Non-linear second-order ODE to Fuchsian equation

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The discussion focuses on solving a non-linear second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) by first linearizing it using the substitution z = √y. The transformation t = 1/w is applied to regularize singularities, leading to a simpler form of the equation. The resulting equation is analyzed, and an attempt is made to find a general solution, which initially yields only the trivial solution. Participants suggest that the solution may require a more general approach, such as allowing the constant k to be a function of t or w, indicating that the solution may not be complete. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying transformations and considering the generality of solutions in differential equations.
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Homework Statement



z\frac{d^2z}{dw^2}+\left(\frac{dz}{dw}\right)^2+\frac{\left(2w^2-1\right)}{w^3}z\frac{dz}{dw}+\frac{z^2}{2w^4}=0

(a) Use z=\sqrt y to linearize the equation.
(b) Use t=\frac{1}{w} to make singularities regular.
(c) Solve the equation.
(d) Is the last equation obtained a Fuchsian equation?
(e) Discuss what you learn about z(w) with this strategy.

Homework Equations



Source equation:
z\frac{d^2z}{dw^2}+\left(\frac{dz}{dw}\right)^2+\frac{\left(2w^2-1\right)}{w^3}z\frac{dz}{dw}+\frac{z^2}{2w^4}=0

Substitutions:
z=\sqrt y, t=\frac{1}{w}

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
First, I did z=\sqrt y, such that \frac{dz}{dw}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt y}\frac{dy}{dw}, and \frac{d^2z}{dw^2}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt y}\frac{d^2y}{dw^2}-\frac{1}{4y^{3/2}}\left(\frac{dy}{dw}\right)^2. When substituted in the equation above, I got

\frac{d^2y}{dw^2}+\frac{(2w^2-1)}{w^3}\frac{dy}{dw}+\frac{1}{w^4}y=0.

Then I tried t=\frac{1}{w}, such that \frac{dy}{dw}=-t^2\frac{dy}{dt}, and \frac{d^2y}{dw^2}=t^4\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}+2t^3\frac{dy}{dt}.

From here, I ended at

\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}+t\frac{dy}{dt}+y=0.

This doesn't look right. For it could be rewritten as \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dt}+ty\right)=0 \Rightarrow y(x)=ke^{(-x^2/2)}, and going back the substitutions I'd have z(w)=\sqrt{ke^{-(1/w)^2/2}}, which when substituted in the original equation yields only the trivial solution k=0.

Where did I go wrong?
I didn't type all my calculations to not clutter. Please ask if necessary.
 
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Your solution is not general it should have two constants.
It does work for all k check it again, or better yet check the general solution.
One possible method to add a constant is variation of a constant.
Allow k to be a function of t or w.
 
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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