What is the solution for the attached equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solvability of the equation I(z) = cosh(1/2 ∫I(z)dz), where I(z) is a function of z. Participants explore various approaches to tackle this equation, which involves differential equations and potential numerical solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests deriving both sides of the equation with respect to z to obtain an ordinary differential equation.
  • Another participant proposes setting arcosh(I(z)) = (1/2) ∫_z^L I(x)dx and then taking the derivative.
  • A participant expresses frustration with obtaining hyperbolic sinh, indicating it complicates the problem further.
  • Another participant introduces a new variable J(z) = sinh(1/2 ∫ I(z)dz) and presents a two-dimensional system of equations that can be solved numerically, subject to initial conditions.
  • This participant also suggests constructing power series iteratively using recurrence relations based on initial values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the equation, with multiple competing methods and expressions of uncertainty regarding the complexity of the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the solutions depend on initial conditions and the relationships between the functions involved, but these aspects remain unresolved.

eahaidar
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Good afternoon,
i was just wondering if this equation is possibly solvable where I(z) is a function of z. The equation is:
I(z)=cosh(1/2 ∫I(z)dz)
I know it looks stupid but is it possible? How would you approach this problem?
Thank you.
 

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Try to derive both side with respect to z. This will give you an ordinary differential equation. Then try to solve it in another way.
 
Thanks for the response. However I get hyperbolic sinh which just makes it much worse. :(
 
Maybe first set $$arcosh(I(z))=\frac {1}{2} \int_z^L I(x)dx $$ and then take the derivate?
 
eahaidar said:
Thanks for the response. However I get hyperbolic sinh which just makes it much worse. :(

If you introduce J(z) = \sinh\left(\frac12 \int I(z)\,dz\right) then you can get the two-dimensional system <br /> I&#039; = \frac12 IJ \\<br /> J&#039; = \frac12 I^2<br /> which can be solved numerically subject to given initial conditions (which, like cosh and sinh, must satisfy I(0)^2 - J(0)^2 = 1). Alternatively, you can construct power series iteratively by starting with I_0(z) = I(0), J_0(z) = J(0) and using the recurrence relation <br /> I_{n+1}(z) = I(0) + \frac12 \int_0^z I_n(t)J_n(t)\,dt, \\<br /> J_{n+1}(z) = J(0) + \frac12 \int_0^z I_n^2(t)\,dt.
 

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