Reduction of order (2nd order linear ODE homogeneous ODE)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the reduction of order for a second-order linear homogeneous ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by (1-x^2)y'' - 2xy' + 2y = 0, with the initial condition y(1) = 0. Participants are exploring methods to find a second solution based on a known solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a known solution to apply the reduction of order technique, with one suggesting y_1 = x. There are questions about the implications of the initial condition and the subsequent calculations involved in finding y_2.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging in the algebraic manipulation required to reduce the order of the ODE. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the steps involved and to verify the correctness of the derived equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the substitution of variables and the integration process, but no consensus has been reached on the final form of the equation or the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through algebraic expressions and substitutions, with some confusion regarding the terms involved in the differential equation. The initial condition y(1) = 0 is also a point of contention, as it influences the interpretation of the solutions being discussed.

kasse
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Reduce to the 2nd order and solve the eq.

(1-x^2)y'' - 2xy' + 2y = 0 (we know that y(1) = 0)



I don't know what to do here, except that I'm supposed to find y(2). I know the formulas

y(2) = y(1) Int(U) dx

where

U = (e^(-Int(p(x)dx)) / (y(1))^2

Can I use this?
 
Last edited:
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To reduce the order, I believe one soltion [tex]y_1[/tex] must be known and then the other solution is [tex]y_2 =vy_1[/tex] do you know the at least one solution?
 
rock.freak667 said:
To reduce the order, I believe one soltion [tex]y_1[/tex] must be known and then the other solution is [tex]y_2 =vy_1[/tex] do you know the at least one solution?

[tex]y_1[/tex] = x

That's what I meant by Y(1)=0. I don't know how to write these math typings.
 
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If y(1)=0 then y(2) = y(1) Int(U) dx then wouldn't y(2) also become 0?
 
Haha, my mistake. y(1)=x, not 0!
 
then it becomes simpler then [tex]y_1=x[/tex] then [tex]y_2=vx[/tex]
then y=vx => [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=x\frac{dv}{dx} + v[/tex]
and [tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=2\frac{dv}{dx} +x\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]
sub those into the equation and you'll get[tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-2x)\frac{dv}{dx}=0[/tex]

then let any variable you want be [tex]\frac{dv}{dx}[/tex]...say [tex]w=\frac{dv}{dx}[/tex] and then [tex]\frac{dw}{dx}=\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex] and then you solve from there

i.e [tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-2x)\frac{dv}{dx}=0[/tex] becomes

[tex](x-x^3)\frac{dw}{dx} + (2-2x)w=0[/tex]

and what you did there was reduce the 2nd order linear ODE homogeneous eq'n to a first order diff eq'n
 
rock.freak667 said:
then it becomes simpler then [tex]y_1=x[/tex] then [tex]y_2=vx[/tex]
then y=vx => [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=x\frac{dv}{dx} + v[/tex]
and [tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=2\frac{dv}{dx} +x\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]
sub those into the equation and you'll get[tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-2x)\frac{dv}{dx}=0[/tex]

then let any variable you want be [tex]\frac{dv}{dx}[/tex]...say [tex]w=\frac{dv}{dx}[/tex] and then [tex]\frac{dw}{dx}=\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex] and then you solve from there

i.e [tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-2x)\frac{dv}{dx}=0[/tex] becomes

[tex](x-x^3)\frac{dw}{dx} + (2-2x)w=0[/tex]

and what you did there was reduce the 2nd order linear ODE homogeneous eq'n to a first order diff eq'n

I don't understand why I'm supposed to get: [tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-2x)\frac{dv}{dx}=0[/tex]

What I get is: [tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2} + (2-4x^2)\frac{dv}{dx} - 4x*v=0[/tex]
 
ah sorry i forgot to add a term

But this is how the algebra is supposed to be

[tex](1-x^2)(2\frac{dv}{dx}+x\frac{d^2v}{dx^2})-2x(\frac{dv}{dx}+v)+2(vx)=0[/tex]

[tex]2\frac{dv}{dx}-2x^2\frac{dv}{dx}+x\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}-x^3\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}-2x^2\frac{dv}{dx}-2vx+2vx=0[/tex]

finally giving:

[tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}+(2-4x)\frac{dv}{dx} =0[/tex]

then sub [tex]w=\frac{dv}{dx}[/tex]
 
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  • #10
OK, I guess you mean

[tex](x-x^3)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}+(2-4x^2)\frac{dv}{dx} =0[/tex]

Now then, how do I fine the 2nd solution?
 
  • #11
Let [tex]w= \frac{dv}{dx}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dw}{dx} = \frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]

then sub those in your equation and you will get a variables are separable type of diff eq'n

[tex](x-x^3)\frac{dw}{dx} +(2-4x)w = 0[/tex][tex](x-x^3)\frac{dw}{dx}= -(2-4x)w[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{w}\frac{dw}{dx} = \frac{-(2-4x)}{(x-x^3)}[/tex]

integrate both sides w.r.t x now
 

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