Differential and integral equation.

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving two specific differential and integral equations. The first equation, $x^2f''(x)-2xf'(x) = x$, can be simplified by reducing the order to a first-order linear equation using the substitution $g(x) = f'(x)$. The second equation, $\int_0^{x} (1+f(x))\;{dx} = x$, leads to the conclusion that $\int f(x)~dx = 0$, indicating that $f(x)$ must be a constant function. The solutions provided include $f(x) = \{a_1 - \frac{1}{2}x + a_2 x^3: a_1, a_2 \in \mathbb{R}\}$ for the first equation and $f(x) = 0$ for the second.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with polynomial functions and their properties.
  • Ability to perform substitutions in differential equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study methods for solving first-order linear differential equations.
  • Learn about the properties of polynomial functions in the context of differential equations.
  • Explore the concept of exact equations and integrating factors in differential equations.
  • Investigate the relationship between definite integrals and their antiderivatives.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, engineering students, and anyone studying differential equations and integral calculus will benefit from this discussion.

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Hello! How do I solve the following integral and differential equations

1. $x^2f''(x)-2xf'(x) = x$

2. $\int_0^{x} (1+f(x))\;{dx} = x$

I'm supposed to http://mathhelpboards.com/linear-abstract-algebra-14/linear-subspaces-17957.html all the polynomials that satisfy this, but I can't. (Shake)
 
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Guest said:
Hello! How do I solve the following integral and differential equations

1. $x^2f''(x)-2xf'(x) = x$

2. $\int_0^{x} (1+f(x))\;{dx} = x$

I'm supposed to http://mathhelpboards.com/linear-abstract-algebra-14/linear-subspaces-17957.html all the functions that satisfy this, but I can't. (Shake)
1. Reduce the order: Let g(x) = f'(x), so your equation becomes [math]x^2 g'(x) - 2x g(x) = x[/math]. This is first order linear and you can solve it by method of choice. This equation is exact so no need for an integrating factor.

2. [math]\int_0^x (1 + f(x))~dx = \int_0^x (1)~dx + \int_0^x f(x)~dx = x[/math], so [math]\int f(x)~dx = 0[/math] and go from there.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
1. Reduce the order: Let g(x) = f'(x), so your equation becomes [math]x^2 g'(x) - 2x g(x) = x[/math]. This is first order linear and you can solve it by method of choice. This equation is exact so no need for an integrating factor.

2. [math]\int_0^x (1 + f(x))~dx = \int_0^x (1)~dx + \int_0^x f(x)~dx = x[/math], so [math]\int f(x)~dx = 0[/math] and go from there.

-Dan

1. $f(x) = \left\{a_1-\frac{1}{2}x+a_2 x^3: a_1, a_2 \in \mathbb{R} \right\}$

2. $\frac{1}{2} f^2(x) = 0 \implies f(x) = 0.$

Many thanks.
 
Guest said:
2. $\frac{1}{2} f^2(x) = 0 \implies f(x) = 0.$
[math]\int_0^x f(x)~dx \neq \frac{1}{2} f^2(x)[/math] in general.

If the anti-derivative of f(x) exists (and it will if f(x) is a polynomial as you have stated) then define [math]F(x) = \int f(x)~dx[/math]

Then [math]\int_0^x f(x)~dx = F(x) - F(0)[/math]. So now you need to solve F(x) - F(0) = 0 where F(x) is a polynomial.

Doing this the "long" way we can do the following:
F(x) - F(0) = 0

F(x) = 0 + F(0) = F(0) = constant = k

This means you have F(x) = k and [math]F'(x) = f(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(k) = 0[/math].

-Dan
 

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