Two questions on differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to differential equations. The first question involves finding a continuous solution to a non-homogeneous linear differential equation with specific boundary conditions. The second question requires verification of a proposed solution to another differential equation and involves manipulating the solution form to derive a general solution.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore methods for solving non-homogeneous linear differential equations and discuss the implications of boundary conditions on the solutions. There is also an examination of the verification process for a proposed solution and the manipulation of functions within the context of differential equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on approaching the first question by suggesting the separation of the problem into simpler parts. Others have raised questions about the validity of certain assumptions and the application of differentiation rules, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about potential errors in the original poster's understanding of differentiation and the implications of boundary conditions on the solutions. The discussion reflects a learning environment where participants are encouraged to clarify their reasoning and assumptions.

fudge
Any thoughts on how to to any of these! (I'm sorry if I'm insulting you but y' = dy/dx, etc!)

1)Find a continuous solution with continuous first derivative of the system:

y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x + f(x)

subject to y(-pi/2)=y(pi)=0, where

f(x)= 0 (x<or= 0)
=x^2 (x>0)

2)You may ignore the first bits (i am including them just incase they're relavent for the last bit)

Verify y = x+1 is a soln of

(x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0 *

Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0

hence show the gen soln of * is

y=K[0.25(x+1)ln((x-1)/(x+1))-0.5] + K'(x+1)

where K and K' are arbitary constants.
 
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You have the equation y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x + f(x)
subject to y(-pi/2)=y(pi)=0.

I take it that you know how to solve non-homogeneous linear differential equations with constant coefficients and that the problem is just that f(x)= 0 if x<or= 0 and f(x)=x^2 if x>0.

Think of this first as the equation y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x. Find the general solution to that equation. That will involve 2 unknown constants. Call that solution Y1(x).

Now, find the general solution to the non-homogeneous equation y''+ 2y'+ 2y= sin x+ x2. That will also involve 2 unknown constants. Call that solution Y2(x).

Use the fact that Y1(-pi/2)= 0, Y2(pi)= 0, Y1(0)= Y2=0 (the solution must be continuous at x=0) and Y1'(0)= Y2'(0) (the derivative of the solution must be continuous at x= 0) to get 4 equations to solve for the 4 unknown constants.

For the second question "Verify y = x+1 is a soln of (x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0", you should be able to do that part. Find the first and second derivatives of x+1, put them into the equation and see what happens!
"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0."
You can't prove that- it's not true. Unless I've made a stupid mistake (it's rather late!) y'= (x+1)u'+ u and y''= (x+1)u''+ 2u so the equation reduces to (x-1)u"+ 3u'= 0.
 
Thanks for the advice, I've tried it out and it works fine!

I made a very careless typing error for the second part:

"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0"

I actually meant: u'=du/dx !

Sorry!

Is partial diffrentiation the way to go inorder to show:
du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0 ?
 
"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0"

I actually meant: u'=du/dx !

Surely, you don't mean "show that u'= du/dx"? Isn't that how it's defined?

Is partial diffrentiation the way to go inorder to show:
du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0 ?
Partial differentiation has nothing to do with it. y is a function of the single variable x, u is a function of the single variable x. The product rule is all you need.
 
sorry, i am being very careless. I'll write it out again!

Verify y = x+1 is a soln of

(x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0 *

Writing y=(x+1)u show that u' = du/dx satisfies:

du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0

Hence show the gen soln of * is

y=K[0.25(x+1)ln((x-1)/(x+1))-0.5] + K'(x+1)

where K and K' are arbitary constants.

Partial differentiation has nothing to do with it. y is a function of the single variable x, u is a function of the single variable x. The product rule is all you need. [/B]

Yes ofcourse, I'll try this (I am really concerned... i miss basic steps :frown:)

Thank you Halls
 

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