Existence and Uniqueness Theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of the Existence and Uniqueness Theorem in the context of initial value problems (IVPs) for ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Specifically, it addresses the scenario where the ODE, represented as y' = F(x,y), is undefined at a point x=c but defined elsewhere. Participants clarify that while theorems guarantee unique solutions under certain conditions, they do not address cases where those conditions fail. The central question is whether a function P(x) that satisfies the ODE everywhere except at the undefined point can still be considered a solution to the IVP.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with Initial Value Problems (IVPs)
  • Knowledge of the Existence and Uniqueness Theorem
  • Concept of continuity and differentiability in mathematical functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Existence and Uniqueness Theorem in detail
  • Explore examples of ODEs with discontinuities and their solutions
  • Investigate the concept of weak solutions for ODEs
  • Learn about the role of continuity in the existence of solutions to IVPs
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Mathematicians, students studying differential equations, educators teaching ODE concepts, and researchers exploring the theoretical aspects of IVPs.

Bipolarity
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Suppose you have an ODE [itex]y' = F(x,y)[/itex] that is undefined at x=c but defined and continuous everywhere else. Now suppose you have an IVP at the point (c,y(c)). Then is it impossible for there to be a solution to this IVP on any interval containing c, given that the derivative of the function, i.e. y', does not even exist at that point?

So say you found a solution P(x) which does go through (c,y(c)) and satisfies the ODE [itex]y' = F(x,y)[/itex] everywhere where F(x,y) exists. Would P(x) be considered a solution of the IVP?

This is a rather technical issue. I would appreciate if anyone addressed it.
Thanks!

BiP
 
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The "existence and uniqueness" theorems are all of the form "if **** is true, then there exists a unique solution". They do not say anything about what happens if **** is not true.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The "existence and uniqueness" theorems are all of the form "if **** is true, then there exists a unique solution". They do not say anything about what happens if **** is not true.

I see. I guess my question is not so much about the E-U theorem, but really about what it means to "solve an IVP". To solve an IVP, certainly the function must pass through the initial condition. It must also certainly solve the ODE at points where both sides of the ODE are defined (i.e. exist). What about at points in the ODE for which y' = F(x,y) is not defined?

So if you have y' = F(x,y), with some initial condition and you claim that P(x) is a solution to the IVP, then first P(x) should certainly pass through the initial condition. But suppose that y'=F(x,y) is undefined at the initial condition. If P(x) satisfies the ODE everywhere, except at the initial condition where the ODE is not even defined, then can P(x) be considered a solution to the IVP?

BiP
 

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