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Homework Help: 2nd Order Diff Eqn. (complex roots)

  1. May 5, 2008 #1

    aznkid310

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    1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
    Prove that if y1 and y2 have maxima or minima at the same point in I, then they cannot be a fundamental set of solutions on that interval.


    2. Relevant equations

    Do I take the wronskian (determinant of y1, y1', y2, y2')? What would that tell me?

    3. The attempt at a solution
     
    aznkid310, May 5, 2008
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  3. May 6, 2008 #2

    HallsofIvy

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    1) What is the Wronskian?

    2) Why do you mention it here? What does the Wronskian have to do with differential equations?
     
    HallsofIvy, May 6, 2008
  4. May 6, 2008 #3

    aznkid310

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    The wronskian is a determinant that tells us whether a set of functions is linearly independent or not right? How does that relate to maxima/minima?
     
    aznkid310, May 6, 2008
  5. May 6, 2008 #4

    HallsofIvy

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    If y1 and y2 have maxima or minima at the same point, what are y1' and y2' there? What is the Wronskian at that point?
     
    HallsofIvy, May 6, 2008
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