Help Solving the following Differential equation

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The discussion centers around solving the differential equation (x-1)y'' - xy' + y = 0 with the given solution y1 = e^x. The original poster attempted to manipulate the equation but encountered issues with the placement of parentheses, leading to incorrect formulations. Participants emphasized the importance of proper notation and suggested using reduction of order to find a second solution. They acknowledged the poster's effort and provided constructive feedback to improve clarity in future posts. Overall, the thread highlights the collaborative nature of problem-solving in mathematics forums.
Jose Z
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Homework Statement


Solve (x-1)y''-xy'+y=0 , given x>1 and y1=ex

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried solving it by multiplying everythin for (1/x-1), so my equation looks like:
y''-(x/x-1)y'+y=0 (because x-1 is unequal to 0) (1)
so now the equation has the form of:
y''+p(x)y'+y=0, with p(x)=(-x/x-1).
Then, given the fact that y1 is a solution, then another solution has the form Y(x)=v(x)y1
Then: Y'(x)=v'(x)y1+v(x)y1'
Y''(X)=v''(x)y1+v'(x)y1+v'(x)y1+v(x)y1'
Now, after replacing the y factors in (1) with Y and its derivatives, I get:
v''(x)y1+(2y1+p(x)y1=0,
Which can me solved as a first order differential equation by doing v''(x)=z'(x) and v'(x)=z(x).
Then, let μ(x)=e∫p(x)dx=e∫(-x/x-1)dx=e-x-ln(x-1)=e-x(1/x-1)
Then, z(x)=(∫μ(x)g(x)dx+c1)/μ(x)=c1/(e-x/(x-1))=c1(ex(x-1))

Now, because z(x)=v'(x)→∫z(x)dx=v(x)
Then I have v(x)=c1∫(ex(x-1)dx=c1((x-2)ex+c2)
But, whenever I do Y(x)=v(x)y1, and replace it in (1), it doesn't satisfy the equation-

Can somebody help?
 
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In the first line I believe that you should have y''-(x/x-1)y'+y(1/(x-1))=0
 
Welcome to PF;
Is y1 a solution?

When you are given a solution, always try reduction of order.
Try y(x)=v(x)e^x and solve for v.
 
Jose Z said:

Homework Statement


Solve (x-1)y''-xy'+y=0 , given x>1 and y1=ex

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried solving it by multiplying everythin for (1/x-1), so my equation looks like:
y''-(x/x-1)y'+y=0 (because x-1 is unequal to 0) (1)
so now the equation has the form of:
y''+p(x)y'+y=0, with p(x)=(-x/x-1).
Then, given the fact that y1 is a solution, then another solution has the form Y(x)=v(x)y1
Then: Y'(x)=v'(x)y1+v(x)y1'
Y''(X)=v''(x)y1+v'(x)y1+v'(x)y1+v(x)y1'
Now, after replacing the y factors in (1) with Y and its derivatives, I get:
v''(x)y1+(2y1+p(x)y1=0,
Which can me solved as a first order differential equation by doing v''(x)=z'(x) and v'(x)=z(x).
Then, let μ(x)=e∫p(x)dx=e∫(-x/x-1)dx=e-x-ln(x-1)=e-x(1/x-1)
Then, z(x)=(∫μ(x)g(x)dx+c1)/μ(x)=c1/(e-x/(x-1))=c1(ex(x-1))

Now, because z(x)=v'(x)→∫z(x)dx=v(x)
Then I have v(x)=c1∫(ex(x-1)dx=c1((x-2)ex+c2)
But, whenever I do Y(x)=v(x)y1, and replace it in (1), it doesn't satisfy the equation-

Can somebody help?

Please learn to use parentheses properly, so that you write ##\frac{1}{x-1}## instead of ##\frac{1}{x}-1##, as you have done throughout (thus making everything you write incorrect). It's easy: just write 1/(x-1) instead of 1/x-1.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Please learn to use parentheses properly, so that you write ##\frac{1}{x-1}## instead of ##\frac{1}{x}-1##, as you have done throughout (thus making everything you write incorrect). It's easy: just write 1/(x-1) instead of 1/x-1.

Jose Z said:
I've tried solving it by multiplying everythin for (1/x-1), so my equation looks like:
@Jose Z, you have parentheses in what you wrote -- (1/x-1) -- the problem is that they are in the wrong place. They should be around the terms in the denominator, the way that Ray wrote the fraction, not around the entire fraction.
 
@Jose Z : How did you get on?

I feel we have been dumping on you somewhat ... I thought the use of parentheses in post #1 was clear from context and the proper use is only a recommended tweak for future consideration (It won't always be clear). As first posts go, yours was high quality: you have sincerely attempted the problem, as well as shown how you got stuck, so it is easy to decide what we need to tell you so you get the most out of these forums.

Well done and keep it up. :)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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