Private solution to a polynomial differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a private solution to a polynomial differential equation of the form \( ay'' + by' + cy = f(x) \), specifically when \( f(x) = kx^3 \). Participants explore the implications of substituting this function into the equation and the resulting expressions for the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the polynomial equation and its proposed solution, noting that substituting \( f(x) = kx^3 \) leads to an expression that does not equal \( kx^3 \).
  • Another participant requests to see the working steps involved in the calculations.
  • A participant provides a general solution for the differential equation, indicating the form of the solution based on the nature of the roots of the characteristic equation.
  • There is a reiteration of the general solution, with a clarification on how to obtain a specific solution by setting certain parameters.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the relationship between the equations presented and the need for an equality to \( kx^3 \) in the context of the original equation.
  • Another participant provides detailed calculations for the derivatives and the resulting polynomial expression, questioning how a polynomial with multiple terms can equal one with a single highest power.
  • There is a suggestion to check the algebra and solve for the unknown coefficients in the polynomial equation.
  • A later reply confirms the need for an equality to \( kx^3 \) and presents a system of equations derived from matching coefficients.
  • One participant suggests testing specific values for the coefficients to simplify the analysis.
  • Participants express gratitude towards each other for contributions to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the correct approach to solving the polynomial differential equation and the implications of the substitutions made.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the algebraic manipulations and the conditions under which the proposed solutions hold. There are unresolved steps in the derivation of the coefficients and the relationship between the original differential equation and the specific case being examined.

Karol
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The polynomial equation and it's private solution:
$$(1)~~ay''+by'+cy=f(x)=kx^n,~~y=A_0x^n+A_1x^{n-1}+...+A$$
If i, for example, take ##f(x)=kx^3## i get, after substituting into (1), an expression like ##Ax^3+Bx^2+Cx+D## , but that doesn't equal ##kx^3##
 
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Please show your working.
 
The general solution of [tex] ay'' + by' + cy = ky[/tex] is [itex]Ae^{r_1x} + Be^{r_2x}[/itex] where [itex]r_1 \neq r_2[/itex] are the roots of [itex]ar^2 + br + (c - k) = 0[/itex]. If the roots are equal then the general solution is instead [itex]Ae^{r_1x} + Bxe^{r_1x}[/itex].

You can therefore obtain [itex]y(x) = x[/itex] as a solution by taking [itex]b = 0[/itex] and [itex]k = c[/itex].
 
pasmith said:
The general solution of [tex] ay'' + by' + cy = ky[/tex] is [itex]Ae^{r_1x} + Be^{r_2x}[/itex] where [itex]r_1 \neq r_2[/itex] are the roots of [itex]ar^2 + br + (c - k) = 0[/itex]. If the roots are equal then the general solution is instead [itex]Ae^{r_1x} + Bxe^{r_1x}[/itex].

You can therefore obtain [itex]y(x) = x[/itex] as a solution by taking [itex]b = 0[/itex] and [itex]k = c[/itex].
But that is that the DE under consideration in post #1?

Compare:
##ay'' + by' + cy = ky## with
##ay'' + by' + cy = kx^3## ...
 
Simon Bridge said:
Please show your working.
$$y=A_0x^3+A_1x^2+A_2x+A,~~y'=3A_0x^2+2A_1x+A_2,~~y''=6A_0x+2A_1$$
$$ay''+by'+cy=6aA_0x+2aA_1+3bA_0x_2+6bA_1x+bA_2+cA_1x^2+cA_2x+cA=(cA_0)x^3+(3bA_0+cA_1)x^2+(6aA_0+6bA_1+cA_2)x+(2aA_1+bA_2+cA)$$
Is there a phrase about a polynomial with many members to equal only one with the highest power?
 
OK ... is that as far as you got?
You need an ##=kx^3## in there someplace?
Check the algebra on the others too ... then solve for the unknown coefficients.
(Probably easier to write the coefficients as A,B,C,D like you did in post #1)
 
Simon Bridge said:
You need an =##kx^3## in there someplace?
$$(cA_0)x^3+(3bA_0+cA_1)x^2+(6aA_0+6bA_1+cA_2)x+(2aA_1+bA_2+cA)=kx^3$$
Simon Bridge said:
Check the algebra on the others too ... then solve for the unknown coefficients.
I
$$\left\{ \begin{array}{l} cA_0=k \\ 3bA_0+cA_1=0 \\ 6aA_0+6bA_1+cA_2=0 \\ 2aA_1+bA_2+cA=0 \end{array}\right.$$
$$\rightarrow~~A_0=\frac{k}{c},~~A_1=-\frac{3bk}{c^2},~~A_2=\left( \frac{3b_2c-a}{c^3} \right)6k,~~A=\frac{6abk}{c^3}-\left( \frac{3b_2c-a}{c^3} \right)6bk$$
Is that what you meant?
 
Last edited:
That's the idea... test for a=b=c=d=k=1 (say).
 
Thank you pasmith and Simon
 

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