MHB For those familiar with the WKB method

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The discussion focuses on the WKB approximation method and the treatment of the parameter x as lambda approaches infinity. A user seeks clarification on whether x should be considered of the same order as constants, specifically if x can be treated as O(1). The conversation highlights a specific example involving a differential equation where the user mistakenly included both t and t/x in the dominant balance, leading to an incorrect solution. The key takeaway is the importance of correctly identifying dominant terms in the approximation process, suggesting that only the most significant term should be retained. Understanding the balance of terms is crucial for accurate application of the WKB method.
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let x be the parameter in some interval and let lambda tend to infinity. Should I treat x as of the same order as constants, i.e x=O(1)?
 
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Poirot said:
let x be the parameter in some interval and let lambda tend to infinity. Should I treat x as of the same order as constants, i.e x=O(1)?

Hi Poirot, :)

I am sorry but I don't understand your question. Are you taking about the WKB approximation method? Can you please elaborate further?

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Last edited:
Sudharaka said:
Hi Poirot, :)

I am sorry but I don't understand your question. Are you taking about the WKB approximation method? Can you please elaborate further?

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

This is indeed what I am talking about Sudharaka. I have two questions for you- one which can be best illustrated by an example. For large t, find wkb approximation of

$y''-y(t^{2}x^{2}+tx^{-1})=0$ for x not zero

We do this by substituting y=exp(...) (I'm sure you're familiar with this) and finding dominant balances. In the second dominant balance equation, I had potential driving terms t and t/x, and I thought both should be retained in the dominant balance as they are both of O(t). But the answer was wrong and it was clear that I should only retain t.
Why?

My second (and original) question is if I have to choose between x and a constant between retained in the dominant balance, ought I to retain both? I.e. x=O(1)
 
There are probably loads of proofs of this online, but I do not want to cheat. Here is my attempt: Convexity says that $$f(\lambda a + (1-\lambda)b) \leq \lambda f(a) + (1-\lambda) f(b)$$ $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (f(a) - f(b))$$ We know from the intermediate value theorem that there exists a ##c \in (b,a)## such that $$\frac{f(a) - f(b)}{a-b} = f'(c).$$ Hence $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (a - b) f'(c))$$ $$\frac{f(b + \lambda(a-b)) - f(b)}{\lambda(a-b)}...

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