Finding general solution to this pde

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to a partial differential equation (PDE) involving the function U(x,y,t). The original poster expresses uncertainty about the solution process and seeks assistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster mentions attempting to use characteristics to derive equations for x(t) and y(t). They question how to form a general solution from their findings. Another participant suggests considering a transformation to polar coordinates and a linear change of variables to simplify the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods and transformations to approach the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the next steps, but suggestions for alternative methods have been provided.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working within a PDE class context, which may impose specific constraints or expectations on the methods used for solving the equation.

climbon
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Hi, my equation is;

<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial t}U(x,y,t) = 2g \left( x \frac{\partial}{\partial y} - y \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \right) U(x,y,t)<br />

I want to find the general solution to this but I don't know how to find it?

Any help would be great...thanks :D
 
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What class is this for, a PDE class?

What have you tried already?
 
Yer its PDE class.

I've tried using Charactoristics, so,

<br /> \frac{\partial x(t)}{\partial s} = 2gy(t)<br />

and

<br /> \frac{\partial y(t)}{\partial s} = -2gx(t)<br />

With s=t. I am not sure what to do now with regards to forming a general solution, would it be something of the form,

<br /> U(x,y,t) = f (x_0 +2gy(t)t, y_0 -2gx(t)t, t)<br />

I'm not sure how to proceed.

Thanks.
 
Writing the original equation in polar coordinates should be illuminating. There's a further linear change of variables that will put the equation into a form where the general solution should be obvious.
 

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