Eigenfunction: Find Eigenvalue & Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the eigenvalue and eigenfunction related to an integral equation involving cosine functions and an unknown function y(t). Participants explore the formulation of the equation and its implications for solving for y(t) within the context of eigenvalue problems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral equation involving cosines and an unknown function y(t), seeking to find the eigenvalue k and the corresponding eigenfunction.
  • Several participants express confusion over the formulation of the equation, noting that it compares a numerical result from an integral to a function, which raises questions about its correctness.
  • Another participant clarifies the equation based on an attachment, suggesting it can be rewritten in terms of integrals that yield numerical values dependent on y(x).
  • Participants propose that the equation can be simplified to a form that allows for solving y(t) by determining specific integrals, Y_1 and Y_2, which represent numerical constants.
  • There is a discussion about the conditions under which non-trivial solutions exist for the eigenvalue problem, specifically relating to the determinant of a coefficient matrix derived from the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the original formulation of the equation is problematic, but there is no consensus on the correct interpretation or solution method. Multiple competing views on how to approach the problem remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original equation's formulation may depend on the correct interpretation of variables and integrals, which has not been fully resolved. The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of eigenvalue problems and the conditions for non-trivial solutions.

samleemc
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[urgent] Eigenfunction again!

Find the eigenvalue and eigenfunction of the following
[tex]\int[/tex]cos(2X)+cox(2t)y(t) dt = ky , k=eigenvalue , intergrate from 0 to Pi


thx, urgent

this is the original question
a.jpg
 
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Your equation makes no sense[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} cos(2t)y(t)dt[/tex]

Is a number, yet you compare it to a function ( y(t)).

Also

[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} cos(2x)y(t)dt[/tex]

is an expression of x, and again you compare it to an expression of t ( ky(t))

Are you sure you wrote it correctly?
 


elibj123 said:
Your equation makes no sense


[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} cos(2t)y(t)dt[/tex]

Is a number, yet you compare it to a function ( y(t)).

Also

[tex]\int_{0}^{\pi} cos(2x)y(t)dt[/tex]

is an expression of x, and again you compare it to an expression of t ( ky(t))

Are you sure you wrote it correctly?

I have uploaded the original version of question, please check!
 


Can anyone please help !?
 


What is found in your attachment is
[tex]\int_0^\pi (cos(2x)+ cos(2t))y(t)dt= ky(x)[/tex]
not quite what you originally wrote.

We can write that as
[tex]cos(2x)\int_0^\pi y(t)dt+ \int_0^\pi cos(2t)y(t)dt= ky(x)[/tex]

As elibj123 pointed out, both of those integrals are NUMBERS that, of course, depend on y(x).

Let [tex]Y_1= \int_0^\pi y(t)dt[/tex]
and [tex]Y_2= \int_0^\pi cos(2t)y(t)[/tex].

Now the equation reads simply [itex]ky(t)= Y_1 cos(2x)+ Y_2[/itex] and we can solve for y(t) just by finding the two numbers [itex]Y_1[/itex] and [itex]Y_2[/itex].

Multiply both sides of [itex]ky(x)= Y_1 cos(2x)+ Y_2[/itex] by cos(2x) and integrate from 0 to [itex]\pi[/itex]:
[tex]k\int_0^\pi cos(2x)y(x)dx= Y_1 \int_0^\pi cos^2(2x) dx+ Y_2\int_0^\pi cos(2x)dx[/tex]

Of course, [itex]\int_0^\pi cos(2x)y(x)dx[/itex] is the same as [itex]\int_0^\pi cos(2t)y(t)dt[/itex] which we have called [itex]Y_2[/itex]. The other two integrals do not involve y(x) and so can be integrated. Rather than do them for you I am going to write [itex]\int_0^\pi cos^2(2x)dx= A[/itex] and [itex]\int_0^\pi cos(2x)= B[/itex] (although that second one ought to be obvious!).

Now, our equation is [itex]kY_2= AY_1+ BY_2[/itex] or [itex]AY_1+ (B- k)Y_2= 0[/itex].

If we simply integrate [itex]ky(x)= Y_1 cos(2x)+ Y_2[/itex] itself from 0 to [itex]\pi[/itex] we get
[tex]k\int_0^\pi y(x)dx= Y_1 \int_0^\pi cos(2x)dx+ Y_2\int_0^\pi dx= BY_1+ \pi Y_2[/tex]
That is the same as [itex]kY_1= BY_1+ \pi Y_2[/itex] or [itex](B-k)Y_1+ \pi Y_2[/itex].

That is, we can solve for y(x) by solving the pair of numerical equations
[itex](B- k)Y_1+ \pi Y_2= 0[/itex] and [itex]AY_1+ (B- k)Y_2= 0[/itex]
where A and B are given by the integrals above.

Of course, like any eigenvalue equation, those are satified by the "trivial" solution [itex]Y_1= Y_2= 0[/itex]. Eigenvalues are values of k for which there exist non-trivial solutions. Non-trivial solutions for homogeneous systems of equations occur when the determinant of the coefficient matrix, here [itex](B- k)^2- A\pi[/itex], is 0.
 
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