Chapter 18: Problem 5
Obtain two linearly independent solutions valid for \(x>0\) unless otherwise instructed. $$ x(1+x) y^{\prime \prime}+(1+5 x) y^{\prime}+3 y=0 $$.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The linearly independent solutions are \( y_1(x) = x^{-1} \) and \( y_2(x) = x^{-3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of differential equation
The given differential equation is \(x(1+x) y'' + (1+5x) y' + 3y = 0\). It’s a second-order linear ordinary differential equation. Given its form, it appears to be a Cauchy-Euler equation, which is a specific type of differential equation that can often be solved using substitution methods.
02
Apply substitution for Cauchy-Euler equation
Substitute \( y = x^m \) into the differential equation. Compute \( y' = mx^{m-1} \) and \( y'' = m(m-1)x^{m-2} \). Substitute these expressions into the differential equation to try and find a characteristic equation.
03
Derive and solve the characteristic equation
Substituting \( y = x^m \), \( y' = mx^{m-1} \), and \( y'' = m(m-1)x^{m-2} \) into the differential equation gives us: \( x(1+x)m(m-1)x^{m-2} + (1+5x)mx^{m-1} + 3x^m = 0 \). Simplifying and equating the coefficients, form a quadratic equation in terms of \( m \): \( m^2 + 4m + 3 = 0 \). Solving this gives two roots, \( m_1 = -1 \) and \( m_2 = -3 \).
04
Write the general solution
Using the roots of the characteristic equation, the general solution of the differential equation is a linear combination of the two linearly independent solutions: \( y(x) = C_1x^{-1} + C_2x^{-3} \) where \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \) are arbitrary constants. This general solution is valid for \( x > 0 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Second-Order Linear Differential Equations
These types of equations involve derivatives of a function up to the second derivative. The general form is expressed as:
For our equation, \( x(1+x) y'' + (1+5x) y' + 3y = 0 \), the coefficients depend on \( x \), making it a variable coefficient differential equation, specifically of the second order.
- \( a(x) y'' + b(x) y' + c(x) y = 0 \)
For our equation, \( x(1+x) y'' + (1+5x) y' + 3y = 0 \), the coefficients depend on \( x \), making it a variable coefficient differential equation, specifically of the second order.
Ordinary Differential Equations
An ordinary differential equation (ODE) involves functions of a single variable and their derivatives. In contrast to partial differential equations, which involve multiple variables, ODEs are simpler in terms of their scope. They're abundant in modeling real-world systems like population growth or mechanical movements.
Our specific ODE is derived from the mathematics of the Cauchy-Euler equation, characterized by its ability to simplify solutions by a particular method of substitution. This makes solving Cauchy-Euler type ODEs a common exercise in advanced calculus.
Our specific ODE is derived from the mathematics of the Cauchy-Euler equation, characterized by its ability to simplify solutions by a particular method of substitution. This makes solving Cauchy-Euler type ODEs a common exercise in advanced calculus.
Characteristic Equation
The characteristic equation is a tool to solve differential equations, especially those resembling the form of Cauchy-Euler equations. By assuming a solution of the form \( y = x^m \), and substituting it back into the equation, we derive an algebraic equation involving \( m \), called the characteristic equation.
For our problem:
For our problem:
- The given substitution \( y = x^m \), leads to: \( m^2 + 4m + 3 = 0 \)
General Solution
Once the characteristic equation is solved, the general solution can be formed. For second-order linear ODEs like the Cauchy-Euler type, the roots of the characteristic equation guide us. If the roots \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are real and distinct, as they are here, the general solution is:
\( y(x) = C_1x^{-1} + C_2x^{-3} \).
This solution holds for \( x > 0 \) and each \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \) represents arbitrary constants determined by initial conditions, showcasing the flexibility of solutions in differential equations.
- \( y(x) = C_1x^{m_1} + C_2x^{m_2} \)
\( y(x) = C_1x^{-1} + C_2x^{-3} \).
This solution holds for \( x > 0 \) and each \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \) represents arbitrary constants determined by initial conditions, showcasing the flexibility of solutions in differential equations.