Characteristic curves of this PDE

WannaBe22
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Homework Statement


Let f(x,y) be the soloution of xu_x +yu_y = u^4 that is defined in the whole plane. Prove that f = 0 .
Hint: Think of the characteristic curves of this PDE.

HOPE You'll be able to help me

Thanks in advance!

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



By trying to solve this problem, I've got this subidinary equations:
\frac{dx}{x} = \frac{dy}{y} = \frac{du}{u^4} . From these equations we will receive: y=c_1 \cdot x and u^3 = \frac{1}{-3ln(x)-3c_s} ... But can it help us? I think we are missing this way a few other soloutions...

Help is needed!
Thanks !
 
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You are missing one undetermined constant in your last formula for u^3. What must that constant be in order that u is "defined in the whole plane"?
 


You mean that we need to add to the result for u^3 - f(y) for some function f? That is: u^3 = \frac{1}{-3ln(x) - 3c_2 +f(y)}
If so, then because we have a singularity in ln(x) = -c_2 , I don't think we have any restrictions on this f... We'll have a singularity anyway...

Am I right?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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