Do These Functions Form a Fundamental Set for the Differential Equation?

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SUMMARY

The functions \( e^{x/2} \) and \( xe^{x/2} \) form a fundamental set of solutions for the differential equation \( 4y^{''} - 4y^{'} + y = 0 \) on the specified interval. The Wronskian, calculated as \( Wr(e^{x/2}, xe^{x/2}) = e^{x} \), confirms that these functions are linearly independent. The general solution to the differential equation is expressed as \( y = c_{1}e^{x/2} + c_{2}xe^{x/2} \). Verification of the functions as solutions is necessary for complete validation.

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KillerZ
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Homework Statement



Verify that the given functions form a fundamental set of solutions of the differential equation on the indicated interval. Form the solution.

[tex]4y^{''} - 4y^{'} + y = 0[/tex]

[tex]e^{x/2}, xe^{x/2}[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]Wr(y_1,...,y_n)=det\left(\begin{array}{ccc}y_1&\cdots&y_n\\y_1\prime&\cdots&y_n\prime\\\vdots&\vdots &\vdots\\y_1^{(n-1)}&\cdots&y_n^{(n-1)}\end{array}\right)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]e^{x/2}, xe^{x/2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{e^{x/2}}{2}, \frac{xe^{x/2}}{2} + e^{x/2}[/tex]

[tex]Wr(e^{x/2}, xe^{x/2})= det\left(\begin{array}{ccc}e^{x/2}&xe^{x/2}\\\frac{e^{x/2}}{2}&\frac{xe^{x/2}}{2} + e^{x/2}\\\end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex](e^{x/2})(\frac{xe^{x/2}}{2} + e^{x/2}) - (xe^{x/2})(\frac{e^{x/2}}{2})[/tex]

[tex]\frac{xe^{x/2}}{2} + e^{x} - \frac{xe^{x/2}}{2} = e^{x} \neq 0[/tex]

Therefore the functions are linearly independent and form a solution.[tex]y = c_{1}e^{x/2} + c_{2}xe^{x/2}[/tex]
 
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I don't see a question. Your work looks correct as far as it goes. But have you shown that your two functions are actually solutions?
 

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