-b.1.3.19 Determine the values of r for t^2y''+4ty'+2y = 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the values of \( r \) for which the differential equations \( t^2y'' + 4ty' + 2y = 0 \) and \( t^2y'' - 4ty' + 4y = 0 \) have solutions of the form \( y = t^r \) for \( t > 0 \). Participants explore the steps involved in solving these equations and the implications of their findings.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that for the equation \( t^2y'' + 4ty' + 2y = 0 \), the values of \( r \) are \( -2 \) and \( -1 \), derived from simplifying the resulting polynomial equation.
  • Others present a similar conclusion for the same equation, confirming \( r \in \{-2, -1\} \) after manipulating the terms.
  • For the second equation \( t^2y'' - 4ty' + 4y = 0 \), participants suggest that the values of \( r \) are \( 1 \) and \( 4 \), with some detailing the steps to arrive at this conclusion through polynomial factorization.
  • One participant points out potential typos or issues in another's work, indicating that there may be errors in the calculations presented.
  • Another participant confirms the values \( r \in \{1, 4\} \) for the second equation, suggesting minor adjustments to the previous calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the values of \( r \) for both equations, but there are indications of typos or errors in the calculations that some participants challenge. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved due to these corrections and differing interpretations of the steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention typos or issues in the calculations, which may affect the clarity of the arguments presented. The discussion does not resolve these potential errors, leaving the exact steps and reasoning open to interpretation.

karush
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$\textsf{Determine the values of $r$ for which the given differential equation has solutions of the form
$ y = t^r$
for
$t > 0 $}$
$t^2y''+4ty'+2y = 0$
$\color{red}{r=-1,-2}$
$t^2y''-4ty'+4y=0$
$\color{red}{r=1,4}$
ok the book answers are in red, and obviously this is from a factored quadradic but I couldn't an example of the steps.
probably just a couple!
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
$\textsf{Determine the values of $r$ for which the given differential equation has solutions of the form
$ y = t^r$
for
$t > 0 $}$
$t^2y''+4ty'+2y = 0$
$\color{red}{r=-1,-2}$
$t^2y''-4ty'+4y=0$
$\color{red}{r=1,4}$
ok the book answers are in red, and obviously this is from a factored quadradic but I couldn't an example of the steps.
probably just a couple!

Okay, if we are to consider a solution of the form:

$$y=t^r$$

Then:

$$y'=rt^{r-1}$$

$$y''=r(r-1)t^{r-2}$$

And thus the ODE becomes:

$$t^2r(r-1)t^{r-2}+4trt^{r-1}+2t^r=0$$

Or:

$$r(r-1)t^{r}+4rt^{r}+2t^r=0$$

$$t^r\left(r(r-1)+4r+2\right)=0$$

Now, if we exclude the trivial solution \(y\equiv0\) this leaves:

$$r(r-1)+4r+2=0$$

$$r^2+3r+2=0$$

$$(r+1)(r+2)=0$$

Thus:

$$r\in\{-2,-1\}$$

Can you do the second one?
 
given
$t^2y''-4ty'+4y=0$
let
$\displaystyle y=t^r, \quad y''=r(r-1)t^{r-2}, \quad y''=r(r-1)t^{r-2}$
then
$t^2(r(r-1)t^{r-2}-4rt^{r-1}+4t^r=0$
simplify
$(r(r-1)t^r-4rt^{r-1}+4t^r=r(r-1)-4r+4=r^2-5r+4=0$
factor
(r-1)(r-4)=0
thus
$r\in{1,4}$typos maybe
 
There are some typos/issues with your work. See if you can spot them...:)
 
$\displaystyle y=t^r, \quad y'=rt^{r-1}, \quad y''=r(r-1)t^{r-2}$
then
$t^2(r(r-1)t^{r-2})-4t(rt^{r-1})+4(t^r)=0$
then simplify
$(r - 4) (r - 1) t^r=0$
so $r\in\{1,4\}$
a few minor adjustments
 
Last edited:

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