ODE using variation of parameters

In summary, the conversation discussed how to find a particular solution to the inhomogeneous Euler-Cauchy equation using variation of parameters. It was noted that the leading coefficient must be 1 in order to use this method, and the correct particular solution was determined to be yp = -7/(3x^2).
  • #1
cheddacheeze
42
0

Homework Statement


You are given that two solutions to the homogeneous Euler-Cauchy equation
[itex]x^2 \frac{d^2}{dx^2}y(x) - 5x \frac{d}{dx} y(x) + 5y(x) = 0[/itex]
[itex]y1=x, y2=x^5[/itex]

[itex]y''-\frac{5}{x}y'+\frac{5}{x^2}y=-\frac{49}{x^4}[/itex]
changing the equation to standard form
use variation of parameters to find a particular solution to the inhomogenous Euler-Cauchy equation

Homework Equations


Wronskian
[itex]W=4x^5 [/itex]

yp (y particular)
[tex]yp=uy1+vy2 [/tex]

[tex]u= \frac{-49}{12x^3} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]v' = \frac{y1r}{w} [/itex]
[itex]v' = \frac{(x) (-49/x^4)}{4x^5} [/itex]
[itex]v' = -\frac{49}{4x^8}[/itex]
[itex]v = -\frac{49}{4} \int \frac{1}{x^8} [/itex]
[itex]v = (-\frac{49}{4}) (-\frac{1}{7x^7}) [/itex]
[itex]v = \frac{49}{28x^7}[/itex]
[itex]yp = \frac{-49}{12x^3}*x + \frac{49}{28x^7}*x^5[/itex]
[itex]yp = \frac{-49}{12x^2} + \frac{49}{28x^2}[/itex]
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
have tried and checked and still have not got the right answer
 
  • #3
[itex]yp = \frac{-7}{3x^2}[/itex]

tried plugging into the equation and didnt work, something must have gone wrong either in
yp=uy1+vy2
or finding what v' was
can anybody see what's wrong
 
  • #4
cheddacheeze said:

Homework Statement


You are given that two solutions to the homogeneous Euler-Cauchy equation
[itex]x^2 \frac{d^2}{dx^2}y(x) - 5x \frac{d}{dx} y(x) + 5y(x) = 0[/itex]
[itex]y1=x, y2=x^5[/itex]

[itex]y''-\frac{5}{x}y'+\frac{5}{x^2}y=-\frac{49}{x^4}[/itex]
changing the equation to standard form
use variation of parameters to find a particular solution to the inhomogenous Euler-Cauchy equation

Remember, when you use the formula for variation of parameters, you must have the leading coefficient = 1, so you are working with this last equation.

Homework Equations


Wronskian
[itex]W=4x^5 [/itex]

yp (y particular)
[tex]yp=uy1+vy2 [/tex]

[tex]u= \frac{-49}{12x^3} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]v' = \frac{y1r}{w} [/itex]
[itex]v' = \frac{(x) (-49/x^4)}{4x^5} [/itex]
[itex]v' = -\frac{49}{4x^8}[/itex]
[itex]v = -\frac{49}{4} \int \frac{1}{x^8} [/itex]
[itex]v = (-\frac{49}{4}) (-\frac{1}{7x^7}) [/itex]
[itex]v = \frac{49}{28x^7}[/itex]
[itex]yp = \frac{-49}{12x^3}*x + \frac{49}{28x^7}*x^5[/itex]
[itex]yp = \frac{-49}{12x^2} + \frac{49}{28x^2}[/itex]

There is nothing wrong with your yp. I'm guessing you put it back in the first equation instead of the third one, and you got -49/x2. That is what you should get if you plug into the first equation because it has been multiplied on both sides by x2 relative to the third equation. If you plug your yp into the third equation, it will work exactly.
 
  • #5
LCKurtz said:
Remember, when you use the formula for variation of parameters, you must have the leading coefficient = 1, so you are working with this last equation.
There is nothing wrong with your yp. I'm guessing you put it back in the first equation instead of the third one, and you got -49/x2. That is what you should get if you plug into the first equation because it has been multiplied on both sides by x2 relative to the third equation. If you plug your yp into the third equation, it will work exactly.

i differentiated yp twice
plugged in yp'' yp' and yp into the differential
and i got [itex] \frac{7}{3x^4} [/itex]
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Your particular solution yp= -7/(3x2) is correct. If you plug it in for the y in


[tex]
y''-\frac{5}{x}y'+\frac{5}{x^2}y=-\frac{49}{x^4}
[/tex]

it works. Or you can multiply that equation through by x2:

[tex]
x^2y''-5xy'+5y=-\frac{49}{x^2}
[/tex]

and it works in that equation too.
 
  • #7
turns out computer didnt like the answer in equation form
thanks
 

1. What is the variation of parameters method for solving ODEs?

The variation of parameters method is a technique used to solve non-homogeneous linear differential equations. It involves finding a particular solution by assuming it is a linear combination of known solutions to the corresponding homogeneous equation.

2. How does the variation of parameters method differ from other methods of solving ODEs?

The variation of parameters method allows for the use of known solutions to the corresponding homogeneous equation, rather than just guessing a particular solution. This makes it a more systematic and reliable method of solving ODEs.

3. When is the variation of parameters method typically used?

The variation of parameters method is typically used when the non-homogeneous term in the ODE is a polynomial, exponential, or trigonometric function. It is not as effective for more complex non-homogeneous terms.

4. Can the variation of parameters method be used for higher-order ODEs?

Yes, the variation of parameters method can be used for higher-order ODEs. However, it becomes more complicated as the number of unknown coefficients increases, and may not always yield a solution.

5. Are there any limitations to using the variation of parameters method?

While the variation of parameters method is a powerful tool for solving ODEs, it does have some limitations. It may not always yield a solution, especially for higher-order ODEs with more unknown coefficients. It also becomes more complicated and time-consuming as the order of the ODE increases.

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