Finding Second Order Linear Equation with x & x*ln(x) Solutions

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a second order linear homogeneous equation with a given pair of solutions. The problem is that the proposed solutions do not have an exponential form. However, it is stated that an exponential form is not necessary and a single linear combination of the function and its first and second derivatives that add to zero can be found for both functions. It is suggested to try the equation x y'' - x y' + y = 0 as it is a second degree equation.
  • #1
brad sue
281
0
Hi ,
I am stuck with the following problem:

Find a second order linear homogeneous equation having the pair as a fundamental set of solutions:
y1(x)=x , y2(x)=x*ln(x).


My problem here is that I don't have the exponential form for the proposed solutions.

Thank you for your help

B.
 
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  • #2
You don't need an exponential form. Can you find a (single) linear combination of the function and its first and second derivatives that add to zero - for both functions?
 
  • #3
Tide said:
You don't need an exponential form. Can you find a (single) linear combination of the function and its first and second derivatives that add to zero - for both functions?

Ok you mean :
y1=x ----> (y1)'=1 -------> (y1)"=0
it gives: x*y' -y=0

y2(x)=x*ln(x) ----> (y2)'=1+ln(x) -----> (y2)"=1/x
it gives y*y"-(y'-1)=0

The second equation seems to be the good one since it is a second degree?
Am I right?
 
  • #4
I don't think there is any need to go nonlinear. Try this:

x y'' - x y' + y = 0
 

Related to Finding Second Order Linear Equation with x & x*ln(x) Solutions

1. What is a second order linear equation?

A second order linear equation is a mathematical equation that contains a second derivative of a dependent variable, as well as terms involving that dependent variable and its first derivative. It is written in the form of ax'' + bx' + cx = f(x), where a, b, and c are constants and f(x) is a function of x.

2. How do you solve a second order linear equation with x and x*ln(x) solutions?

To solve a second order linear equation with x and x*ln(x) solutions, you can use the method of undetermined coefficients. This involves guessing a particular solution based on the form of the solutions given and plugging it into the equation to determine the coefficients. Then, you can use the method of variation of parameters to find the general solution.

3. What is the method of undetermined coefficients?

The method of undetermined coefficients is a technique used to solve nonhomogeneous linear differential equations. It involves guessing a particular solution based on the form of the solutions given and plugging it into the equation to determine the coefficients.

4. How do you use the method of variation of parameters?

The method of variation of parameters is used to find the general solution of a nonhomogeneous linear differential equation. It involves finding two linearly independent solutions of the corresponding homogeneous equation, then using them to construct a particular solution. The general solution is then found by adding the particular solution to the linear combination of the two homogeneous solutions.

5. Can a second order linear equation have more than two solutions?

Yes, a second order linear equation can have more than two solutions. However, if it is a nonhomogeneous equation, the number of solutions will be equal to the order of the equation. If it is a homogeneous equation, the number of solutions will depend on the initial conditions given.

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