# [SOLVED]7.1 transform the given equation into a system of first order equation u''+0.5u'+2u=0

#### karush

##### Well-known member
transform the given equation into a system of first order equation

$$u''+0.5u'+2u=0$$

ok from examples it looks all we do is get rid of some of the primes and this is done by substitution

so if $u_1=u$ and $u_2=u'_1$
then $u_2=u'$ and $u'_2=u''$
then we have $u'_2+0.5u_2 +2u_1 = 0$

then isolate $u'_2$ thus $u'_2=-0.5u_2-2u_1$

ok the next problem is

$$u''+0.5u'+2u=3\sin t$$ so ???

#### HallsofIvy

##### Well-known member
MHB Math Helper
transform the given equation into a system of first order equation

$$u''+0.5u'+2u=0$$

ok from examples it looks all we do is get rid of some of the primes and this is done by substitution

so if $u_1=u$ and $u_2=u'_1$
then $u_2=u'$ and $u'_2=u''$
then we have $u'_2+0.5u_2 +2u_1 = 0$

then isolate $u'_2$ thus $u'_2=-0.5u_2-2u_1$
But you don't yet have a system of equations!
Your system of equations consist of the two equations
$u'_1= u_2$ and
$u'_2= -0.5u_2- 2u_1$.

ok the next problem is

$$u''+0.5u'+2u=3\sin t$$ so ???
The same thing. Let $u_1= u$ and $u_2= u'$.
The given equation is $u_2'+ 0.5u_2+ 2u_1= 3\sin(t)$
which can be written $u_2'= 3\sin(t)- 0.5u_2- 2u_1$.

Your system of equations consist of the two equations
$u_1'= u_2$ and
$u_2'= 3\sin(t)- 0.5u_2- 2u_1$.

#### karush

##### Well-known member
OK thank you much
I haven't been on the forum for a few days..

actually I plan on taking this class again in spring 2020 (UHM 307)
I just audited it last spring but really missed a lot of classes and homework