Solving ODE: y = $\sqrt {x\ln (x)}$ w/ Initial Conditions

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by \((x + y^2)dx - 2xydy = 0\) with initial conditions \(y(1) = 0\). The original poster attempts to analyze the implications of the solution \(y = \sqrt{x \ln(x)}\) and its validity under the conditions specified.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether the condition \(x \geq 1\) implies \(y \geq 0\) and how this affects the applicability of the existence and uniqueness theorem. They also seek to understand the implications of the function being undefined at \(y = 0\).

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the existence and uniqueness theorem, noting that the theorem does not hold due to the function being undefined at \(y = 0\). However, there is a suggestion that a second solution, \(y = 0\) for all \(x\), may exist, leading to a discussion on the uniqueness of the solution found by the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the implications of the initial conditions and the continuity of the function involved in the ODE. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the application of the existence and uniqueness theorem in this context.

supercali
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Homework Statement


given this ODE with initial conditions y(1)=0
[tex]\[<br /> (x + y^2 )dx - 2xydy = 0<br /> \][/tex]

Homework Equations


solving this ODE gives us
[tex]\[y = \sqrt {x\ln (x)} \][/tex]
as we can see this equation is true only for x>=1
in order to use the theorem on existence and uniqueness we isulate for y'=f(x,y)
[tex]\[y' = \frac{{(x + y^2 )}}{{2xy}}\][/tex]
and we can see that when y=0 the equation is not defined

The Attempt at a Solution


my question is
1) if x>=1 does that mean that the bound for y is y>=0?
2)if it meaas that y>=0 then should i conclude that the theorem on existence and uniqueness does not apply here since the function is not continuous thus we can't say that the solution is unique? what does it mean
thanks for the help
 
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Yes, since [itex](x+y^2)/(2xy)[/itex] does not exist when y=0, the "existence and uniqueness" theorem does not hold here. That means we cannot conclude that a unique solution exists on any open interval around x= 1. But it might be true anyway.

What you have done is find a solution, [itex]y= \sqrt{xln(x)}[/itex], That is defined only for x> 1 (and y must be positive)- that is not defined on an open interval containing x= 1. But, in fact, what happens here is that there DOES exist a solution on an interval around x= 1: y= 0 for all x is such a second solution. The solution is not unique on the x> 1.
 
HallsofIvy said:
But, in fact, what happens here is that there DOES exist a solution on an interval around x= 1: y= 0 for all x is such a second solution. The solution is not unique on the x> 1.


if can please elaborate more i don't think i understand what you mean
 
What part do you not understand? Surely it is obvious that y= 0 for all x is a solution to that problem.
 
well y=0 is not a solution as i see it if i put it in my original equation it doesn't solve it

what i don't understand is if for these initial conditions the theorem on uniqueness and existence apply or not? and if it doesn't apply what can i say on the solution i found hence is it a solution or not?
 

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