Solving IVP for Second-Order Differential Equation: x^2*y+4*x*y'+4*y=0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem (IVP) for a second-order differential equation of the form \(x^2 y'' + 4x y' + 4y = 0\) with initial conditions \(y(1) = 1\) and \(y'(1) = 2\). Participants explore the characteristic equation and the general solution related to this type of differential equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the characteristic equation and the resulting general solution involving exponential and trigonometric functions. There are questions about whether the proposed solution satisfies the original differential equation and how to apply the initial conditions effectively.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on verifying the proposed solution against the differential equation and the initial conditions. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct form of the solution, particularly in relation to the nature of the equation as a Cauchy-Euler equation, which has led to differing interpretations of the solution structure.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the application of the characteristic equation typically used for constant coefficient differential equations versus the approach needed for Cauchy-Euler equations. Participants are encouraged to consider the implications of this distinction in their solutions.

BobMarly
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Not sure of solution for IVP

Homework Statement


(x^2)*y"+4*x*y'+4*y=0
y(1)=1 y'(1)=2


Homework Equations


Start with r(r-1)+4r+4=0
then (r^2)+3r+4=0
get (-3+/-7i)/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Leads to y=C(1)e^(-3t/2)cos(7t/2)+C(2)e^(-3t/2)sin(7t/2)
More y'=... one large formula
Am I on the correct track, is there something I missed, or is there a shortcut here
it seems that by putting in IV's, it doesn't lead to anything clean
 
Last edited:
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BobMarly said:

Homework Statement


(x^2)*y"+4*x*y'+4*y=0
y(1)=1 y'(1)=2


Homework Equations


Start with r(r-1)+4r+4=0
then (r^2)+3r+4=0
get (-3+/-7i)/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Leads to y=C(1)e^(-3t/2)cos(7t/2)+C(2)e^(-3t/2)sin(7t/2)
First off, does this function satisfy your differential equation? If so, you have the right general solution.

Next evaluate your solution and y'(t) at 1 and solve for the two constants. The check there is verifying that y(1) = 1 and y'(1) = 2.

At this stage in your learning, you should get in the habit of verifying that solutions you find are actually solutions. You've already done all the hard work, so checking your work is simply a matter of 1) showing that your solution satisfies the DE, and 2) that your solution and its derivative satisfies the initial conditions.
BobMarly said:
More y'=... one large formula
Am I on the correct track, is there something I missed, or is there a shortcut here
it seems that by putting in IV's, it doesn't lead to anything clean
 
How do I know it satisfies the equation?
 


BobMarly said:

Homework Statement


(x^2)*y"+4*x*y'+4*y=0
y(1)=1 y'(1)=2


Homework Equations


Start with r(r-1)+4r+4=0
then (r^2)+3r+4=0
get (-3+/-7i)/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Leads to y=C(1)e^(-3t/2)cos(7t/2)+C(2)e^(-3t/2)sin(7t/2)

No it doesn't.

More y'=... one large formula
Am I on the correct track, is there something I missed, or is there a shortcut here
it seems that by putting in IV's, it doesn't lead to anything clean

You are confusing the characteristic equation for constant coefficient DE's with this problem. The "solution" you propose is what you would get for those roots of r if this were a constant coefficient equation. But it isn't. This is an Euler equation and you get that indicial equation by looking for a solution ##y = x^r##. Look in your text for the form the solution takes for complex conjugate roots. It will have x's times cosines and sines of ln x's.
 
In fact, the reason the "Cauchy-Euler" equation is as simple as the equation with constant coefficients (and easily confused with it) is that the substitution t= e^x converts the Cauchy-Euler equation Ax^2d^2y/dx^2+ Bx dy/dx+ Cy= 0 into the 'constant coefficients' equation Ad^2y/dt^2+ (B- A)dy/dt+ Cy= 0.<br /> The two have the same characteristic equation. In your case the constant-coefficients solution is<br /> e^{-3t/2}(C_1cos(7t/2)+ C_2sin(7t/2))<br /> so that the solution to the original CauchyEuler equation is <br /> e^{-3(ln(x))/2}(C_1cos(7ln(x)/3)+ C_2 sin(7ln(x)/3))= x^{-3/2}(C_1cos(7ln(x)/2)+ C_2sin(7ln(x)/2))
 

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