General solution of ode using fourier transform

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution for the ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by 2u'' - xu' + u = g(x). Participants are exploring the application of Fourier transforms to solve the equation and are attempting to clarify the role of the function g(x) within the context of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are rearranging the ODE and applying the Fourier transform, questioning the treatment of the term xu' and the definition of g(x). There are discussions about the properties of Fourier transforms and how they relate to the terms in the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various approaches and questioning assumptions about the terms in the equation. Some guidance has been provided regarding the Fourier transform properties, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of g(x).

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definition of g(x) and its implications for the solution. Participants are also grappling with the correct application of Fourier transform properties, particularly in relation to the term xu'.

naspek
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ok well I'm pretty much home and dry in this problem

the aim of this problem is to get the general solution for the ode below..

2u'' - xu' + u = 0 = g(x)
i started to solve it by rearranging the equation..

2u'' + u = xu'

apply Fourier transform..
2F(u'') + u^ = g^

(-2k^2)u^ + u^ = g^

u^ [1- 2(k^2)] = g^
u^ = {1/ [1- 2(k^2)]}g^

the problem is, i can't find any of the them in the transform table..
 
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naspek said:
ok well I'm pretty much home and dry in this problem

the aim of this problem is to get the general solution for the ode below..

2u'' - xu' + u = 0 = g(x)
So g(x)=0?
i started to solve it by rearranging the equation..

2u'' + u = xu'

apply Fourier transform..
2F(u'') + u^ = g^
Where did the xu' term go, and where did g come from?
(-2k^2)u^ + u^ = g^

u^ [1- 2(k^2)] = g^
u^ = {1/ [1- 2(k^2)]}g^

the problem is, i can't find any of the them in the transform table..
 
rearranging my equations...

2u'' + u = xu' = g(x)
where xu' = g(x)

F{ 2u'' + u = g(x) }
-2k^2(u^) + (u^) = (g^)
(1 - k^2 )(u^) = (g^)
u^ = [1 / (1 - k^2 )] (g^)

correct?
 
Sort of, but it's not what you want to do. What exactly is g(x) supposed to be? According to your first equation (in your original post), g(x)=0. Or is it supposed to be the source term/forcing function, i.e. the term that results in the particular solution?

Try looking up a property of the Fourier transform relating [itex]xf(x)[/itex] to [tex]\frac{d}{dk}\hat{f}(k)[/tex].
 
xu' --->> [- (1/ i2pi)][d/dx]u

correct?
should i substitute it to my previous equation?
 
Last edited:
Try it out.
 
vela said:
Try it out.

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
F(-xu') = -[(-1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])
F(-xu') = [(1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
[1 -2k^2 + (1 / i2pi)(d/dx)]u^ = 0

correct?
 
naspek said:
F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
F(-xu') = -[(-1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])
F(-xu') = [(1 / i2pi)(d/dx)u^])

F(u'' -xu' + u = 0)
[1 -2k^2 + (1 / i2pi)(d/dx)]u^ = 0

correct?
No, you seem to be missing a factor of k. First, take care of the effect of the x:

[tex]F[xu']=\frac{1}{-i}\frac{d}{dk}F[u'][/tex]

And then take the Fourier transform of u':

[tex]F[xu']=\frac{1}{-i}\frac{d}{dk}(-ikF<u>)=\frac{d}{dk}[k\hat{u}(k)]</u>[/tex]

(If you're using x and k, I think there are no factors of 2π.)
 

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