# Homework Help: Solving Sturn-Liousville problem

1. May 3, 2004

### JasonZ

My problem is:

$$\frac{d^2\phi}{dx^2} + 6\frac{d\phi}{dx} + \lambda\phi = 0; \\ \frac{d\phi}{dx}(0) = 0, \frac{d\phi}{dx}(L) = 0.$$

I am told to begin by finding every eigenvalue and corresponding eigenfunction. I missed the last class where we went over this and the book is not giving me much advice on how to begin. Can someone just provide some help on how I begin solving this? I would show what I have but I have nothing yet ;).

Thanks,
-Jason

Last edited: May 3, 2004
2. May 3, 2004

Try a solution of the form

$$\phi = e^{rx}$$

then consider cases for lambda, i.e. positive, zero, negative, and match boundary conditions.

3. May 3, 2004

### JasonZ

Sorry for seeming so dense, but I understand how to apply that to normal O.D.E's, but the eigenvalue is throwing me off. What I am doing is:

$$Let \ \phi = e^{rx}$$

$$\frac{d\phi}{dx} = re^{rx}$$

$$\frac{d^2\phi}{dx^2} = r^2e^{rx}$$

After substituting this back in for $$\phi(x)$$ I get:

$$r^2 + 6r + \lambda = 0$$

This is easily solved for $$\lambda = 0$$, but how do I go about solving it for non-zero eigenvalues? I am pretty embarrased for having to ask questions on such a simple problem, but thank you for helping!

Last edited: May 3, 2004
4. May 3, 2004