# Verifying a solution to a DE (please check my work)

1. Jun 1, 2010

### darryw

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Is y_1 = 1 and y_2 = root t solutions of the eqn: yy'' + (y')^2 = 0 ?

first solution works (i already verified)

2nd solution i get this:

(1/2)t^(-1) + (1/4)t^(1/4) which does not equal zero.

is this correct so far? the thing that confuses me is the question tells me to "verfiy that they are solutions" but one of them isnt. Either i mutiplied exponents incorrectly, or y_2 is not a solution.
thanks for any help.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Jun 1, 2010

### Integral

Staff Emeritus
Show us the 1st and 2nd derivatives of $\sqrt {t}$

3. Jun 1, 2010

### darryw

y(t) = t^(1/2)

y'(t) = (1/2)t^(-1/2)

y''(t) = (1/4)t^(-3/2)

plug into equation..

t^(1/2)((1/4)t^(-3/2) + ( (1/2)t^(-1/2))^2

(1/2)t^(-1) + (1/4)t^(1/4)

thanks

4. Jun 1, 2010

### darryw

hang on sec.. i see something stupid

5. Jun 2, 2010

### darryw

it was property of exponents that was problem.. wow.
so y_2 = root t is also a solution

(1/4t) - (1/4t) = 0

6. Jun 2, 2010

### Integral

Staff Emeritus
You also have an issure withe the 2nd der. You lost a minus sign, it should read:
y"(t) = $- \frac 1 4 t^{- \frac 3 2}$
Now it should all work out.

7. Jun 2, 2010

### Staff: Mentor

One other thing. (1/4t) is usually interpreted to mean (1/4) * t. If you want t in the denominator, write this as 1/(4t).

8. Jun 2, 2010

### darryw

next part asks about linear independence, but i already know this is just making sure wronskian doesnt equal zero. thanks for all the help