Solving ODE with Variation of Parameters

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the method of Variation of Parameters. The specific equation under consideration is x^2 y'' - 2xy' + 2y = x^(9/2).

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of Euler's Equation and the method of Variation of Parameters. There are attempts to derive both the general solution of the homogeneous equation and a particular solution. Questions arise regarding the proper form of trial solutions and the handling of variables in the quadratic formula.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and guidance on finding the general and particular solutions. There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary components for applying Variation of Parameters, with some participants expressing confusion about the requirements and steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express frustration with the clarity of communication and the understanding of the problem, indicating that there may be assumptions or prerequisites that are not being adequately addressed in the discussion.

ISU20CpreE
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
Hi i need to use Variation of Parameters to solve this ODE

[tex]x^2 y'' - 2xy' + 2y = x^(9/2)[/tex]

So far I was thinking to use Euler's Equation and I really don't know if it will work please help me out with a hint. THanks.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, you will have two distinct contributions:
1. The general solution to the associated homogenous problem (i.e, with the right-hand side equal to zero)

2. A particular solution of your diff.eq. Here, try a simple power solution as your trial function, i.e [tex]y_{p}=Ax^{9}[/tex]
 
arildno said:
Well, you will have two distinct contributions:
1. The general solution to the associated homogenous problem (i.e, with the right-hand side equal to zero)

2. A particular solution of your diff.eq. Here, try a simple power solution as your trial function, i.e [tex]y_{p}=Ax^{9}[/tex]

Ok. so this is what I did...

[tex]y_p = Ax^9 y'_p = 9Ax^8 y''_p = 72Ax^7[/tex]

Then i plug in into the original equation

[tex]72Ax^9 - 18Ax^9 + 2Ax^9 = x^9[/tex]

after that I get [tex]1/52[/tex] as an answer.

Sorry i don't get your point.
 
ISU20CpreE said:
Ok. so this is what I did...

[tex]y_p = Ax^9 y'_p = 9Ax^8 y''_p = 72Ax^7[/tex]
.
That would give you the particular solution, yes (A=1/52)
What have you done about the other contribution?
 
If you don't get my point, then you have no business doing math, since you evidently haven't bothered to read your textbook or go to class. Goodbye.
 
arildno said:
That would give you the particular solution, yes.
What have you done about the other contribution?

[tex]y_p = Ax^(9/2) y'_p = 9/2 Ax^(7/2) y''_p = 63/4Ax^(95/2)[/tex]

then i get [tex]A = 34/5[/tex]
 
arildno said:
If you don't get my point, then you have no business doing math, since you evidently haven't bothered to read your textbook or go to class. Goodbye.

im sorry i haved worked on these problems for too long and my english is not that good maybe I word my sentence wrong. Would you reconsider.
 
You need a general solution and a particular solution. The sum of the two is the general solution you are after.
 
ISU20CpreE said:
[tex]y_p = Ax^(9/2) y'_p = 9/2 Ax^(7/2) y''_p = 63/4Ax^(95/2)[/tex]

then i get [tex]A = 34/5[/tex]
Whatever nonsense is this?

You are to solve the homogenous equation:
[tex]x^{2}y_{h}''-2xy_{h}'+2y_{h}=0[/tex]

Use the Euler trial solution: [tex]y_{h}=Cx^{n}[/tex]
in order to determine allowable values for n.
 
  • #10
FunkyDwarf said:
You need a general solution and a particular solution. The sum of the two is the general solution you are after.

I know but what's going on is that I need to use Variation of parameters and for that I need y_1 and y_2 so I am stuck. One of my friends told me they have used Euler's method to find y_1 and y_2
 
  • #11
ISU20CpreE said:
I know but what's going on is that I need to use Variation of parameters and for that I need y_1 and y_2 so I am stuck. One of my friends told me they have used Euler's method to find y_1 and y_2
Well, why didn't you say at the beginning you were required to do this with variation of parameters, then?
 
  • #12
ISU20CpreE said:
Hi i need to use Variation of Parameters to solve this ODE

[tex]x^2 y'' - 2xy' + 2y = x^(9/2)[/tex]

So far I was thinking to use Euler's Equation and I really don't know if it will work please help me out with a hint. THanks.

I did. Oh and i was trying to solve the homogeneous eq and I don't know if I should take the x's into my quadratic formula or just the constants.??
 
  • #13
ISU20CpreE said:
I did. Oh and i was trying to solve the homogeneous eq and I don't know if I should take the x's into my quadratic formula or just the constants.??
Asking that shows you haven't really tried it:
Let's see:
[tex]y_{h}''=n*(n-1)Cx^{n-2}, y_{h}=nCx^{(n-1}}[/tex]
Inserting this into the homog. equation yields:
[tex]x^{2}n*(n-1)Cx^{n-2}-2xnCx^{n-1}+2Cx^{n}=0\to{n(n-1)Cx^{n}-2nCx^{n}+2Cx^{n}=0\to(n(n-1)-2n+2)Cx^{n}=0[/tex]
Now, what must you require so that the last left hand side is zero for all choices of x, but so that in general, [itex]y_{h}[/tex] is distinct from the zero function?[/itex]
 
  • #14
ISU20CpreE said:
[tex]y_p = Ax^(9/2) y'_p = 9/2 Ax^(7/2) y''_p = 63/4Ax^(95/2)[/tex]

then i get [tex]A = 34/5[/tex]
This would be correct particular solution for your EDITED ODE, something that occurred AFTER my first replies.
 
  • #15
arildno said:
This would be correct particular solution for your EDITED ODE, something that occurred AFTER my first replies.

Sorry to bug you too much but I am confused on the post before the last one.
 
  • #16
What's your problem with it? You INSERT a trial solution into your diff.eq and see what happens!
Please say EXACTLY where your problem with that lies!
 
  • #17
arildno said:
What's your problem with it? You INSERT a trial solution into your diff.eq and see what happens!
Please say EXACTLY where your problem with that lies!

I got it! LOL thank you so much for your time and I am sorry to bother you Ill be prepared next time.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K