Reduction of order differential eq'n

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the second-order differential equation y''+(2/x)y'+y=0, given that y=sin(x)/x is a known solution. Participants are exploring the method of reduction of order to find a second solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the reduction of order method by letting y=vsin(x)/x and differentiating to find y' and y''. Some participants question the correctness of the derivatives calculated, particularly the denominator in the first derivative. Others suggest verifying the proposed solution by substituting it back into the original differential equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the differentiation process and its complexities. There is a recognition of potential mistakes in differentiation, and one participant expresses concern about the accuracy of their work. The conversation includes attempts to simplify the resulting equations and integrate terms, with some progress noted in resolving the integral.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using online tools for checking differential equations, indicating a reliance on external resources for verification. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in differentiating and integrating within the context of the problem.

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Homework Statement



Solve : y''+(2/x)y'+y=0 given that y=sinx/x is a solution

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


y=vsinx/x is the other solution

I worked out

[tex]y'=\frac{vxcosx-vsinx+v'xsinx}{x^3}[/tex]

to work out y'' got extremely confusing for me,so I used an online differentiator to do it.
It gave y'' as

[tex]\frac{x[2(cosx-sinx)v'+v''xsinx]-v[2xcosx+(x^2-2)sinx]}{x^3}[/tex]

Now when I substitute it back into the equation, I keep getting the terms for v to not cancel and I get one complex differential equation.
 
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Your first derivative is incorrect. The denominator should be x2, not x3.
 
I will check it over, is there any site where I can input all my differential equations that I need to solve and I can check if I have the correct answer?
 
If you have a possible solution, just plug it into your differential equation and see if it works
 
Office_Shredder said:
If you have a possible solution, just plug it into your differential equation and see if it works

I can do that but I am afraid that I might make a mistake in differentiating the solution and it won't work with the equation and I'll think I did it wrong.
 
Ok here is my attempt (again)

y=vsinx/x

[tex]y'=(\frac{sinx}{x})v'+v(\frac{cosx}{x}-\frac{sinx}{x^2})[/tex]

[tex]y''=v''(\frac{sinx}{x}+\frac{cosx}{x}-\frac{sinx}{x^2})+v'(\frac{cosx}{x}-\frac{sinx}{x^2})+v(-\frac{sinx}{x}-\frac{cosx}{x^2}-\frac{cosx}{x^3}+\frac{2sinx}{x^3}[/tex]

I then put that into the equation and got

[tex]v''(\frac{sinx}{x}+\frac{cosx}{x}-\frac{sinx}{x^2})+v'(\frac{2cosx}{x})=0[/tex]

Then let w=v' => w'=v''

thus getting
[tex]w'(\frac{sinx}{x}+\frac{cosx}{x}-\frac{sinx}{x^2})+w(\frac{2cosx}{x})=0[/tex]

[tex]\times x^2[/tex]

[tex]w'(xsinx+xcosx-sinx)+(2xcosx)w=0[/tex]

Now

[tex]\int \frac{1}{w}dw= \int \frac{-2xcosx}{xsinx+xcosx-sinx}dx[/tex]

and I have no idea how to integrate the term on the right side, I've tried substitutions but it didn't work out well.

EDIT: my differentiating over complicated the integral...I got it out now.
 
Last edited:

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