Sum of particular solution and homogenous solution of differential equation

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of general solutions to differential equations and how they can be expressed as a linear combination of linearly independent solutions. It also explains how the sum of the homogenous and particular solutions can give rise to the general solution, contrary to the assumption that they cannot be combined. However, the correctness of this approach is questioned and it is suggested to be more specific and provide details about the homogeneous equation in question.
  • #1
TranscendArcu
285
0

Homework Statement



Skjermbilde_2012_05_04_kl_6_06_11_PM.png


The Attempt at a Solution


Suppose there is a solution [itex]X^S ≠ X^p + X^c[/itex]. Let [itex]Y_1,...,Y_n[/itex] be the set of linearly independent solutions whose span gives the general solution to the differential equation. Let us write the general solution to the differential equation as a linear combination of the elements in this set: [itex]c_1 Y_1 + ... c_n Y_n = X^G[/itex]. Then, for some choice of constants [itex]a_1,...,a_n[/itex], we have [itex]X^S = a_1 Y_1 + ... + a_n Y_n[/itex]. Since an equation is either homogenous or nonhomogenous, these elements of the solution set must combine to give either the homogenous solution (when the equation is homogenous) or the particular solution (otherwise). Let the subset [itex]Y_1,...,Y_j[/itex] be the solutions that span the homogenous solutions and [itex]Y_{j+1},...,Y_n[/itex] be the solutions that span the particular solutions. Thus, we may write that, for some arbitrary constants [itex]b_1,...,b_n[/itex], we have [itex]b_1 Y_1 + ... + b_j Y_j = X^c[/itex] and for other constants [itex]d_1,...,d_n[/itex], we have [itex]d_1 Y_1 + ... + d_j Y_j = X^p[/itex]. Writing these as a linear combination, we have, [itex]X^c + X^p = (b_1 Y_1 + ... + b_j Y_j) + (d_1 Y_1 + ... + d_j Y_j)[/itex], which, for the correct choices of constants, gives us the equation for [itex]X^s[/itex], which is contrary to our assumption that [itex]X^s[/itex] could not be written as the sum of the homogenous and particular solutions. This shows that all solutions can be given by the sum of the particular and homogenous solutions, and thus they give rise to the general solution.

Is this conceivably right?
 
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  • #2
TranscendArcu said:

Homework Statement



Skjermbilde_2012_05_04_kl_6_06_11_PM.png


The Attempt at a Solution


Suppose there is a solution [itex]X^S ≠ X^p + X^c[/itex]. Let [itex]Y_1,...,Y_n[/itex] be the set of linearly independent solutions whose span gives the general solution to the differential equation. Let us write the general solution to the differential equation as a linear combination of the elements in this set: [itex]c_1 Y_1 + ... c_n Y_n = X^G[/itex]. Then, for some choice of constants [itex]a_1,...,a_n[/itex], we have [itex]X^S = a_1 Y_1 + ... + a_n Y_n[/itex]. Since an equation is either homogenous or nonhomogenous, these elements of the solution set must combine to give either the homogenous solution (when the equation is homogenous) or the particular solution (otherwise). Let the subset [itex]Y_1,...,Y_j[/itex] be the solutions that span the homogenous solutions and [itex]Y_{j+1},...,Y_n[/itex] be the solutions that span the particular solutions. Thus, we may write that, for some arbitrary constants [itex]b_1,...,b_n[/itex], we have [itex]b_1 Y_1 + ... + b_j Y_j = X^c[/itex] and for other constants [itex]d_1,...,d_n[/itex], we have [itex]d_1 Y_1 + ... + d_j Y_j = X^p[/itex]. Writing these as a linear combination, we have, [itex]X^c + X^p = (b_1 Y_1 + ... + b_j Y_j) + (d_1 Y_1 + ... + d_j Y_j)[/itex], which, for the correct choices of constants, gives us the equation for [itex]X^s[/itex], which is contrary to our assumption that [itex]X^s[/itex] could not be written as the sum of the homogenous and particular solutions. This shows that all solutions can be given by the sum of the particular and homogenous solutions, and thus they give rise to the general solution.

Is this conceivably right?

If you have to ask it's probably not right. That's just a bunch of general gibberish. You have to be specific. Start by saying exactly what is the homogeneous equation you are talking about.
 
  • #3
Look at my post #9 in this thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=598602

It talks about this issue for a second degree scalar equation, but you might be able to adapt the ideas to your problem.
 

FAQ: Sum of particular solution and homogenous solution of differential equation

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates one or more variables and their rates of change. It is commonly used to model systems in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields.

2. What is a particular solution?

A particular solution is a specific solution to a differential equation that satisfies both the equation and any initial conditions given. It is obtained by plugging in the initial conditions into the general solution.

3. What is a homogeneous solution?

A homogeneous solution is a solution to a differential equation that satisfies the equation but not necessarily the initial conditions. It is obtained by setting the right-hand side of the equation to zero.

4. How do you find the sum of particular and homogeneous solutions?

The sum of particular and homogeneous solutions is the general solution to a differential equation. To find it, you first need to find the particular and homogeneous solutions separately, and then add them together.

5. Why is it important to have both particular and homogeneous solutions?

Having both particular and homogeneous solutions allows us to solve a wider range of differential equations. The particular solution takes into account the initial conditions, while the homogeneous solution provides a general solution that can be used for different initial conditions.

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