.

Assuming theta_0 = 3(pi) / 2, the graph would look the same with a horizontal shift of 3(pi)/2.

@&

You're on the right track with the horizontal shift, but the equation of motion would be

y = A cos(20 t + theta_0),

which has a horizontal shift of - theta_0 / 20.

Be sure you have this reconciled before you get to Chapter 4.

*@

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

If x = A cos(omega * t + theta_0) then x ' = - omega A sin(omega * t + theta_0) and x '' = -omega^2 A cos(omega * t + theta_0).

Our equation therefore becomes

m * (-omega^2 A cos(omega * t + theta_0) ) = - k A cos(omega * t + theta_0).

Rearranging we obtain

-m omega^2 A cos(omega * t + theta_0) = -k A cos(omega * t + theta_0)

so that

-m omega^2 = - k

and

omega = sqrt(k/m).

Thus the constant omega is determined by the equation.

The constants A and theta_0 are not determined by the equation and can therefore take any values.

No matter what values we choose for A and theta_0, the equation will be satisfied as long as omega = sqrt(k / m).

Our second-order equation

m x '' = - k x

therefore has a general solution containing two arbitrary constants.

In the present equation m = 5 and k = 2000, so that omega = sqrt(k / m) = sqrt(2000 / 5) = sqrt(400) = 20.

Our solution x(t) = A cos(omega * t + theta_0) therefore becomes

x(t) = A cos(20 t + theta_0).

If theta_0 = 0 the function becomes x(t) = A cos( 20 t ). The graph of this function will be a 'cosine wave' with a 'peak' at the origin, and a period of pi / 10.

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Self-critique (if necessary):OK

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Self-critique rating:OK

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Question:

`q004. In the preceding equation we found the general solution to the equation 5 x'' = - 2000 x. Assuming SI units, this solution applies to a simple harmonic oscillator of mass 5 kg, which when displaced to position x relative to equilibrium is subject to a net force F = - 2000 N / m * x. With these units, sqrt(k / m) has units of sqrt( (N / m) / kg), which reduce to radians / second. Our function x(t) describes the position of our oscillator relative to its equilibrium position.

Evaluate the constants A and theta_0 for each of the following situations:

• The oscillator reaches a maximum displacement of .3 at clock time t = 0.

• The oscillator reaches a maximum displacement of .3 , and at clock time t = 0 its position is x = .15.

• The oscillator has a maximum velocity of 2, and is at its maximum displacement of .3 at clock time t = 0.

• The oscillator has a maximum velocity of 2, which occurs at clock time t = 0. (Hint: The velocity of the oscillator is given by the function x ' (t) ).

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Your solution:

We know: x(t) = Acos(omega(t) + theta_0), omega = 20 rad/s

Maximums occur when the slope is equal to 0:

x’ = -20Asin(20(t) + theta_0), the sine equals zero at 0, pi, 2pi, etc.

20(t) + theta_0 = pi(c), where c is a constant

c must be even, otherwise we would be considering minimums as well

If max = .3 at t = 0 : A(cos(omega(0) + theta_0)) = .3

Acos(theta_0) = .3

If max = .3, and at t = 0 its position is x = .15

Acos(omega(0) + .15) = .3

@&

.15 is a position along the x axis. It's not an angle, and it doesn't belong in the expression for the argument of the cosine function.

x = A cos(omega t), so if x = .15, it follows that A cos(omega t) = .15.

A is the maximum displacement, which from the given information is .3. The object is at position x = .15, so x is not .3.

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Acos(.15) = .3

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A cos(theta) = .15.

A = .3.

So you should be able to solve this equation for theta.

theta = omega * t + theta_0. You should therefore also be able to solve for t.

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Max Velocity = 2, and at t = 0 it is at max displacement of .3

Acos(2(0) + theta_0) = .3

Max Velocity = 2, occurs at t = 0

Acos(2(0) + theta_0) = x(0)

Acos(theta_0) = Acos(theta_0)

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The velocity function is the derivative of the position function. Get the velocity function, find the time when the oscillator achieves maximum displacement, and use the velocity function to determine omega.

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True

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

As seen in the preceding problem, a general solution to the equation is

x = A cos(omega * t + theta_0),

where omega = sqrt(k / m). For the current equation 5 x '' = -2000 x, this gives us omega = 20. In the current context omega = 20 radians / second.

So

x(t) = A cos( 20 rad / sec * t + theta_0 ).

Maximum displacement occurs at critical values of t, values at which x ' (t) = 0.

Taking the derivative of x(t) we obtain

x ' (t) = - 20 rad / sec * A sin( 20 rad/sec * t + theta_0).

The sine function is zero when its argument is an integer multiple of pi, i.e., when

20 rad/sec * t + theta_0 = n * pi, where n = 0, +-1, +-2, ... .

A second-derivative test shows that whenever n is an even number, our x(t) function has a negative second derivative and therefore a maximum value.

We can therefore pick any even number n and we will get a solution.

If maximum displacement occurs at t = 0 then we have

20 rad / sec * 0 + theta_0 = n * pi

so that

theta_0 = n * pi, where n can be any positive or negative even number.

We are free to choose any such value of n, so we make the simplest choice, n = 0. This results in theta_0 = 0.

Now if x = .3 when t = 0 we have

A cos(omega * 0 + theta_0) = .3

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I really lost myself on this problem. Even having gone over the notes, I was confused as to how to approach it and what I was solving for. In some areas I came close to the given solution, but am still unsure of how my answers should have looked. I have noted my concern and will expand when I learn how to approach these problems.

@&

Your trigonometry isn't yet up to par for this course, but you're within striking distance, and doing better with it than most students at this point of the course.

Check out my notes, check out the given solution and see what you can come up with.

Also note my references to other materials on your assignments page.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q005. Describe the motion of the oscillator in each of the situations of the preceding problem. SI units for position and velocity are respectively meters and meters / second.

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Your solution:

In each of the situations, the solution seemed to be .3, so the motion would be similar with different starting positions or speeds.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I struggled on the previous problem and so was still having problems on this. As there is no given solution, I don’t know where I went wrong and how to correct it. I will look in the book and notes more to try to figure it out when this is graded.

@&

The notes I inserted into that problem might be helfpul.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

Part II: Solutions of equations requiring only direct integration.

`q006. Find the general solution of the equation x ' = 2 t + 4, and find the particular solution of this equation if we know that x ( 0 ) = 3.

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Your solution:

General solution to x’ = 2t + 4 and particular solution if x(0) = 3

x’ = 2t + 4, Integrate both sides

x(t) = t^2 + 4t + C, where C is any constant

x(0) = 3 : x(0) = 0^2 + 4(0) + C, Plug in to find particular solution

3 = C

x(t) = t^2 + 4t + 3

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

Integrating both sides we obtain

x(t) = t^2 + 4 t + c,

where c is an arbitrary constant.

The condition x(0) = 3 becomes

x(0) = 0^2 + 4 * 0 + c = 3,

so that c = 3 and our particular solution is

x(t) = t^2 + 4 t + 3.

We check our solution.

Substituting x(t) = t^2 + 4 t + 3 back into the original equation:

(t^2 + 4 t + 3) ' = 2 t + 4 yields

2 t + 4 = 2 t + 4,

verifying the general solution.

The particular solution satisfies x(0) = 3:

x(0) = 0^2 + 4 * 0 + 3 = 3.

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I was able to use examples in the text and notes to understand this question, unlike the previous two.

@&

Part I was concerned with a common area of deficiency for students entering this course. These deficiencies cause problems in Chapter 4 and beyond, and we try to reconcile them here.

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Self-critique rating: 3

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Question:

`q007. Find the general solution of the equation x ' ' = 2 t - .5, and find the particular solution of this equation if we know that x ( 0 ) = 1, while x ' ( 0 ) = 7.

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Your solution:

General solution to x’’ = 2t - 5, and particular solution when x(0) = 1, x’(0) = 7

x’’ = 2t - 5, Integrate both sides

x’ = t^2 - 5t + C, C is any constant

x’(0) = (0)^2 - 5(0) + C, Plugging in to find C

C = 7

x’ = t^2 - 5t + 7, Integrate again to find solution

x = (1/3)t^3 - (5/2)t^2 + 7t + C, Plug in to find the new C

x(0) = 0 - 0 + 0 + C, where x(0) = 1

x = (1/3)t^3 - (5/2)t^2 + 7t + 1, The Particular Solution

The general solution would be the same general equation only without the solved constants:

x = (1/3)t^3 - (5/2)t^2 + C(sub1)t + C(sub2)

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

Integrating both sides we obtain

x ' = t^2 - .5 t + c_1,

where c_1 is an arbitrary constant.

Integrating this equation we obtain

x = t^3 / 3 - .25 t^2 + c_1 * t + c_2,

where c_2 is an arbitrary constant.

Our general solution is thus

x(t) = t^3 / 3 - .25 t^2 + c_1 * t + c_2.

The condition x(0) = 1 becomes

x(0) = 0^3 / 3 - .25 * 0^2 + c_1 * 0 + c_2 = 1

so that c_2 = 1.

x ' (t) = t^2 - .5 t + c_1, so our second condition x ' (0) = 7 becomes

x ' (0) = 0^2 - .5 * 0 + c_1 = 7

so that c_1 = 7.

For these values of c_1 and c_2, our general solution x(t) = t^3 / 3 - .25 t^2 + c_1 * t + c_2 becomes the particular solution

x(t) = t^3 / 3 - .25 t^2 + 7 t + 1.

You should check to be sure this solution satisfies both the given equation and the initial conditions.

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I misread the problem and used 5 instead of .5. However, the rest of my work was correct.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q008. Use the particular solution from the preceding problem to find x and x ' when t = 3. Interpret your results if x(t) represents the position of an object at clock time t, assuming SI units.

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Your solution:

x(t) = (1/3)t^3 - (1/4)t^2 + 7t + 1, I fixed my error from the last problem

x(3) = 9 - (9/4) + 21 + 1 = 28.75, Plug in the given t value

x’(t) = t^2 - (1/2)t + 7, take the derivative

x’(3) = 9 - 1.5 + 7 =14.5, Plug in t again

In this case, 28.75 is the position at time t=3. The derivative of position is velocity, which in this case is 14.5. A second derivative would then give the acceleration.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

Our solution was

x(t) = t^3 / 3 - .25 t^2 + 7 t + 1.

Thus

x ' (t) = t^2 - .5 t + 7.

When t = 3 we obtain

x(3) = 3^3 / 3 - .25 * 3^2 + 7 * 3 + 1 = 28.75

and

x ' (3) = 3^2 - .5 * 3 + 7 = 14.5.

A graph of x vs. t would therefore contain the point (3, 28.75), and the slope of the tangent line at that point would be 14.5.

x(t) would represent the position of an object. x(3) = 28.75 represents an object whose position with respect to the origin is 28.75 meters when the clock reads 3 seconds.

x ' (t) would represent the velocity of the object. x ' (3) = 14.5 indicates that the object is moving at 14.5 meters / second when the clock reads 3 seconds.

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Self-critique (if necessary):OK

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Self-critique rating:OK

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Question:

`q009. The equation x '' = -F_frict / m - c / m * x ', where the derivative is understood to be with respect to t, is of at least one of the forms listed below. Which form(s) are appropriate to the equation?

• x '' = f(x, x')

• x '' = f(t)

• x '' = f(x, t)

• x '' = f(x', t)

• x '' = f(x, x ' t)

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Your solution:

Regardless of what other variables are included, the form simply must contain x’. Therefore, the 1st, 4th, and 5th forms are acceptable. (f(x,x’), f(x’,t), f(x,x’,t))

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

The right-hand side of the equation includes the function x ' but does not include the variable t or the function x.

So the right-hand side can be represented by any function which includes among its variables x '. That function may also include x and/or t as a variable.

The forms f(t) and f(x, t) fail to include x ', so cannot be used to represent this equation.

All the other forms do include x ' as a variable, and may therefore be used to represent the equation.

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Self-critique (if necessary):OK

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Self-critique rating:OK

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Question:

`q010. If F_frict is zero, then the function x in the equation

x '' = -F_frict / m - c / m * x '

represents the position of an object of mass m, on which the net force is - c * x '.

Explain why the expression for the net force is -c * x '.

Explain what happens to the net force as the object speeds up.

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Your solution:

While it is difficult for me to visualize the problem the way it is written, I rewrote it replacing x’’ with a, for acceleration. Then it is easier to see that the equation is Newton’s Law, F = ma, rearranged and modified to account for friction.

I rewrote the equation as F_fric = -ma - cx’

-cx’ must be included to account for the additional force caused by the relationship between velocity and friction.

As the speed increases, so will friction and so the magnitude of the force increases.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

Newton's Second Law gives us the general equation

m x '' = F_net

so that

x '' = F_net / m.

It follows that

x '' = -F_frict / m - c / m * x '

represents an object on which the net force is -F_frict - c x '.

If F_frict = 0, then it follows that the net force is -c x '.

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I do not believe I explained my thought as well as the given solution, however upon reading it, I believe my reasoning was similar and sound.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q011. We continue the preceding problem.

• If w(t) = x '(t), then what is w ' (t)?

• If x '' = - b / m * x ', then if we let w = x ', what is our equation in terms of the function w?

• Is it possible to integrate both sides of the resulting equation?

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Your solution:

w(t) = x’(t), w’(t) = x’’(t), This is done by taking the derivative of both sides

x’’ = (-b/m)x’, w = x’, so w’(t) = (-b/m)w, This is done by using the derivative from the previous part and plugging in the given variable.

While both sides are in terms of t, we cannot integrate since there is an unknown function, w, on the right.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

If w(t) = x ' (t) then w ' (t) = (x ' (t) ) ' = x '' ( t ).

If x '' = - b / m * x ', then if w = x ' it follows that x '' = w ', so our equation becomes

w ' (t) = - b / m * w (t)

The derivative is with respect to t, so if we wish to integrate both sides we will get

w(t) = integral ( - b / m * w(t) dt),

The variable of integration is t, and we don't know enough about the function w(t) to perform the integration on the right-hand side.

[ Optional Preview:

There is a way around this, which provides a preview of a technique we will study soon. It isn't too hard to understand so here's a preview:

w ' (t) means dw / dt, where w is understood to be a function of t.

So our equation is dw/dt = -b / m * w.

It turns out that in this context we can sort of treat dw and dt as algebraic quantities, so we can rearrange this equation to read

dw / w = -b / m * dt.

Integrating both sides we get

integral (dw / w) = -b / m integral( dt )

so that

ln | w | = -b / m * t + c.

In exponential form this is

w = e^(-b / m * t + c).

There's more, but this is enough for now ... ].

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Self-critique (if necessary):OK

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Self-critique rating:OK

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Question:

Part III: Direction fields and approximate solutions

`q012. Consider the equation x ' = (2 x - .5) * (t + 1). Suppose that x = .3 when t = .2.

If a solution curve passes through (t, x) = (.2, .3), then what is its slope at that point?

What is the equation of its tangent line at this point?

If we move along the tangent line from this point to the t = .4 point on the line, what will be the x coordinate of our new point?

If a solution curve passes through this new point, then what will be the slope at the this point, and what will be the equation of the new tangent line?

If we move along the new tangent line from this point to the t = .6 point, what will be the x coordinate of our new point?

Is is possible that both points lie on the same solution curve? If not, does each tangent line lie above or below the solution curve, and how much error do you estimate in the t = .4 and t = .5 values you found?

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Your solution:

(t,x) = (.2, .3), x’ = (2(.3) - .5)(.2 + 1) = .12, Slope of solution curve

x - .3 = .12(t - .2), Equation to find tangent line

x = .12t - .24, Tangent line

Change in x = (slope * change in t) = .12 * .2 = .024

Adding this to the previous point, .3 + .024, gives a new coordinate pair, (.4, .324)

x’ = (2(.324) - .5)(.4 + 1) = .207, New slope at the new coordinate pair

.207 * .2 = .041, Again multiplying slope by change in t to find change in x

Adding this to the previous point, .324 + .041, gives a new coordinate pair, (.6, .365)

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

At the point (.2, .3) in the (t, x) plane, our value of x ' is

x ' = (2 * .3 - .5) * (.2 + 1) = .12, approximately.

This therefore is the slope of any solution curve which passes through the point (.2, .3).

The equation of the tangent plane is therefore

x - .3 = .12 * (t - .2)

so that

x = .12 t - .24.

If we move from the t = .2 point to the t = .4 point our t coordinate changes by `dt = .2, so that our x coordinate changes by `dx = (slope * `dt) = .12 * .2 = .024. Our new x coordinate will therefore be .3 + .024 = .324.

This gives us the new point (.4, .324).

At this point we have

x ' = (2 * .324 - .5) * (.4 + 1) = .148 * 1.4 = .207.

If we move to the t = .6 point our change in t is `dt = .2. At slope .207 this would imply a change in x of `dx = slope * `dt = .207 * .2 = .041. Our new x coordinate will therefore be .324 + .041 = .365.

Our t = .6 point is therefore (.6, .365).

From our two calculated slopes, the second of which is significantly greater than the first, it appears that in this region of the x-t plane, as we move to the right the slope of our solution curve in fact increases. Our estimates were based on the assumption that the slope remains constant over each t interval. We conclude that our estimates of the changes in x are probably a somewhat low, so that our calculated points lie a little below the solution curve.

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Self-critique (if necessary):

I used the book to solve the majority of the problem, however I did not know how to determine the error. I thought there was some formula to use, but seeing that the given solution essentially visualized it makes sense to me.

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q013. Consider once more the equation x ' = (2 x - .5) * (t + 1).

Note on notation:

The points on the grid

(0, 0), (0, 1/4), (0, 1/2), (0, 3/4), (0, 1)

(1/4, 0), (1/4, 1/4), (1/4, 1/2), (1/4, 3/4), (1/4, 1)

(1/2, 0), (1/2, 1/4), (1/2, 1/2), (1/2, 3/4), (1/2, 1)

(3/4, 0), (3/4, 1/4), (3/4, 1/2), (3/4, 3/4), (3/4, 1)

(1, 0), (1, 1/4), (1, 1/2), (1, 3/4), (1, 1)

can be specified succinctly in set notation as

{ (t, x) | t = 0, 1/4, ..., 1, x = 0, 1/4, ..., 1}.

( A more standard notation would be { (i / 4, j / 4) | 0 <= i <= 4, 0 <= j <= 4 } )

Find the value of x ' at every point of this grid and sketch the corresponding direction field. To get you started the values corresponding to the first, second and last rows of the grid are

-.5, -.625, -.75, -.875, -1

0, 0, 0, 0, 0

...

...

1.5, 1.875, 2.25, 2.625, 3

So you will only need to calculate the values for the third and fourth rows of the grid.

• List your values of x ' at the five points (0, 0), (1/4, 1/4), (1/2, 1/2), (3/4, 3/4) and (1, 1).

• Sketch the curve which passes through the point (t, x) = (.2, .3).

• Describe your curve. Is it increasing or decreasing, and is it doing so at an increasing or decreasing rate?

• According to your curve, what will be the value of x when t = 1?

• Sketch the curve which passes through the point (t, x) = (.5, .7). According to your curve, what will be the value of x when t = 1?

• Describe your curve and compare it with the curve you sketched through the point (.2, .3).

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Your solution:

x’ at points (0, 0), (1/4, 1/4), (1/2, 1/2), (3/4, 3/4) and (1, 1), is -.5, 0, .75, 1.75, and 3.

The curve through (.2, .3) is increasing at an increasing rate.

(.2, .3) : x’ = (2x - .5)(t + 1) : x’ = .12

x - .3 = .12(t - .2) : x = .12t + .276

At t = 1, x = .396

(.5, .7) : x’ = (2x - .5_(t + 1) : x’ = 1.35

x - .7 = 1.35(t - .5) : x = 1.35t + .025

At t = 1, x = 1.375

This curve is also increasing at an increasing rate. Compared to the previous curve, this one appears to be steeper and increasing faster.

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

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Self-critique (if necessary):

There is no given solution to compare to but I think my work makes sense. I drew out the solution curves and my work shows my thought process.

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Self-critique rating: 3

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Question:

`q014. We're not yet done with the equation x ' = (2 x - .5) * (t + 1).

x ' is the derivative of the x(t) function with respect to t, so this equation can be written as

dx / dt = (2 x - .5) * (t + 1).

Now, dx and dt are not algebraic quantities, so we can't multiply or divide both sides by dt or by dx. However let's pretend that they are algebraic quantities, and that we can. Note that dx is a single quantity, as is dt, and we can't divide the d's.

• Rearrange the equation so that expressions involving x are all on the left-hand side and expressions involving t all on the right-hand side.

• Put an integral sign in front of both sides.

• Do the integrals. Remember that an integration constant is involved.

• Solve the resulting equation for x to obtain your general solution.

• Evaluate the integration constant assuming that x(.2) = .3.

• Write out the resulting particular solution.

• Sketch the graph of this function for 0 <= t <= 1. Describe your graph.

• How does the value of your x(t) function at t = 1 compare to the value your predicted based on your previous sketch?

• How do your values of x(t) at t = .4 and t = .6 compare with the values you estimated previously?

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Your solution:

dx/dt = (2x - .5)(t + 1), Formula

dx / (2x - .5) = (t + 1)dt, rearrange to isolate variables

(1/2)ln(2x - .5) = (1/2)t^2 + t + c, Integrate both sides

ln(2x - .5) = t^2 + 2t + c, Further simplifying

e^(ln(2x - .5)) = e^(t^2 + 2t + c), Use e^exp to eliminate natural log

x = e^(t^2 + 2t + c) + .25, Use .25 to fulfil requirement of absolute value, General Sltn

I must isolate c to find the particular solution:

x = e^c * (e^(t^2 + 2t)) + .25, e^c is essentially still C

x = C(e^(t^2 + 2t)) + .25, Now plug in values to find particular solution

.3 - .25 = C(e^((.2)^2 + 2(.2))) : .05 = C(e^.44) : C = .032

x = .032e^(t^2 + 2t) + .25

At t = 1, x is approximately .9

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

The equation is easily rearranged into the form

dx / (2 x - .5) = (t + 1) dt.

Integrating the left-hand side we obtain 1/2 ln | 2 x - .5 |

Integrating the right-hand side we obtain t^2 / 2 + 4 t + c, where the integration constant c is regarded as a combination of the integration constants from the two sides.

Thus our equation becomes

1/2 ln | 2 x - 5 | = t^2 / 2 + t + c.

Multiplying both sides by 2, then taking the exponential function of both sides we get

exp( ln | 2 x - 5 | ) = exp( t^2 + 2 t + c ),

where as before c is an arbitrary constant.

Since the exponential and natural log are inverse functions the left-hand side becomes | 2 x + .5 |.

The right-hand side can be written e^c * e^(t^2 + 8 t), where c is still an arbitrary constant. e^c can therefore be any positive number, and we replace e^c with A, understanding that A is a positive constant.

Our equation becomes

| 2 x - .5 | = A e^(t^2 + 2 t).

For x > -.25, as is the case for our given value x = .3 when t = .2, we have

2 x - .5 = A e^(t^2 + 2 t)

so that

x = A e^(t^2 + 2 t) + .25.

Using x = .3 and t = .2 we find the value of A:

.05 = A e^(.2^2 + 2 * .2)

so that

A = .05 / e^(.44) = .03220, approx..

Our solution function is therefore

x(t) = .05 / e^(.44) * e^(t^2 + 2 t) + .25, or approximately

x(t) = .03220 e^(t^2 + 2 t) + .25

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Self-critique (if necessary):

My calculations were correct, however I did not really know how to compare the results to those of the previous graph. (final two parts of the question)

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Self-critique rating:3

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Question:

`q015. OK, this time we are really going to be done with this equation. Again, x ' = (2 x - .5) * (t + 1)

• Along what line or curve is x ' = 1?

• Along what line or curve is x ' = 0?

• Along what line or curve is x ' = 2?

• Along what line or curve is x ' = -1?

• Sketch these three lines and/or curves for 0 <= t <= 1.

• Along each of these lines x ' is constant. Along each sketch 'slope segments' with slopes equal to the corresponding value of x '.

• How consistent is your sketch with your previous sketch of the direction field?

• Sketch a solution curve through the point (.2, .25), and estimate the coordinates of the t = 1 point on this curve.

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Your solution:

x’ = (2x - .5)(t + 1)

1 = (2x - .5)(t + 1)

2x - .5 = 1/(t + 1), 2x = 1/(t + 1) + .5, x = 1/(2t + 2) + .25

0 = (2x - .5)(t + 1), 2x - .5 = 0, x = .25

2 = (2x - .5)(t + 1), 2x - .5 = 2/(t + 1), x = 1/(t + 1) + .25

-1 = (2x - .5)(t + 1), x = -1/(2t + 2) + .25

While the horizontal asymptote at x = .25 is correct, my previous sketch of the direction field does not appear to match. The slopes on the direction field appear to be positive while the current graph is negative for the top two lines and positive for only the bottom.

For (.2, .25)

x’ = (2x - .5)(t + 1) = (2(.25) - .5)(.2 + 1) = 0

confidence rating #$&*:

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Given Solution:

x ' = 1 when

(2 x - .5) * (t + 1) = 1.

Solving for x we obtain

x = 1/2 ( 1 / (t + 1) + .5) = 1 / (2(t + 1)) + .25.

The resulting curve is just the familiar curve x = 1 / t, vertically compressed by factor 2 then shifted -1 unit in the horizontal and .25 unit in the vertical direction, so its asymptotes are the lines t = -1 and x = .25. The t = 0 and t = 1 points are (0, .75) and (1, .5).

Similarly we find the curves corresponding to the other values of x ':

For x ' = 0 we get the horizontal line x = .25. Note that this line is the horizontal asymptote to the curve obtained in the preceding step.

For x ' = 2 we get the curve 1 / (t + 1) + .25, a curve with asymptotes at t = -1 and x = .25, including points (0, 1.25) and (1, .75).

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Self-critique (if necessary):

My calculations of the points were correct but I feel that I did the last part wrong. I tried to approach it in the way I approached question 12, but felt that I did not have enough data points to work the problem that way.

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Self-critique rating: 2

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Self-critique (if necessary):

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Self-critique rating:

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#$&*

@&

You're off to a good start.

You had more trouble with the trigonometry than with the differential equations. Unfortunately this is very common. I don't know what's being done in trig and precalculus classes, much less calculus classes, but based on what I see from students entering this course I'm afraid those courses are in general very deficient in this aspect.

See my notes and let me know if you have additional questions.

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