Euler Equation -- diff. equations hw

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation of the form (t-2)²y'' - 2(t-2)y' + 2y = 0, specifically for t > 2. Participants are tasked with finding the r+ and r- roots of the indicial polynomial associated with this equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the confusion around setting up the indicial polynomial and the role of the variable t in the coefficients. Suggestions are made to try a solution of the form y = (t-2)ᵖ to explore the problem further. There is also a request for clarification on the reasoning behind this approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have found success with the suggested approach of substituting a specific form for the solution, while others seek further understanding of the method's origins. There is acknowledgment of the need for resources, as some participants lack access to a textbook.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they are not required to have a textbook for the class, which may limit their access to comprehensive explanations of the concepts being discussed.

Arij
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Consider the differential equation (t-2)2y"-2(t-2)y'+2y=0, t>2

Find r+,r-roots of the indicial polynomial of the equation above.

Homework Equations


[/B]
Screen_Shot_2016_07_30_at_2_16_21_PM.png


The Attempt at a Solution



y'-[2/(t-2)]y'+[2/(t-2)^2]y=0

but then I am confused on how to set p(r), what do I do with the t in my a1 and a0thanks in advance :)
 
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I think that if, instead of trying to plug in numbers in formulas, you try plugging in a solution of the form ##y=(t-2)^r## and see what happens you will answer your own question.
 
LCKurtz said:
I think that if, instead of trying to plug in numbers in formulas, you try plugging in a solution of the form ##y=(t-2)^r## and see what happens you will answer your own question.

oh wow, that's brilliant! it worked! but can you explain more on why you chose this approach?

thank you :smile:
 
Arij said:
oh wow, that's brilliant! it worked! but can you explain more on why you chose this approach?

thank you :smile:

If you look in your text where they derive the indicial equation, I bet you will find that a substitution like that is where the indicial equation comes from. This is an example where it is much better to understand the method than to memorize the resulting formula.
 
LCKurtz said:
If you look in your text where they derive the indicial equation, I bet you will find that a substitution like that is where the indicial equation comes from. This is an example where it is much better to understand the method than to memorize the resulting formula.

Ops my bad. it's just that we were not required to get a textbook for the class and I was only referring to my notes.
is there any book you recommend?
 
Arij said:
Ops my bad. it's just that we were not required to get a textbook for the class and I was only referring to my notes.
is there any book you recommend?

There are lots of online notes about it. One such is
http://math.arizona.edu/~rjenkins/files/422/hw6soln.pdf
 
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