Solution Of A Differential Equation]

[NEWO]

Hi all I was wondering if i could get some help with this.

1. I need to be able to solve a second order differential equation,

2. d^2(y)/dx^2= c/x

where c is an arbitary constant.

I was thinking that the solution would take form of a trigonometrial eqauation, would this be correct?

Thanks for your time

N

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[D H]

The Attempt at a Solution

You left this part of the template blank. What work have you done on the problem?

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Well it's quite easy, here's a hint: succesive 'something' will do the trick.

 

[HallsofIvy]

WHY would you tnink "that the solution would take form of a trigonometrial eqauation"?

 

[tiny-tim]

I was thinking that the solution would take form of a trigonometrial eqauation, would this be correct?

Hi NEWO!

Noo … you're thinking of d²y/dx² = -cy.

Hint: just say the equation in ordinary English:

"y is a function of x, and if you differentiate it twice, you get c/x." ​

 

[HallsofIvy]

If you let v= dy/dx then d^2y/dx^2= dv/dx so your equation becomes dv/dx= c/x. What is v(x)?

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Halls, isn't your hint really the solution?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Well, almost. There is still a tiny amount of work to be done. And I suspect that "NEWO" won't bother to come back to look at the responses.