Differential Equations dy/dx=sqrt(x^2+y^2-9)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the differential equations dy/dx=sqrt(x^2+y^2-9) and y''+ty'+(1+t^2)y^2=0. Participants explore conditions under which local and unique solutions can be determined, as well as the implications of these conditions on the nature of the solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that local solutions exist for values where a^2+b^2<=9 and unique solutions exist for a^2+b^2>9, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of these results.
  • Another participant questions the implications of allowing imaginary values for the derivative at (a,b) and seeks clarification on the definitions of local and unique solutions.
  • A participant explains that the existence of a solution depends on the continuity of the function f(x,y)=sqrt(x^2+y^2-9) in a neighborhood of (a,b), and that uniqueness requires f to satisfy Lipschitz conditions in y.
  • One participant challenges the assertion that the only solution touching the t-axis is the identically zero solution, arguing that there must exist a unique solution for given initial conditions, including y(t0)=0 and y'(t0)=1.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify the implications of the previous responses, discussing the transformation of the second-order equation into a system of first-order equations and the conditions for Lipschitz continuity.
  • One participant emphasizes that any non-zero initial value for the first derivative would lead to a solution that is not identically zero, countering the claim that y must be identically zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions for existence and uniqueness of solutions, particularly regarding the implications of initial conditions and the nature of the solutions. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the second differential equation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of local and unique solutions, as well as the implications of continuity and differentiability conditions on the solutions of the differential equations discussed.

vladimir69
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just a couple of questions:
given dy/dx=sqrt(x^2+y^2-9)
and y(a)=b
i)for what values of a and b would a local solution exist and why
ii)for what values of a and b would a unique solution exist and why

for i) i got all values such that a^2+b^2<=9
for ii) i got all values such that a^2+b^2>9
i'm not 100% sure this is correct and would be happy if someone could confirm/show otherwise these results.


secondly
how would one show that the only solution of
y''+ty'+(1+t^2)y^2=0
that touches the t axis at some point (t0,0) is the identically zero solution

thanks for your help
 
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If i) were correct then you're allowing the derivative at (a,b) to have (possibly) imaginary values. Is that permitted?

Not sue what you mean by local, and why a local solution apparently can't also be unique, and is this really a question about Lipschitz and Peano Conditions?
 
Basically, this is a problem about "existence and uniqueness" and involves the "Lipschitz and Peano conditions" as Matt Grime said.

The d.e. dy/dx= f(x,y) will have a solution (satisfying y(a)= b) as long as f is continuous in some neighborhood of (a,b). It will have a unique solution as long as f is also "Lipschitz" in y in some neighborhood of (a,b).

In this case f(x,y)= sqrt(x2+ y2- 9) and that will be continuous as long as x2+ y[/sup]2[/sup]>= 9. That is, (a,b) must be outside or on the circle x2+ y[/sup]2[/sup]= 9.
(In the case that (a,b) is on that circle, the solution would only exist for (x,y) outside it.)

A function f(x,y) is "Lipschitz" in y on a set as long as |f(x,y1)- f(x,y2)|<= C |y1- y2| for some constant C and (x,y1), (x,y2) in the set. In particular, if the function is differentiable with respect to y on a set, then it is Lipshchitz on that set. Here, f'= y/(x2+y2-9)1/2 which exists as long as (a,b) is strictly outside the circle x2+ y2= 9.

"how would one show that the only solution of
y''+ty'+(1+t^2)y^2=0
that touches the t axis at some point (t0,0) is the identically zero solution?"

One wouldn't. It's not true. The fact that this was paired with the first question should give you a clue. If we write the equation as y"= -ty'+ (1+t2)y2= f(x,y,y') then f is a "nice" function (infinitely differentiable in all three variables) and so this equation has a unique solution for all "y(a)= b, y'(a)= c" initial conditions. In particular, there must exist a unique solution such that y(t0)= 0 and y'(t0)= 1 so y is NOT identically equal to 0.
 
firstly thank you for your responses
however regarding HallsofIvy's reply i didnt really understand the following

"If we write the equation as y"= -ty'+ (1+t2)y2= f(x,y,y') then f is a "nice" function (infinitely differentiable in all three variables) and so this equation has a unique solution for all "y(a)= b, y'(a)= c" initial conditions. In particular, there must exist a unique solution such that y(t0)= 0 and y'(t0)= 1 so y is NOT identically equal to 0."

firstly y''=-ty'-(1+t^2)y^2=f(t,y,y') (*) but i don't think that would change things too much anyway.
(*) can be written as the following system of equations if we let
x1=y
x2=y'
so x1'=x2=f1
and x2'=-tx2-(1+t^2)x1^2=f2
now partial derivative of fi/xj for i=1,2 and j=1,2 exists and are infinitely differentiable so we have the lip****z condition and f is continuous everywhere so we must have only 1 solution to (*) namely y=0 and we have proven it.

sounds ok to me but it goes against what HallsofIvy said, what do you guys think
 
There exist only one solution to the differential equation with given initial values. If you write the equation as two first order equations (or as a single first order vector equation) then you are solving for x1 and x2. The condition "y(t0)= 0" is saying that x1(t0)= 0 but you are still free to assign whatever value you want to x2(t0). In particular, there exist a unique solution to the differential equation with x1(t0)= 0 and x2(t0)= 1. Since x2= y', y'(t0)= 1 means that y is NOT identically 0.
 
when you say "there exists only one solution to the differential equation with given initial values" are you saying that for this particular question you have to have y'(t0)=0 as a given initial value?
i am not sure where or how you plucked the value y'(t0)=1 from either

thnx
 
Any value for the first derivative that isn't zero would have done. There is some solution satisfying those boundary conditions. As the first derivative is not zero it can't be a constant function (not identically zero).
 

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