Endpoint problems & eigenvalues

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a boundary value problem involving a second-order differential equation, specifically y'' + (lambda)y = 0, with given boundary conditions y'(0) = 0 and y(1) = 0. The problem is situated within the context of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, with participants exploring the implications of these conditions on the solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the problem, including the form of the solution and the implications of the boundary conditions. There is uncertainty about how to proceed after applying the initial conditions, particularly regarding the interpretation of the results and the next steps in finding eigenvalues.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their approaches and questioning the correctness of their methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of boundary conditions, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or the overall strategy for solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion about the relationship between the boundary conditions and the eigenvalues, as well as the expectations for the solutions based on the problem statement. There is mention of a solution manual, but discrepancies between the manual and participants' approaches are noted.

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Homework Statement


y'' + (lambda)y = 0, y'(0) = 0, y(1) = 0
We are told that all eigenvalues are nonnegative.

Even with looking at the solution manual, I am unsure how to start setting these up. I've been starting by doing the following:
y(x) = A cos cx + B sin dx
y'(x) = -Ac sin(cx) + Bd cos(dx)
Subbing in the initial values:
y'(0)=0: 0 = B
This leaves y(x) = A cos (cx)
But this is also where I'm breaking down. I understand from y(1) = 0 that I am looking for a value of c such that the result is 0?

I mean, what should I be looking for on setting these up? That problem seems relatively straight forward but the next one I tried, y''+(lambda)y = 0, y(-pi) = 0, y(pi) = 0, has me baffled. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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[tex]m^2+\lambda=0\Rightarrow m^2=-\lambda\Rightarrow m=\pm i\sqrt{\lambda}[/tex]

[tex]y=C_1\cos(x\sqrt{\lambda})+C_2\sin(x\sqrt{\lambda})[/tex]

We obtain the basics solutions from this:
[tex]y_1(0)=1, \ y_1'(0)=0, \ y_2(0)=0, \ y_2'(0)=1[/tex]

[tex]y_1(0): \ C_1=1, \ y_1'(0): \ C_2=0, \ y_2(0): \ C_1=0, \ C_2=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\lambda}}[/tex]

[tex]y=y_1+y_2=A\cos(x\sqrt{\lambda})+\frac{B\sin(x\sqrt{\lambda})}{\sqrt{\lambda}}[/tex]

Can you take it from here?
 
Last edited:
To be honest, that doesn't look like anything I saw in the solution manual or notes. I guess what I am trying to understand is what the end game is on this. What am I looking for?
 
From where I left off, we now apply the conditions to determine the eigenfunction.

[tex]y=A\cos(x\sqrt{\lambda})+\frac{B\sin(x\sqrt{\lambda})}{\sqrt{\lambda}}[/tex]

[tex]y'=B\cos(x\sqrt{x})-A\sqrt{\lambda}\sin(x\sqrt{\lambda})[/tex]

[tex]y'(0): \ B=0[/tex]

[tex]y(1): \ A\cos(\sqrt{\lambda})=0[/tex]

Now, solve

[tex]\cos(\sqrt{\lambda_n})=0[/tex]
 

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