What is the general solution for PDEs in the form of a question?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the general solution for partial differential equations (PDEs) of second order with constant coefficients. Participants explore the nature of these equations, their classifications, and the existence of a unified solution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the general solution to the PDE can be expressed in a specific polynomial form, while another questions the existence of a function F(x,y) that satisfies such a PDE.
  • Some participants highlight that second order PDEs can be classified into elliptic, hyperbolic, and parabolic types, each potentially having different solutions.
  • There is a suggestion that no unified general solution exists for all types of second order PDEs, with one participant expressing skepticism about the possibility of finding such a solution.
  • Another participant notes that while specific solutions can be found given particular values and boundary conditions, a general unifying theorem or proof has not been established.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the existence of a general solution for all second order PDEs. While some believe it is impossible to unify the solutions, others suggest that specific solutions can be derived under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects limitations in the understanding of PDEs, particularly regarding the classification and solution methods. The conversation also indicates a lack of consensus on whether a general solution can be formulated.

Bruno Tolentino
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y = a x² + b x + c is a parabola. But, a parabola is just a kind of conic.

All conics are given by a x² + b x y + c y² + d x + e y + f = 0

The same way, the graphic y = f(x), with f(x) satisfying a d²f/dx² + b df/dx + c f = 0, is just a particular graphic of F(x,y) = 0 with F(x,y) satisfying

a d²F/dx² + b d²F/dxdy + c d²F/dy² + d dF/dx + e dF/dy + f F = 0

OBS: a, b, c... are constants.

So, which is the general solution for the PDE above? And, where I can visualize the graphic?
 
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I am not sure I understand your question. It should be clear that the "general solution" to "a F_{xx}+ b F_{xy}+ c F_{yy}+ d F_x+ e F_y+ fF= 0" is simply "ax^2+ bxy+ cy^2+ dx+ ey+ f= 0".
 
I simply want to know which is the funcion F(x,y) that satisfies a PDE of second order with constant coeficients.

If this function F don't exist, or wasn't discoverd yet, so, exist some program that outline the graphic(approximately) of the solution of the PDE?
 
Bruno Tolentino said:
I simply want to know which is the funcion F(x,y) that satisfies a PDE of second order with constant coeficients.

If this function F don't exist, or wasn't discoverd yet, so, exist some program that outline the graphic(approximately) of the solution of the PDE?
That is basically the opposite of the question you originally asked! Second order partial differential equations can have very different solutions and are basically divided into "elliptic", "hyperbolic", and "parabolic" equations. Any introductory PDE textbook will have a discussion of what those type of equations and how their solutions differ.
 
Still today, none made some effort for try to unify these 3 kinds of solutions. Don't exist a general solution?
 
Bruno Tolentino said:
Still today, none made some effort for try to unify these 3 kinds of solutions. Don't exist a general solution?

No, it doesn't exist.
 
Why not? Is it impossible?
 
Yes, I think it is impossible to give a nice unified solution. But I have not seen this in a theorem/proof form yet. You can of course solve any PDE as in the original post if you are given specific values and specific boundary values. Just as conic section can have very different behavior, so do PDE's.
 

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