Diff. eqn + erf (error function)

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter veronik
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation involving the error function (erf). Participants explore the formulation and solution of the equation, including the integral representation of the solution and the implications of boundary conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Veronica presents a problem involving an integral expression for f(x) and seeks help with a differential equation.
  • Some participants question whether the function f in part (a) is the same as in part (b), suggesting that it may not be.
  • There is a discussion about the correct form of the integral representation of the solution, with some suggesting it should involve (x-t)^2 instead of (x-t).
  • One participant mentions using the Leibniz integral rule to derive the necessary expressions.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the necessity of the boundary conditions provided in the problem.
  • There is a request for clarification on the differentiation of the integral form presented.
  • A participant expresses frustration over the lack of progress and the time spent on the problem.
  • One participant attempts to provide a solution but is reminded not to share complete solutions in the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the interpretation of the function f and the necessity of boundary conditions. There is no consensus on the correct form of the integral representation or the approach to solving the differential equation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of understanding the differentiation of integrals and the implications of boundary conditions, but these aspects remain unresolved in the discussion.

veronik
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Diff. eqn + erf (error function)

I’m stacked with this problem for many days, someone can help me pleeeeease:

(a) [tex]f \left( x \right) =\int _{-\infty }^{{x}^{2}/2}\!{e^{x-1/2\,{t}^{2<br /> }}}{dt}[/tex]

I foud the solution: [tex]f \left( x \right) =1/2\,{e^{x}}\sqrt {2\pi } \left( 1+{\it <br /> erf} \left( 1/4\,{x}^{2}\sqrt {2} \right) \right)[/tex]

(b) Find the solution of the dfferential equatio:
[tex]{\frac {d^{2}}{d{x}^{2}}}y \left( x \right) =f \left( x \right)[/tex] with y(0)=0 and dy(0)/dx = 0

In the form : [tex]y \left( x \right) =\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]

Veronica
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

veronik said:
(b) Find the solution of the dfferential equatio:
[tex]{\frac {d^{2}}{d{x}^{2}}}y \left( x \right) =f \left( x \right)[/tex] with y(0)=0 and dy(0)/dx = 0

In the form : [tex]y \left( x \right) =\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]

Veronica

Hi veronica! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(… the f in (a) isn't supposed to be the same as the f in (b), is it? …)

I suppose you know what [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] is?

Are you sure they don't mean something like [tex]\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right)^2 f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] ?
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi veronica! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(… the f in (a) isn't supposed to be the same as the f in (b), is it? …)

I suppose you know what [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] is?

Are you sure they don't mean something like [tex]\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right)^2 f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] ?

Thanks for your hospitality and your help tiny tim :wink:,
1-the f in (a) is the same as in (b)...
2-I didnt calculate it..
3-it's x-t

its' (x-t).

I'm waiting for your help :blushing:
 
veronik said:
3-it's x-t

No, it's not.

Try a simpler one: what is [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! f\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] ?

Hint: put f(t) = g´(t). :smile:
 
For (a), use the definition of the error function.

For (b), the solution is given. I'm a bit confused. What are you supposed to do?

EDIT:
You are given f(x). The information [itex]d^2y/dx^2 = f(x)[/itex] and [itex]y(0) = y'(0) = 0[/itex] are superfluous. Use the integral form.
 
Last edited:
I suppse ... the question is to demonstrate that the solution is in that form ( [tex] \int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right)^2 f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] )

:rolleyes:

tiny tin: the x-t was for you question about if it was in the form (x-t)f(t) or (x-t)^2f(t)

did u found the solution?

I'm getting tired :shy:... I'm from europe, it's already 2am here!
 
Last edited:
So, not the same f(x), as I thought originally. Use the Leibniz integral rule.
 
I think that it's the same f (it was stated like that in the question!)
 
The given equations are valid for any reasonable f(x). You need to show this is the case.
 
  • #10
veronik said:
did u found the solution?

I'm getting tired :shy:... I'm from europe, it's already 2am here!

Hi Veronica! :smile:

I'm from London - we're one hour behind you! :zzz:

Look, with f(t) = g´(t), [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! f\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! g'\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}\left[\,g\left(t)\,\right] _{0}^{x}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}(g(x)\,-\,g(0))[/tex]
= g´(x) = f(x).

Now you try - what is [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! x f\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] ?

And then what is [tex]{\frac {d^{2}}{d{x}^{2}}}\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t \right) {dt}[/tex] ? :smile:
 
  • #11
veronik said:
I’m stacked with this problem for many days, someone can help me pleeeeease:

(a) [tex]f \left( x \right) =\int _{-\infty }^{{x}^{2}/2}\!{e^{x-1/2\,{t}^{2<br /> }}}{dt}[/tex]

I foud the solution: [tex]f \left( x \right) =1/2\,{e^{x}}\sqrt {2\pi } \left( 1+{\it <br /> erf} \left( 1/4\,{x}^{2}\sqrt {2} \right) \right)[/tex]

(b) Find the solution of the dfferential equatio:
[tex]{\frac {d^{2}}{d{x}^{2}}}y \left( x \right) =f \left( x \right)[/tex] with y(0)=0 and dy(0)/dx = 0

In the form : [tex]y \left( x \right) =\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]

Veronica

The first part is indeed correct.

tiny-tim said:
Hi Veronica! :smile:

I'm from London - we're one hour behind you! :zzz:

Look, with f(t) = g´(t), [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! f\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! g'\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}\left[\,g\left(t)\,\right] _{0}^{x}[/tex]
[tex]=\,\frac{d}{dx}(g(x)\,-\,g(0))[/tex]
= g´(x) = f(x).

Now you try - what is [tex]\frac{d}{dx}\int _{0}^{x}\! x f\left( t<br /> \right) {dt}[/tex] ?

And then what is [tex]{\frac {d^{2}}{d{x}^{2}}}\int _{0}^{x}\! \left( x-t \right) f \left( t \right) {dt}[/tex] ? :smile:

This is the way to show that the formula given is indeed the solution to the differential equation. However it does not give the derivation of the formula which (I assume) is to be found. The equation can be easily integrated to become:

[tex]y=\int \int f(x) dxdx+Ax+B[/tex]

Naming now f(x)=g'(x) and g(x)=h'(x) and applying the boundary conditions you arrive at:

[tex]y(x)=h(x)-h(0)-xg(0)[/tex]

This can be rewritten as:

[Begin Edit]
The solution has been removed.
I apologize if this caused any inconvenience, but I was under the assumption that it was not done to post the entire solution in the homework section, but is allowed for the other sections. Sorry about this. What if I was asked in a private message to give the solution?
[End Edit]

Which is the solution you are looking for. So, the boundary conditions are indeed necessary to arrive at the result.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Please do not give out complete solutions. In fact, please edit the solution out of that last post.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K