How to Prove the Equation for x=exp(t)?

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The discussion focuses on proving the equation x=exp(t) through the relationship between derivatives with respect to x and t. Participants explore how to express derivatives in terms of each other, emphasizing that x and t are not independent variables. The key transformation involves using the operator relationships to show that x^2(d^2/dx^2) equals (d/dt)(d/dt-1). There is a realization that interchanging the order of derivatives requires careful consideration of the dependency between x and t. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these relationships to solve the differential equation correctly.
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Homework Statement



x=exp(t)

Homework Equations



Prove that x^2\frac{d^2}{dx^2}=(\frac{d}{dt})(\frac{d}{dt}-1)

The Attempt at a Solution



Let a tested function y
 

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\frac{d}{dt} makes no sense...
 
why you say it doesn't make sense. Actually,

it's the method to solve the linear different equation of the form

b_0x^nD^n+b_1x^n^-1D^n^-^1+... +b_n)y=R(x)

it can be solved by letting x=exp(t)

with xD=D_t

x^2D^2=D_t(D_t-1)

but I don't know how to get it.
 
Derivative of WHAT with respect to t?
 
It's an operator w.r.t x and we can find another equivalent operator that is w.r.t t
 
Well, Let G(x) be a function, F(t) another function, so that G(x=exp(t))=F(t).

Then we have:
\frac{dF}{dt}=\frac{dG}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=\frac{dG}{dx}x
\frac{d^{2}F}{dt^{2}}=\frac{d^{2}G}{dx^{2}}(\frac{dx}{dt})^{2}+\frac{dG}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=\frac{d^{2}G}{dx^{2}}x^{2}+\frac{dG}{dx}x=x^{2}\frac{d^{2}G}{dx^{2}}+\frac{dF}{dt}
Rearranging, we get:
x^{2}\frac{d^{2}}{dx^{2}}(G)=\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{dF}{dt}-F)=\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{d}{dt}-1)(F)
whereby the operator equality is shown by remembering G(x=exp(t))=F(t).
 
Last edited:
Let us introduce an arbitrary trial function f(x), which can be also written as f(e^t). Then

\frac{dx}{dt} = x

\frac{d}{dt} f(x) = \frac{df}{dx} \frac{dx}{dt} = x \frac{df}{dx}

\frac{d^2}{dt^2} f(x) = \frac{d}{dt} (\frac{df}{dx} x) = \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} \frac{dx}{dt} x + \frac{df}{dx} \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} x^2 + \frac{df}{dx} x

x^2 \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} = \frac{d^2f}{dt^2} - x\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{d^2f}{dt^2} - \frac{df}{dt}

x^2 \frac{d^2}{dx^2} = \frac{d}{dt} ( \frac{d}{dt} - 1)


Eugene.

EDIT: OOps! arildno was 5 min. faster than me.
 
Last edited:
cks said:
It's an operator w.r.t x and we can find another equivalent operator that is w.r.t t

O damn I suck :( Idiocy conceded =]
 
I'll read your all answers later, but somehow I still couldn't detect my mistakes.
 
  • #10
x and t aren't independent. You can't just interchange the order of derivatives!

Try computing
\frac{d}{dx} \frac{d}{dt} x
and
\frac{d}{dt} \frac{d}{dx} x
for a concrete example!
 
  • #11
Remember, cks, that x and t are related by an EQUATION; they are not independent variables.
 
  • #12
ooo, I see. Thank you very much.
 
  • #13
x^2 \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} = \frac{d^2f}{dt^2} - x\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{d^2f}{dt^2} - \frac{df}{dt}

This has been learning ...

But i don't get this part ...

- x\frac{df}{dx} = - \frac{df}{dt}

Kindly Pellefant ...
 
  • #14
\frac{d}{dt}=\frac{d}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}=x\frac{d}{dx} from the given relationship between x and t.
 
  • #15
Thank you cristo :)

Kindly Pellefant!
 
  • #16
You're welcome!
 
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