Boundedness of P.T y=f(x) Given by $\frac {d^2y} {dx^2} + ye^x=0$

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the boundedness of a function \( y = f(x) \) defined by the second-order differential equation \( \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} + ye^x = 0 \). Participants are exploring the implications of this equation and how to approach proving that the function is bounded.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the differential equation, with some suggesting it can be separated into two equations. Others express uncertainty about the notation and the implications of second derivatives. There are also hints provided regarding changing the independent variable and relating the equation to a dynamical system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations and approaches being explored. Some participants have offered hints and alternative perspectives, while others are questioning the validity of certain steps in the reasoning process. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach to proving boundedness.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster may not have been taught how to solve such differential equations, raising concerns about the expectations placed on them. There is also mention of the problem being part of a mock IIT entrance exam, which adds to the pressure of understanding the material without prior exposure to certain concepts.

poolwin2001
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P.T y=f(x) given by
[tex] \frac {d^2y} {dx^2} + ye^x=0[/tex]
is bounded.ie there exists a c such that f(x)<c for all x.
I am clueless.How do I begin? :confused: :cry:
Thanks in advance.
 
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Would it have been better if I had posted it under differential eqns?
Anyway we are not taught to solve these eqns.
 
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You have what is called a seperable equaition. This means you can write it as 2 equations 1 in x the other in y.

[tex]\frac {d^2y} y + e^x {dx^2}=0[/tex]

Now just integrate the pieces.
 
Is
[tex]\int\frac{d^2y}{y} = \frac{dy}{y}+ \int \frac{dy}{y^2}[/tex]
Thanks for the help
 
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[tex]\frac {d^2y} y + e^x {dx^2}=0[/tex]

This makes me very uneasy -- second derivatives are not nearly as robust as first derivatives with respect to abusing notation... you sure this leads to something reasonable?
 
Here's a hint:
1)Change your independent variable as follows: [tex]u=e^{x}[/tex]

2) Verify that your differential equation, rewritten in u, satisfies:
[tex]\frac{d^{2}y}{du^{2}}+\frac{1}{u}\frac{dy}{du}+\frac{1}{u}y=0[/tex]

3) What sort of dynamical system does this diff. eq. remind you of?
 
I am in 12th grade . I am not supposed to know how to solve bessel functions or series solution of D.Es . It will be highly ironic if someone would have to know what he will be taught in the second year in a university to get admission to the university.
This Q., came in a mock IIT joint entrance exam.
Is there a way of proving this without solving the eqn?
Thanks anyway.
P.S:Ignore my formatting:)
 
All right, then:

But do you see that your ORIGINAL equation looks a lot like the one governing the motion of a spring, with [tex]e^{x}[/tex] instead of a constant?
 
All right, then:

But do you see that your ORIGINAL equation looks a lot like the one governing the motion of a spring, with instead of a constant?
True.
How does it help me prove that the f(x) is bounded?
 
  • #10
Well,Hurkyl,let's see if there's something wrong with my & Integral's logics:
[tex]\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}}=-ye^{x}[/tex]

[tex]\int (\int \frac{dy}{y}) dy=-\int(\int e^{x}dx) dx[/tex]

[tex]\int \ln y dy=-e^{x} +Cx+D[/tex]

[tex]y(\ln y-1)=-e^{x}+Cx+D'[/tex](1)

It's impossible to put the solution as y=y(x).Since we're interested in the asymptotic behavior of y,le's study (1) when
a)[tex]x\rightarrow +\infty[/tex]
Then the RHS of (1) goes to [itex]-\infty[/itex],which means that the 'y' in the LHS goes to 0.
b) [tex]x\rightarrow -\infty[/tex]
Then for C>0,RHS goes to [itex]-\infty[/itex],which means 'y' in the LHS goes to 0.,and for C<0,RHS goes to [itex]+\infty[/itex],which means 'y' in the LHS goes to [itex]+\infty[/itex].

So imposing [itex]C\geq0[/itex],u have that,in asymptotic limits,'y' is bounded.

I don't know whether Arildno's approach would yield different conclusions.Afer all,that's a messy equation.If the spring's 'constant' is not constant,but varies exponentially with the departure from the initial (equilibrium) solution,it means that string would stretch to infinity,because the constant would be infinite.However,there's damping,which again varies exponentially with 'x',so the string could go to infinity only under certain circumstances (in my analysis,C<0) and could have a bounded highly damped oscillation for C>=0.

Daniel.
 
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  • #11
Well,Hurkyl,let's see if there's something wrong with my & Integral's logics:

Try it on a simpler problem, like

[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = y[/tex]

With your method, I get the equation:

y ln y - y = (1/2) x^2 + Cx + D

Neither y = e^x nor y = e^-x are solutions to this equation.
 
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  • #12
I believe poolwin's syllabus does not include differential equations; but does have basic differentiation and integration, including applications to rates, maxima and minima. So, I think his only exposure to the second derivative is its definition as the derivative of the first derivative, that it describes the concavity/convexity of the function, and that its zeros are points of inflexion(inflection).

Poolwin, will you please clarify if this is correct ? Also, do you only have to show that it is bounded above, and not below too ?
 
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  • #13
My syllabi includes homogenous,linear eqn of 1st orderbut not as I mentioned earlier series soln of D.E or P.D.Es etc in addn to what 43201 said.
I have given the Qs as is it was given.
f(x)<c indicates that may be boundedness is only for the upper limiting value

For the record it came in a mock iit exam held by iit alumni the 'TENSORS'.
 
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  • #14
held by iit alumni the 'TENSORS'
I forgot to add sadistic.
 
  • #15
I guess the reason why no one is helping is maybe becoz the no: posts is 13.:)
 

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