Sum of particular solution and homogenous solution of differential equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the particular solution (X^p) and the homogeneous solution (X^c) of a differential equation, asserting that all solutions (X^S) can be expressed as the sum of these two components. The general solution (X^G) is represented as a linear combination of linearly independent solutions (Y_1,...,Y_n). The argument is structured around the assumption that if X^S cannot be expressed as X^p + X^c, it leads to a contradiction, thereby confirming that the sum of the particular and homogeneous solutions indeed constitutes the general solution. The discussion also emphasizes the necessity of specificity in defining the homogeneous equation involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear combinations in vector spaces
  • Familiarity with differential equations, particularly homogeneous and nonhomogeneous types
  • Knowledge of linear independence and its role in solution sets
  • Basic grasp of scalar equations and their solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of undetermined coefficients for finding particular solutions in differential equations
  • Explore the theory of linear differential equations and their general solutions
  • Learn about the Wronskian and its application in determining linear independence of solutions
  • Review specific examples of second-degree scalar equations to solidify understanding of the concepts discussed
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between particular and homogeneous solutions in this context.

TranscendArcu
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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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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.
 

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