# No solution for an arbitrary constant.

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• March 25th 2011, 05:01 PM
MaverickUK82
No solution for an arbitrary constant.
Say I have found a general solution to an equation of motion, which is, simple harmonic motion.

The general solution I have found is of the form:

$x(t) = L+B\cdot cos(\omega t)+C\cdot sin(\omega t)$

When inserting some (supplied) inital conditions, I am able to solve to find $B$ but cannot find a solution for $C$, does it follow that $C=0$?

My initial conditions contain only the position when $t=0$, $x$ and no derivatives of it - this being the case

$C\cdot sin(\omega t)=C\cdot sin(\omega \cdot 0)=0$

I hope it does, because I'm stumped if not - If the question above is too vague, I can supply the full question. However, I want to solve it myself and this is why I have used generic formulae above.
• March 25th 2011, 05:11 PM
Ackbeet
What exactly are the conditions? Are they initial conditions?
• March 25th 2011, 11:54 PM
MaverickUK82
Yes. They are initial conditions.

The formula is for a spring, I am given the height it is released from at $t=0$ only.
• March 26th 2011, 05:21 AM
MaverickUK82
I have worked this one out now. Thanks for the help.
• April 1st 2011, 05:41 AM
Ackbeet
You're welcome for whatever help I could provide.