Finding the G.S.(for equal roots) of the Euler-Cauchy diff. equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the Euler-Cauchy differential equation given by x²(d²y/dx²) + ax(dy/dx) + by = 0, specifically when there is one real double root of the auxiliary equation. It is established that the general solution (G.S.) can be expressed as y = c₁xⁿ₁ + c₂xⁿ₁ln(x), where n₁ = (1-a)/2. The condition for equal roots is derived as (a-1)² - 4b = 0, leading to the conclusion that the second solution can be represented as y = vxⁿ₁, where v is a function of x. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly substituting derivatives into the differential equation to achieve the desired form.

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Homework Statement



[tex]x^2\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+ax\frac{dy}{dx}+by=0[/tex]

show that if there is one real double root of the aux. eq'n show that the G.S. is given by

[tex]y=c_1x^{n_1}+c_2x^{n_1}ln(x)[/tex]

Homework Equations



Assume the trial solution [itex]y=x^n[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]y=x^n<br /> \frac{dy}{dx}=nx^{n-1}<br /> \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=n(n-1)x^{n-2}<br /> <br /> => n(n-1)x^n + anx^n +bx^n =n^2-(a-1)n+b=0 (Aux. Eq'n)[/tex]

for equal roots [tex](a-1)^2-4b=0[/tex]

therefore [tex]n=\frac{1-a}{2}[/tex]
hence one solution is [tex]y=x^\frac{1-a}{2}[/tex]

so the other solution is [tex]y=vx^\frac{1-a}{2}<br /> <br /> \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dv}[dx}x^\frac{1-a}+ \frac{1-a}{2}Vx^\frac{-a-1}{2}<br /> \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}x^\frac{-1-a}{2} + (1-a)\frac{dv}{dx}x^\frac{-1-a}{2} -\frac{1-a^2}{4}vx^\frac{-a-3}{2}[/tex]

sub. into the diff. eq'n...(this is where I think I am wrong)
(This is what I get)
[tex]\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}x^\frac{3-a}{2} + \frac{dv}{dx}x^\frac{3-a}{2} +\frac{vx^\frac{1-a}{2}((a-1)^2+4b)}{4}[/tex]

Now I was hoping to get [itex](a-1)^2-4b[/itex] in the last term there so that it would be zero but I apparently did something wrong..where did I go wrong?
 

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