Wronskian Equation for y1 and y2 with Initial Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the Wronskian W(t) for two functions y1 and y2 derived from the differential equation 81y'' + 90y' - 11y = 0, with initial conditions y1(0) = 1, y1'(0) = 0, y2(0) = 0, and y2'(0) = 1. The calculated functions are y1 = (1/12)e^(-11/9 t) + (11/12)e^(1/9 t) and y2 = (-3/4)e^(-11/9 t) + (3/4)e^(1/9 t). The Wronskian is determined using the formula W(y1, y2) = |y1 y2| |y1' y2'|. The discussion highlights the importance of Abel's theorem in simplifying the calculation of the Wronskian.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with the concept of the Wronskian and its significance in linear algebra.
  • Knowledge of Abel's theorem and its application to Wronskian calculations.
  • Ability to compute derivatives and determinants of functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Abel's theorem and its implications for the Wronskian of solutions to differential equations.
  • Practice calculating the Wronskian for various pairs of functions to solidify understanding.
  • Explore other methods for solving second-order linear differential equations.
  • Review the properties of determinants and their applications in linear algebra.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, mathematicians interested in linear algebra, and educators teaching advanced calculus concepts.

Temp0
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Homework Statement


W(t) = W(y1, y2) find the Wronskian.

Equation for both y1 and y2: 81y'' + 90y' - 11y = 0

y1(0) = 1
y1'(0) = 0
Calculated y1: (1/12)e^(-11/9 t) + (11/12)e^(1/9 t)

y2(0) = 0
y2'(0) = 1
Calculated y2: (-3/4)e^(-11/9 t) + (3/4)e^(1/9 t)

Homework Equations


W(y1, y2) = |y1 y2 |
| y1' y2' |

The Attempt at a Solution


After calculating y1 and y2, I don't seem to be able to do this determinant calculation. Mostly because it just doesn't look right, plugging in those giant equations and taking the derivative of them. Am I missing something here? Thanks for any help in advance.
 
Last edited:
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Temp0 said:

Homework Statement


W(t) = W(y1, y2) find the Wronskian.
y1(0) = 1
y1'(0) = 0
Calculated y1: (1/12)e^(-11/9 t) + (11/12)e^(1/9 t)

y2(0) = 0
y2'(0) = 1
Calculated y2: (-3/4)e^(-11/9 t) + (3/4)e^(1/9 t)

Homework Equations


W(y1, y2) = |y1 y2 |
| y1' y2' |

The Attempt at a Solution


After calculating y1 and y2, I don't seem to be able to do this determinant calculation. Mostly because it just doesn't look right, plugging in those giant equations and taking the derivative of them. Am I missing something here? Thanks for any help in advance.

Well, you didn't show us where these solutions came from so we can't check whether they are correct. But I suspect the idea isn't to calculate it directly like that. Does your text talk about Abel's theorem? There is a special equation that the Wronskian satisfies that relates ##W(0)## and the coefficients of your DE.
 
Sorry, I have it now, and I have heard a little about Abel's Theorum, I'll try to find more information on it, thanks.

Edit: I got it after abit of research on Abel's Theorum, thanks so much.
 
Last edited:

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