Differential Equations. Reduction of Order. Calc IV.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a second-order differential equation of the form (x² + 2y')y'' + 2xy' = 0, with initial conditions y(0) = 1 and y'(0) = 0. The context is within the subject area of differential equations, specifically focusing on reduction of order and exact equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the substitution of y' with p and y'' with p', leading to a reformulation of the equation. Some participants discuss the implications of the initial conditions on the constants involved, while others question the validity of certain substitutions and the interpretation of results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on handling the initial conditions and exploring different interpretations of the solutions. There is recognition of the non-linear nature of the equation and the potential for multiple solutions, although no consensus has been reached on the final form of the solution.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the application of initial conditions and the use of constants in the solutions. Participants note the importance of distinguishing between different constants when solving the equation, as well as the necessity to verify that both derived solutions satisfy the initial conditions.

Gummy Bear
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Homework Statement



(x2+2y')y''+2xy'=0 with initial conditions of y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0

Homework Equations



reduction of order, and exact equations..

The Attempt at a Solution



let y'=p and y''=p'
Giving: (x2+2p)p'+2xp Let M=2xp and N=(x2+2p)
So, Mp=2x and Nx=2x Therefore, they are exact.
Let fx=2xp
so, f(x,p)=x2p+h(p)
fp=x2=h'(p)
comparing to fp=x2+2p we know h'(p)=2p so, h(p)=p2
so, c=p2+px2
Now, solve for p: using quadratic.
p=(-x2±√(x4+4c))/2
Substitute back for y'=p
y'=(1/2)(-x2±√(x4+4c)
y=?

This is where I'm not sure what to do.

I'm pretty sure I use the initial conditions, do I assume c=0 and take the integral of:
(1/2)(-x2±√(x4))
 
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Gummy Bear said:

Homework Statement



(x2+2y')y''+2xy'=0 with initial conditions of y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0

Homework Equations



reduction of order, and exact equations..

The Attempt at a Solution



let y'=p and y''=p'
Giving: (x2+2p)p'+2xp Let M=2xp and N=(x2+2p)
So, Mp=2x and Nx=2x Therefore, they are exact.
Let fx=2xp
so, f(x,p)=x2p+h(p)
fp=x2=h'(p)
comparing to fp=x2+2p we know h'(p)=2p so, h(p)=p2
so, c=p2+px2

Right there you have ##y'^2+x^2y'=c##. If you use ##y'(0)=0## you get ##c=0## so your equation is ##y'^2+x^2y'=y'(y'+x^2)=0##. This tells you that either ##y'=0## or ##y'=-x^2##, both of which are easy to handle.
 
I'm confused, you're substituting back for p before solving for p? Also, y'(0)≠0 y'(0)=1.

Does that mean my equation should be:
y'2+x2y'=1

And from there solve for y?
 
Gummy Bear said:

Homework Statement



(x2+2y')y''+2xy'=0 with initial conditions of y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0

LCKurtz said:
Right there you have ##y'^2+x^2y'=c##. If you use ##y'(0)=0## you get ##c=0## so your equation is ##y'^2+x^2y'=y'(y'+x^2)=0##. This tells you that either ##y'=0## or ##y'=-x^2##, both of which are easy to handle.

Gummy Bear said:
I'm confused, you're substituting back for p before solving for p? Also, y'(0)≠0 y'(0)=1.
I have quoted your original boundary condition. ##p=y'## so I just put it in. It doesn't matter which you call it, but using ##y'## emphasizes that is what it is, and it makes it more natural when using the boundary conditions.

Does that mean my equation should be:
y'2+x2y'=1

No. You get 0 on the right side. It means either ##y'=0## or ##y'=-x^2##. Solve those, apply any boundary conditions and, if you aren't sure, check the solutions work.
 
Wow. I got it mixed up with the problem out of the book. It's been a long day. You're right..

So all I have to do is:

y=∫0dx=c

y=∫(-x2)dx=(-x3)/3+c

Therefore, y=∫(-x2)dx=(-x3)/3+c is the answer?

Thanks for helping me by the way.
 
Gummy Bear said:
Wow. I got it mixed up with the problem out of the book. It's been a long day. You're right..

So all I have to do is:

y=∫0dx=c

y=∫(-x2)dx=(-x3)/3+c

Therefore, y=∫(-x2)dx=(-x3)/3+c is the answer?

Thanks for helping me by the way.

Use the boundary condition to evaluate c. A second order equation with two initial conditions won't have any arbitrary constants left. And you shouldn't use the same c for both constants.
 
I should add here that this is a non-linear equation. You get two separate solutions. Nothing says that the sum of those two solutions is also a solution.
 
Oh, so now I say because y(0)=1 0/3+c2=1 so, c2=1?

Therefore, y=-x3/3+1

What do you mean don't use the same constant? Are you referring to y=∫0dx=c1?

What do I do with the y=∫0dx=c1 anyway?
 
Gummy Bear said:
Oh, so now I say because y(0)=1 0/3+c2=1 so, c2=1?

Therefore, y=-x3/3+1

What do you mean don't use the same constant? Are you referring to y=∫0dx=c1?

What do I do with the y=∫0dx=c1 anyway?

You apply the boundary condition ##y(0)=1##. Remember you used ##y'(0)=0## to get the two separate solutions. Each of them satisfies ##y(0)=1##. So you have two different solutions to this problem. You should check that they both work.
 
  • #10
Ya, I figured that out after asking. But how do I check that both -x3/3+1 and 1 work?
 
  • #11
Gummy Bear said:
Ya, I figured that out after asking. But how do I check that both -x3/3+1 and 1 work?

Plug them into the equation and boundary conditions.
 

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