Solve Ly=y''(x)+4xy'(x)-2x for Linear Functionals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of a linear operator L defined as L=D^2+4xD-2x to a function y(x)=2x-4e^{5x}. Participants are attempting to compute Ly and explore the characteristics of linear functionals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the computation of Ly, with some expressing uncertainty about their calculations and the definition of linear functionals. Questions arise regarding the application of the operator L, particularly concerning the treatment of the constant term -2x.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing feedback on each other's calculations. There is recognition of a potential mistake in applying the operator to the last term, and participants are questioning their understanding of the operator's definition and application.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. The nature of the operator L and its implications for linearity are also under examination.

UrbanXrisis
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I'm not quite sure if this is a linear functional but the question asks:

if [tex]L=D^2+4xD-2x[/tex] and [tex]y(x)=2x-4e^{5x}[/tex]

I am to find Ly=?

My first impressions to solve this is the take [tex]Ly=y''(x)+4xy'(x)-2x[/tex]

i'm not quite sure how to solve this but I got:

[tex]y''(x)=-100e^{5x}[/tex]
[tex]y'(x)=-20e^{5x}+2[/tex]

and then I plug it into [tex]Ly=y''(x)+4xy'(x)-2x[/tex]

I don't think I did this correctly, could someone help me out?
 
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Why do you think you did it incorrectly? It certainly looks OK to me (unless you plugged in the values incorrectly). To see whether it's a linear functional, just apply the definition of linear functional.
 
I got: [tex]Ly=-100e^{5x}+4x(-20e^{5x}+2)-2x[/tex]

would that be it? I plugged this into my internet answer recorder and it gave me an incorrect.. not sure why
 
There is a small mistake.

The last term in L hasn't been applied correctly.

Regards,
George
 
oops! yeah...missed that one!
 
i don't understand, what is wrong with the last term? it doesn't have a D so doesn't it stay as -2x?
 
UrbanXrisis said:
i don't understand, what is wrong with the last term? it doesn't have a D so doesn't it stay as -2x?

Remember, you're applying L to y, i.e., you're finding Ly.

Regards,
George
 
If you don't see the D, that doesn't mean it isn't there (there are many examples of things not seen that are still there, and I'm sure you can come up with several). You can think of it as D0, if that helps.
 
If L = -2x, then Ly = ?

Regards,
George
 
  • #10
[tex]-2x(2x-4e^{5x})[/tex]

thank you for the help!
 

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