Linear Algebra with Differential Equations/Homogeneous Linear Differential Equations/Imaginary Eigenvalues Method

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When eigenvalues become complex, mathematically, there isn't much wrong. However, in certain physical applications (like oscillations without damping) there is a problem in understanding what exactly does an imaginary answer mean? Thus there is a concerted effort to try to "mathematically hide" the complex variables in order to achieve a more approachable answer for physicists and engineers. Essentially, we have a solution that in part looks like this:

(α+βi)er+iλ1t

But by Euler's formula:

(α+βi)er(cos(λ1t)+isin(λ1t))

Now we distribute the terms:

er(αcos(λ1t)βsin(λ1t))+ier(βcos(λ1t)+αsin(λ1t))

Since this is a linear combination of two terms, i is a constant (complex, but still a constant), each part is an element of the set of solutions and the general solution can be constructed therein.

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