Solve X'+2X'+(\lambda-\alpha)X=0 | Chris Struggling

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris_K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Eigenvalues Lost
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order linear differential equation with boundary conditions, specifically examining whether certain values of λ are eigenvalues and determining the corresponding eigenfunctions. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of eigenvalue problems.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Chris expresses confusion about how to approach the problem and seeks assistance in understanding the differential equation and its boundary conditions.
  • One participant questions the correctness of the differential equation presented, suggesting it is a linear second-order differential equation with constant coefficients and implying a solution involving exponential functions.
  • Another participant confirms that the original equation is correct and indicates they have resolved their confusion independently.
  • A detailed solution is provided, including the characteristic equation derived from the differential equation, leading to expressions for the roots and the general solution for X(t).
  • The participant concludes that λ = 1 + α is an eigenvalue and presents an equation that other eigenvalues must satisfy, though the derivation is not fully agreed upon by all participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of the problem or the correctness of the initial equation. Some participants agree on the correctness of the equation and the derived eigenvalue, while others express uncertainty or confusion regarding the formulation and implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the nature of the eigenvalue problem or the implications of the boundary conditions. The discussion includes varying levels of understanding and interpretation of the mathematical framework involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in differential equations, eigenvalue problems, and boundary value problems may find this discussion relevant, particularly those seeking to understand the nuances of solving such equations in a mathematical context.

Chris_K
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm having trouble getting started on this problem... I just really don't understand what to do.


Solve
[tex]X'+2X'+(\lambda-\alpha)X=0, 0<x<1[/tex]
[tex]X(0)=0[/tex]
[tex]X'(1)=0[/tex]

a. Is [tex]\lambda=1+\alpha[/tex] an eigenvalue? What is the corresponding eigenfunction?
b. Find the equation that the other eigenvalues satisfy.


I appreciate any help you can give me!

Thanks,
Chris
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
are u sure that the edo is correct?

you have there a linear second order d.o with constant coeficients and initial values, so your solution will be some linear comb. of exp[rt] (you have to calculate r of course).

i don't really understand why would you end with an eigenvalue problem in this way but maybe I am not well informed.
 
Yeah, everything on there is correct. I'm not sure what you mean though...


nm... figured it out.
 
Last edited:
[tex]X''+2X'+(\lambda-\alpha)X=0[/tex]

let [itex]X=e^{rt}[/itex] implies

[tex]r^2+2r+(\lambda-\alpha)=0[/tex]

so

[tex]r=-1\pm\sqrt{1-(\lambda-\alpha)}[/tex]

[tex]X(t)=Ae^{(-1+\sqrt{1-(\lambda-\alpha)})t}+Be^{(-1-\sqrt{1-(\lambda-\alpha)})t}[/tex]

[tex]X(0)=A+B[/tex]

so [itex]A=-B[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]X'(1)=A[r_{+}e^{r+}-r_{-}e^{r_{-}}]=0[/tex]<br /> <br /> [itex]A=0[/itex] would lead to the trivial solution, so <br /> <br /> [tex]r_{+}e^{\sqrt{1-(\lambda-\alpha)}}=r_{-}e^{-\sqrt{1-(\lambda-\alpha)}}[/tex]<br /> <br /> [itex]\lambda=1+\alpha[/itex] is clearly an eigenvalue<br /> <br /> and [itex]\lambda_{m}[/itex] satisfy the equation<br /> <br /> [tex]\frac{-1+\sqrt{1-(\lambda_{m}-\alpha)}}{-1-\sqrt{1-(\lambda_{m}-\alpha)}}e^{2\sqrt{1-(\lambda_{m}-\alpha)}}=1[/tex][/itex]
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K