PDE's Find the values of lambda (eigenvalues)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the eigenvalues (λ) for a given second-order differential equation with boundary conditions. The equation is y'' - 2y' + λy = 0, defined on the interval 0 < x < π, with conditions y(0) = 0 and y(π) = 0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of finding eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions, with some attempting to manipulate the equation and check assumptions about the values of λ. There are mentions of completing the square and evaluating cases based on the sign of λ.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the conditions under which nontrivial solutions exist. Some participants have provided insights on the implications of different values of λ, while others are clarifying their assumptions and checking their work. No explicit consensus has been reached, but there are indications of productive dialogue regarding the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering various cases for λ, specifically λ > 1, λ < 1, and λ = 1, while also addressing potential misunderstandings about the nature of the solutions based on the sign of λ.

whynot314
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the problem stays to find the values of Lambda for which the given problem has nontrivial solutions.
Also to determine the corresponding nontrivial eigenfunctions.
y''-2y'+[itex]\lambda[/itex]y=0

0<x<[itex]\pi[/itex], y(0)=0, y([itex]\pi[/itex])=0

[itex]r^{2}[/itex]-2r=-[itex]\lambda[/itex]
r=1±i[itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]
y=[itex]e^{x}[/itex]([itex]c_{1}[/itex]cos([itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]x)+[itex]c_{2}[/itex]sin([itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]x)

for lambda i got [itex]\lambda_{n}[/itex]=[itex]n^{2}[/itex]-1

and for the function i got
[itex]y_{n}[/itex]=[itex]c_{n}[/itex][itex]e^{\pi}[/itex]sin(nx)
is this anywhere close to being right?
 
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whynot314 said:
the problem stays to find the values of Lambda for which the given problem has nontrivial solutions.
Also to determine the corresponding nontrivial eigenfunctions.
y''-2y'+[itex]\lambda[/itex]y=0

0<x<[itex]\pi[/itex], y(0)=0, y([itex]\pi[/itex])=0

[itex]r^{2}[/itex]-2r=[itex]\color {red}{-\lambda}[/itex]
r=1±i[itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]

Put the ##\lambda## back on the other side and check that quadratic formula again.

y=[itex]e^{x}[/itex]([itex]c_{1}[/itex]cos([itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]x)+[itex]c_{2}[/itex]sin([itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]x)

for lambda i got [itex]\lambda_{n}[/itex]=[itex]n^{2}[/itex]-1

and for the function i got
[itex]y_{n}[/itex]=[itex]c_{n}[/itex][itex]e^{\pi}[/itex]sin(nx)
is this anywhere close to being right?

Yes, it's close. Once you fix that ##\lambda## thing I think you will find a ##\lambda -1## under the radical. You have assumed the quantity under the radical is less than zero. To be complete you need to eliminate the cases where it is greater than or equal to zero.
 
well what i did was put the lambda on the right side and then completed the square. and I am evaluating the case when λ>0, this is why I have i[itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]
 
Ahh ok I think you assumed i was doing it for λ<0
 
whynot314 said:
well what i did was put the lambda on the right side and then completed the square. and I am evaluating the case when λ>0, this is why I have i[itex]\sqrt{\lambda+1}[/itex]

Like I said, check it. It should be ##\sqrt{1-\lambda}##

whynot314 said:
Ahh ok I think you assumed i was doing it for λ<0

That isn't what I assumed or what you should do. The relevant cases are ##\lambda>1,\ \lambda < 1,\ \lambda = 1##.
 
ahh ok got a bit confused there
 
Thank you
 

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