Two questions on differential equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving two differential equations. The first problem involves finding a continuous solution for the equation y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x + f(x) with specified boundary conditions, emphasizing the importance of continuity at x=0. The second question verifies that y = x + 1 is a solution to a different differential equation and explores the transformation y = (x + 1)u, leading to a derived equation for u. Participants clarify misconceptions about differentiation and the approach needed to solve the equations, emphasizing the use of the product rule rather than partial differentiation. Overall, the thread highlights the process of finding general solutions and verifying specific functions within the context of differential equations.
fudge
Any thoughts on how to to any of these! (I'm sorry if I'm insulting you but y' = dy/dx, etc!)

1)Find a continuous solution with continuous first derivative of the system:

y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x + f(x)

subject to y(-pi/2)=y(pi)=0, where

f(x)= 0 (x<or= 0)
=x^2 (x>0)

2)You may ignore the first bits (i am including them just incase they're relavent for the last bit)

Verify y = x+1 is a soln of

(x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0 *

Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0

hence show the gen soln of * is

y=K[0.25(x+1)ln((x-1)/(x+1))-0.5] + K'(x+1)

where K and K' are arbitary constants.
 
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You have the equation y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x + f(x)
subject to y(-pi/2)=y(pi)=0.

I take it that you know how to solve non-homogeneous linear differential equations with constant coefficients and that the problem is just that f(x)= 0 if x<or= 0 and f(x)=x^2 if x>0.

Think of this first as the equation y'' + 2y' + 2y = sin x. Find the general solution to that equation. That will involve 2 unknown constants. Call that solution Y1(x).

Now, find the general solution to the non-homogeneous equation y''+ 2y'+ 2y= sin x+ x2. That will also involve 2 unknown constants. Call that solution Y2(x).

Use the fact that Y1(-pi/2)= 0, Y2(pi)= 0, Y1(0)= Y2=0 (the solution must be continuous at x=0) and Y1'(0)= Y2'(0) (the derivative of the solution must be continuous at x= 0) to get 4 equations to solve for the 4 unknown constants.

For the second question "Verify y = x+1 is a soln of (x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0", you should be able to do that part. Find the first and second derivatives of x+1, put them into the equation and see what happens!
"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0."
You can't prove that- it's not true. Unless I've made a stupid mistake (it's rather late!) y'= (x+1)u'+ u and y''= (x+1)u''+ 2u so the equation reduces to (x-1)u"+ 3u'= 0.
 
Thanks for the advice, I've tried it out and it works fine!

I made a very careless typing error for the second part:

"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0"

I actually meant: u'=du/dx !

Sorry!

Is partial diffrentiation the way to go inorder to show:
du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0 ?
 
"Writing y=(x+1)u show that u'=0"

I actually meant: u'=du/dx !

Surely, you don't mean "show that u'= du/dx"? Isn't that how it's defined?

Is partial diffrentiation the way to go inorder to show:
du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0 ?
Partial differentiation has nothing to do with it. y is a function of the single variable x, u is a function of the single variable x. The product rule is all you need.
 
sorry, i am being very careless. I'll write it out again!

Verify y = x+1 is a soln of

(x^2-1)y'' + (x+1)y' - y = 0 *

Writing y=(x+1)u show that u' = du/dx satisfies:

du'/dx + [(3x-1)/(x^2-1)]u' = 0

Hence show the gen soln of * is

y=K[0.25(x+1)ln((x-1)/(x+1))-0.5] + K'(x+1)

where K and K' are arbitary constants.

Partial differentiation has nothing to do with it. y is a function of the single variable x, u is a function of the single variable x. The product rule is all you need. [/B]

Yes ofcourse, I'll try this (I am really concerned... i miss basic steps :frown:)

Thank you Halls
 
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