Second Order Linear Differential Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a second order linear differential equation involving a function Θ dependent on the variable ε. The equation presented is not straightforward due to the presence of ε in the derivative terms, which complicates the approach to finding a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the notation used in the equation and seek clarification on the variables involved, particularly whether Θ is a function of ε and the nature of the constant β. There are suggestions to simplify the equation and considerations of using the product rule for differentiation. Some participants also propose multiplying through by ε to eliminate the ε in front of the derivative.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the equation and offering various approaches to tackle the problem. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several lines of reasoning and potential methods have been suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge posed by the equation's structure and the implications of ε being non-zero. There is also mention of Bessel functions, indicating a possible connection to the type of differential equation being discussed.

Pawnag3
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Hey, I'm not sure how to even approach this problem. It's not a simple ODE.

Basically, I want to find the solution for Θ in terms of ε. The equation is
\frac{1}{ε}*\frac{d}{dε}*(ε*\frac{dΘ}{dε})-β^{2}Θ=0

I tried to move the B^2 to the other side and I wasn't able to solve it that way. I can't solve it like a normal second order ODE because it has ε in front.

Thanks for your help in advance!
 
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Can you define the notation a bit? Are you solving for Θ? Is Θ a function of ε -> Θ(ε)? Is β just a constant? are there any initial conditions or you just need a general solution?
 
Sorry! I want to solve for Θ, and Θ is a function of ε, β is just a constant. I just want a general solution please.
 
Pawnag3 said:
Hey, I'm not sure how to even approach this problem. It's not a simple ODE.

Basically, I want to find the solution for Θ in terms of ε. The equation is
\frac{1}{ε}*\frac{d}{dε}*(ε*\frac{dΘ}{dε})-β^{2}Θ=0
Part of your notation makes no sense. The equation above should not have d/dε "times" something. It means to take the derivative with respect to ε of (ε dθ/dε). You'll need to use the product rule to simplify this part.

Once you do this, you'll have a second order DE to solve.
Pawnag3 said:
I tried to move the B^2 to the other side and I wasn't able to solve it that way. I can't solve it like a normal second order ODE because it has ε in front.

Thanks for your help in advance!

On a side note, it would be much simpler to write the equation in terms of the letters that are usually used, rather than Greek letters. Translated to x and y, your equation looks like this:
1/x * d/dx(x dy/dx) - β2y = 0
 
Pawnag3 said:
Hey, I'm not sure how to even approach this problem. It's not a simple ODE.

Basically, I want to find the solution for Θ in terms of ε. The equation is
\frac{1}{ε}*\frac{d}{dε}*(ε*\frac{dΘ}{dε})-β^{2}Θ=0

I tried to move the B^2 to the other side and I wasn't able to solve it that way. I can't solve it like a normal second order ODE because it has ε in front.

Thanks for your help in advance!


What is stopping you from multiplying through by ε, so it will not have ε "in front"? Of course, you need ε ≠ 0, but you had to have that anyway, since you were initially dividing by ε.

BTW: do you know about Bessel functions and Bessel's differential equation?
 

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