Looks same as distinct root solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solutions to a second-order linear homogeneous differential equation with constant coefficients, specifically focusing on the case of real and equal roots. Participants explore the forms of the solutions and the reasoning behind the presence of an additional term in one of the solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that for two distinct roots, the solution is of the form y = Aem1x + Bem2x.
  • Others argue that for real and equal roots, the solution should be y = emx(A + Bx), questioning why the term x appears in the second solution.
  • A participant suggests that the second solution could be y2(x) = Bemx, similar to the distinct root case, but expresses uncertainty about this equivalence.
  • One participant proposes using the "reduction of order" method to derive the solution, detailing the steps involved in transforming the differential equation.
  • Another participant confirms the approach of looking for a solution of the form y(x) = u(x)emx, indicating that this method leads to the additional term involving x.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and interpretation of the additional term in the solution for equal roots. The discussion remains unresolved regarding whether the second solution can be simplified to exclude the x term.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the derivation process and the uniqueness of solutions but do not reach a consensus on the implications of the additional term in the context of equal roots.

doey
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ay'' + by' + cy = 0

1) for 2 distinct roots,the solution should be y = Ae^m1x + Be^m2x

2) for Real and equal roots should be
y = e^mx(A + Bx) that is it.
So if same roots as the 2nd one,one solution is y1(x)=Ae^mx, what about the second solution?
there is a second solution given by y2(x)=Bxe^mx

HERE IS THE PROBLEM! WHY THERE EXISTED AN xTHERE?!
is this should be y2(x)=Be^mx also? because looks same as distinct root solution, and we can just put the 2 roots in the same just act like there have 2 distinct roots but are the same.
 
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doey said:
ay'' + by' + cy = 0

1) for 2 distinct roots,the solution should be y = Ae^m1x + Be^m2x

2) for Real and equal roots should be
y = e^mx(A + Bx) that is it.

So if same roots as the 2nd one,one solution is y1(x)=Ae^mx, what about the second solution?
there is a second solution given by y2(x)=Bxe^mx

HERE IS THE PROBLEM! WHY THERE EXISTED AN xTHERE?!
is this should be y2(x)=Be^mx also? because looks same as distinct root solution, and we can just put the 2 roots in the same just act like there have 2 distinct roots but are the same.


Hey doey and welcome to the forums.

I can't remember the derivation (but I have seen it before), but what I recommend for you to show that it is true is take that expression, calculate the first and second derivatives of it which generate the coefficients for your quadratic and then show that you get two equal real roots for the solution of the quadratic.

It's not the same as going from DE to solution proof, but it is a proof never the less since the function is unique and can be written in DE form, meaning that the DE has the unique solution as the function and thus will have a DE form that you can show to have the properties for the roots.
 


One way of deriving that solution is to use the "reduction of order" method.

If \alpha is a double root of the characteristic equation then the characteristic equation must be of the form (r- \alpha)^2= r^2- 2\alpha r+ \alpha^2= 0 which means that the differential equation must be of the form
\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}- 2\alpha\frac{dy}{dx}+ \alpha^2y= 0

And, as you say, one solution is e^{\alpha x}. So look for a solution of the form y(x)= u(x)e^{\alpha x} where u(x) is a function of x. y'= u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha ue^{\alpha x} and y''= u''e^{\alpha x}+ 2\alpha u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha^2 u^{\alpha x}.

Putting those into the equation gives
u''e^{\alpha x}+ 2\alpha u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha^2 u e^{\alpha x}- 2\alpha(u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha ue^{\alpha x})+ u(x)e^{\alpha x}= 0
which reduces to
u''e^{\alpha x}= 0
That is, the terms involving u, without a derivative, cancel because without differentiating, we are treasting u as a constant and e^{\alpha x} satisfies the differential equation (i.e. because \alpha is a root of the characteristic equation). And all terms involving u' cancel because \alpha is a double root of that equation.

Of course, we can divide both sides by e^{\alpha x} (which is never 0) to get u''= 0. Since the second derivative of u is always 0, the first derivative must be a constant- u'= C for some number C. Integrating again, u=Cx+ D. That means our solution y= u(x)e^{\alpha x}= (Cx+ D)e^{\alpha x}= Cxe^{\alpha x}+ De^{\alpha x}. The "De^{\alpha x}" is the original solution. What is new is the xe^{-\alpha x} term.

Of course, once you realize that, you don't need to do that analysis every time!
 


HallsofIvy said:
And, as you say, one solution is e^{\alpha x}. So look for a solution of the form y(x)= u(x)e^{\alpha x} where u(x) is a function of x. y'= u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha ue^{\alpha x} and y''= u''e^{\alpha x}+ 2\alpha u'e^{\alpha x}+ \alpha^2 u^{\alpha x}.

i guess i know what you means,but only a way there i not really sure,is there we can just put the front of e^mx with an function ? by making it into u(x)e^mx.
 
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