Does the Existence Theorem Contradict the Initial Value Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the initial value problem defined by the equation x(dy/dx)=4y with the initial condition y(0)=1. Participants are exploring whether the lack of a solution contradicts the existence theorem related to differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the validity of the original poster's general solution and discussing the implications of the existence theorem. There are attempts to derive the solution through separation of variables and integration, while questioning the continuity and boundedness of the function involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the relationship between the initial value problem and the existence theorem. Some participants agree on the absence of a solution for the initial condition, while others are questioning the assumptions and interpretations of the theorem itself. The discussion is active, with various viewpoints being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are noting potential misunderstandings regarding the existence theorem and its application to the problem. There is a recognition of the need for clarity on the definitions and conditions under which the theorem applies.

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Homework Statement



show the initial value problem x(dy/dx)=4y, y(0)=1 has no solution. does this contradict the existence theorem. please explain

The Attempt at a Solution



it is easy to find out a general solution is y=C*e^(4x), C is a constant. and for any x the right part of the equation will always be
~~~~I'm sorry, I made a mistake here, the general solution should be y=C*x^4

bigger than zero, so there is no solution for y(0)=-1, the question is how to explain it?

the existence theorem I learned from class is the following:
For F(t,y,y')=0, I.C. y(x0)=y0 ...(EQ1)
Let R be the region a<x<b, c<y<d. Such that (x0,y0) belongs to R. If f(x,y) is continuous and bounded on R, then EQ1 has a solution. The validity of the solution is in R.

thanks~
 
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[tex]\int \frac{1}{y} dy=\int \frac{4}{x}dx[/tex]

Your general solution is incorrect. The differential eq'n can be separated as shown above. Integrate again and simplify. Then put in the initial values and see if a solution exists.
 
I agree the poster's solution is faulty...The final result should be y=B(x^4),but that also shows there is no solution fo y(0)=1!Because with 1=B*0 you can't find the solution for constant B...THERE IS NO SOLUTION AS SHOWN ABOVE,mathematically the language is understood,this part am sure of!...Now about the EXISTENCE THEOREM[this part am not so sure,its logical and could be anything,I just read it anyways]...there is no clear statement associated with the question,I don't see an EXISTENTIAL QUANTIFIER to count for anything...ALTHOUGH,abstractly I would consider that the statement "show that there is no solution for y(0)=1" is equivalent to an existential quantifier of statement "for a value x=0 there is no value y=1" which DOES NOT really contradict the existence theorem...I still have doubts and this is not something to completely count on though I hope it has been helpful!
 
you are right, i made a mistake. I changed the answer.

after put the initial conditions, there is still no solutions.

thanks
 
thanks for your reply!

I posted the existence theorem I learned from class.

In my opinion, the function we get y=Ax^4 is continuous, however, by using the existence theorem we could not find a solution. that is the contradict point.

maybe the existence theorem is just sufficient. maybe that is why?
 
You quoted the existence theorem before as saying "If f(x,y) is continuous and bounded on R, then dy/dx= f(x,y) has a solution."

What is f(x,y) for this problem?
 

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