How do I patch together solutions for a discontinuous coefficient problem?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter cbarker1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Coefficients
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a discontinuous coefficients problem in a linear differential equation defined by the piecewise function P(x). The initial value problem is given as $\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = x$, with $P(x)$ defined as 1 for $0 \leq x \leq 2$ and 3 for $x > 2$. The solutions for the intervals are derived, with the general solution for $0 \leq x \leq 2$ being $y(x) = x - 1 + 2e^{-x}$ and for $x > 2$ as $y(x) = \frac{1}{9}(3x - 1) + Ce^{-3x}$. The challenge lies in ensuring continuity at $x = 2$ by matching the constants from both solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with piecewise functions
  • Knowledge of integrating factors in differential equations
  • Ability to perform integration by parts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors in differential equations
  • Learn about continuity conditions in piecewise functions
  • Explore the concept of matching boundary conditions in differential equations
  • Practice solving initial value problems with discontinuous coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as anyone involved in mathematical modeling that requires handling discontinuous coefficients.

cbarker1
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
345
Reaction score
23
Discontinuous Coefficients Problem

Hello,

I need some help for part d.

The book's problem stated, "Occasions arise when the coefficient P(x) in a linear equation fails to be continuous because of the jump discontinuous. Fortunately, we may still obtain a 'reasonable' solution. For example consider the initial value problem

$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$


a) Find the general solution for
0\le x\le2$
b) Choose the constant in the solution of part a so that the initial condition is satisfied.
c.) Find the general solution $x\gt2$
d.) Now choose the constant in the general solution from part c so that the solution from part b and solution from part c agree $x=2$. By patching the two solutions together, we can obtain a continuous function that satisfies the differential equation except at x=2, where its derivative is undefined.

Work for part a:
$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$

Since the interval is $0\le x \le 2$, I have to plugin in 1 for the P.

$\d{y}{x}+y=x$

Integrating Factor
$\mu(x)=e^{\int dx}=e^{x}$

$e^{x}\d{y}{x}+e^{x}y=xe^{x}$

$\left[e^{x}y\right]^{\prime}=xe^{x}$

$\int\left[e^{x}y\right]^{\prime}=\int xe^{x}dx$

Integrating by parts

$e^{x}y=e^{x}\left(x-1\right)+C$

$y=x-1+Ce^{-x}$

Work for part b.
$y(x)=x-1+Ce^{-x}$

$y(0)=1=-1+C$

$C=2$

$y(x)=x-1+2e^{-x}$

Work for part C.

$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$

Since the interval is $x \gt 2$, I have to plugin in 3 for the P.

$\d{y}{x}+3y=x$

Integrating Factor
$\mu(x)=e^{3\int dx}=e^{3x}$

$e^{3x}\d{y}{x}+3e^{3x}y=xe^{3x}$

$\left[e^{3x}y\right]^{\prime}=xe^{3x}$

$\int\left[e^{3x}y\right]^{\prime}=\int xe^{3x}dx$

Integrating by parts

$e^{3x}y=\frac{1}{9}e^{3x}\left(x-1\right)+C$

$y=\frac{1}{9}(3x-1)+Ce^{-3x}$

I am lost for part d. I do not know how to start with part d.

Thank you for your help.

Cbarker1
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Since part (d says that x=2, plug in the value of x in for the answer from part b and part c and equality them too?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K