Solve Initial-Value Problem: Find Interval x=0

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SUMMARY

The initial-value problem defined by the differential equation y'' + (tan x)y = e^x, with conditions y(0) = 1 and y'(0) = 0, has a unique solution within the interval (-π/2, π/2). This conclusion is derived from the Existence and Uniqueness Theorem, which states that for a unique solution, the function a_i(x) must be continuous and a_n must be non-zero within the interval. Since tan x is continuous everywhere except at odd multiples of π/2, the specified interval excludes these points, ensuring the conditions for uniqueness are met.

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  • Basic calculus concepts, including continuity and differentiability of functions.
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Homework Statement



Find an interval centered about x = 0 for which the given initial-value problem has a unique solution.

y^{''} + (tanx)y = e^{x}

y(0) = 1 y^{'}(0) = 0

Homework Equations



a_{i}(x), i=0,1,2,3,...,n is continuous and

a_{n} \neq 0 for every x in I.

The Attempt at a Solution



a_{0} = tanx is zero at x = 0

I am not sure if this is correct because tanx is continuous everywhere except at pi/2, 3pi/2, etc... so would interval be:

I = (0,\infty) or (-\infty , 0)

or

I = (0,\pi/2) or (-\pi/2 , 0)
 
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KillerZ said:

Homework Statement



Find an interval centered about x = 0 for which the given initial-value problem has a unique solution.

y^{''} + (tanx)y = e^{x}

y(0) = 1 y^{'}(0) = 0

Homework Equations

How are what you have below relevant? What does ai(x) represent?
KillerZ said:
a_{i}(x), i=0,1,2,3,...,n is continuous and

a_{n} \neq 0 for every x in I.

The Attempt at a Solution



a_{0} = tanx is zero at x = 0

I am not sure if this is correct because tanx is continuous everywhere except at pi/2, 3pi/2, etc... so would interval be:

I = (0,\infty) or (-\infty , 0)

or

I = (0,\pi/2) or (-\pi/2 , 0)

Do you have a theorem that can be used for this problem? It might be titled Existence and Uniqueness Theorem.
 
I found the interval:

as tanx = sinx/cosx

cosx can not equal zero

so the interval is:

(-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2})
 

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