Analyzing a 2nd Order Non-Linear ODE with Variable Substitution

In summary, the conversation is about verifying a solution and determining the next steps for the given equations involving functions f(x) and y(x). The last line of the given work is incorrect and should be -\frac{d}{dx} \ln f\left(x\right) instead.
  • #1
member 428835
Can someone check my work here? Both ##f=f(x)## and ##y=y(x)##.
$$f'y'+\frac{fy''}{1+y'^2}=0\implies\\
\frac{y''}{y'(1+y'^2)}=-\frac{f'}{f}\\
\frac{y''}{y'(1+y'^2)}=-\ln(f)$$
Now let ##v=y'##, which implies
$$
\int\frac{1}{v(1+v^2)}\,dv=-\int\ln(f)\,dx\implies\\
\ln(v) - \frac{1}{2}\ln(1 + v^2)+C=-\int\ln(f)\,dx\implies\\
\frac{y'}{\sqrt{1 + y'^2}}=k\exp\left[-\int\ln(f)\,dx\right]$$
Am I correct to this point? Also, how would you proceed?
 
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  • #2
joshmccraney said:
Can someone check my work here? Both ##f=f(x)## and ##y=y(x)##.
$$f'y'+\frac{fy''}{1+y'^2}=0\implies\\
\frac{y''}{y'(1+y'^2)}=-\frac{f'}{f}\\
\frac{y''}{y'(1+y'^2)}=-\ln(f)$$

This last line is not correct. The right side should be [itex] -\frac{d}{dx} \ln f\left(x\right) [/itex]
 
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Likes member 428835
  • #3
Thanks!
 

1. What is a 2nd order non-linear ODE?

A 2nd order non-linear ODE (ordinary differential equation) is a mathematical equation that involves the second derivative of a dependent variable with respect to an independent variable, and the dependent variable itself is non-linear. This means that the equation cannot be expressed as a linear combination of the dependent variable and its derivatives.

2. How do you solve a 2nd order non-linear ODE?

Solving a 2nd order non-linear ODE can be a complex process and there is no single method that can be applied to all equations. However, some common techniques include using power series, substitution methods, and numerical methods such as Euler's method or Runge-Kutta methods.

3. What are some real-world applications of 2nd order non-linear ODEs?

2nd order non-linear ODEs have many applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. Some examples include modeling the motion of a pendulum, analyzing the behavior of electric circuits, and predicting the growth of populations in ecology.

4. Can a 2nd order non-linear ODE have multiple solutions?

Yes, a 2nd order non-linear ODE can have multiple solutions. In fact, for certain equations, there can be an infinite number of solutions. This is because non-linear equations can exhibit chaotic behavior and small changes in initial conditions can result in drastically different solutions.

5. How can I check if a solution to a 2nd order non-linear ODE is correct?

To check the correctness of a solution to a 2nd order non-linear ODE, you can substitute the solution into the original equation and see if it satisfies the equation. Additionally, you can plot the solution and compare it to the behavior of the equation to see if it matches. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of the behavior of non-linear equations and their solutions to ensure accuracy.

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