MHB Maximum value a function satisfying a differential equation can achieve.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the maximum value of a twice-differentiable function \( f:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R} \) that satisfies the differential equation \( f(x) + f''(x) = -x|\sin(x)|f'(x) \) for \( x \geq 0 \). Given the initial conditions \( f(0) = -3 \) and \( f'(0) = 4 \), participants explore the potential maximum values, concluding that the maximum value is likely \( 3 \). The use of Octave for numerical analysis suggests that the maximum does exist, despite initial uncertainty regarding the options provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with numerical methods for solving differential equations, such as those implemented in Octave.
  • Knowledge of the properties of sine functions and their absolute values.
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and their interpretations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implementation of numerical solvers in Octave, particularly the lsode function.
  • Study the theory behind second-order differential equations and their solutions.
  • Investigate the behavior of functions involving absolute values and trigonometric components.
  • Learn about stability analysis in differential equations to understand the existence of maximum values.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying differential equations, and anyone interested in numerical analysis of functions defined by complex differential relationships.

caffeinemachine
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Let $f:\mathbb R\to \mathbb R$ be a twice-differentiable function such that $f(x)+f^{\prime\prime}(x)=-x|\sin(x)|f'(x)$ for $x\geq 0$. Assume that $f(0)=-3$ and $f'(0)=4$. Then what is the maximum value that $f$ achieves on the positive real line?

a) 4
b) 3
c) 5
d) Maximum value does not exist.

I am quite lost on this one. After some thought I am convinced that the maximum value should exist, though I do not have a good argument to support this claim.
 
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When I throw it at Octave online, I get:

View attachment 9668

So it seems it is none of the above, but the answer $3$ is close.

For reference, I have re-encoded the differential equation a bit to solve it with Octave's [M]lsode[/M].

Let $y=f(x)$, $u=y'$, and $Y=(u,y)$ then:

$f(x)+f''(x)=-x|\sin x|f'(x) \\
y + u' = -x|\sin x|u \\
\begin{cases}u'=-y-x|\sin x|u\\ y'=u\end{cases}\\
(u', y') = (-y-x|\sin x|u,\, u) =: g(u,y;x)\\
Y' = g(Y;x)
$
 

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