Help with nonhomogeneous linear equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a boundary-value problem involving a nonhomogeneous linear differential equation. The specific problem is to analyze the equation y'' + vy = 0 with boundary conditions y(0) = 0 and y(L) = 0, particularly focusing on the cases where v is zero, negative, and positive.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve part (b) of the problem, which involves finding nontrivial solutions for v > 0. They express confusion over arriving at the trivial solution y = 0 again and question their reasoning.

Discussion Status

Some participants have noted the relationship between the boundary conditions and the general solution form. There is an indication that further exploration of the implications of the boundary conditions on the constants in the solution is needed, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster seems to be struggling with the implications of the boundary conditions on the solutions, particularly for the case when v > 0. There is a suggestion that the conditions may lead to specific constraints on the values of v, but this remains unverified in the discussion.

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#33
Let L be a nonzero real #
(a) Show that the boundary-value problem y''+vy=0, y(0)=0, y(L)=0, has only the trivial solution y=0 for the cases v=0 and v<0.

I get (a), but I don't know how to do (b)

(b) For the cases v>0, find the values of v for which this problem has a nontrivial solution and give the corresponding solution.

Basically, I get the y=0 for (b) again. And this is wrong, but I don't know what is wrong.
r^2+v=0
r=+-sqrt(v)i because v>0.
Then y=c1 cos sqrt(v)x+c2 sin sqrt(v)x
From y(0)=0 & y(L)=0, I get the same answer as (a)...
 
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You have:
[tex]y(x)=c_1 \cos (\sqrt{v}x) + c_2 \sin (\sqrt{v}x)[/tex]
and
[tex]y(0)=0[/tex]

Which very conveniently leads to something.

From there, you can use
[tex]y(L)=0[/tex]
to figure out something about [itex]\sqrt{v}[/itex]
 
I got c1=0, and c2=0
But they're not right..
 
...
 

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