How to Find a General Solution Using Variation of Parameters?

In summary, the Cauchy-Euler equation has a homogeneous solution that is of the form y_p(x)=x^{-3}v_1'+x^3v_2'. The particular solution has the form y_p(x)=\left(-x^{8}\right)x^{-3}+\left(4x^2\right)x^3=3x^5.
  • #1
ineedhelpnow
651
0
Use the variation of parameters method to find a general solution of $x^{2}y''+xy'-9y=48x^{5}$

$m^{2}-9=0$

$(m+3)(m-3)=0$

$m=3,-3$

$y_{h}=c_{1}x^{-3}+c_{2}x^{3}$

$W=6/x$ Don't really know how to do wronskian with latex so i didnt include the steps. But i need help with the rest of this. i know $y_{p}=-y_{1}\int \frac{y_{2}r}{W}+y_{2}\int \frac{y_{1}r}{W}$

What's r?
 
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  • #2
Just so I can get up to speed:

We have a Cauchy-Euler equation, so we can try a solution of the form:

\(\displaystyle y(x)=x^r\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle y'(x)=rx^{r-1}\)

\(\displaystyle y''(x)=r(r-1)x^{r-2}\)

And by substitution, we have:

\(\displaystyle x^2\left(r(r-1)x^{r-2}\right)+x\left(rx^{r-1}\right)-9\left(x^r\right)=0\)

\(\displaystyle r(r-1)x^r+rx^r-9x^r=0\)

\(\displaystyle r(r-1)+r-9=0\)

\(\displaystyle r^2-9=(r+3)(r-3)=0\)

And so, yes...the homogeneous solution is:

\(\displaystyle y_h(x)=c_1x^{-3}+c_2x^3\)

Okay, now what I would do here is assume the particular solution has the form:

\(\displaystyle y_p(x)=v_1(x)x^{-3}+v_2(x)x^3\)

And then solve the system:

\(\displaystyle x^{-3}v_1'+x^3v_2'=0\)

\(\displaystyle -3x^{-4}v_1'+3x^2v_2'=48x^3\)

Now, from the first equation, we find:

\(\displaystyle v_1'=-x^6v_2'\)

And substituting into the second equation, we obtain:

\(\displaystyle -3x^{-4}\left(-x^6v_2'\right)+3x^2v_2'=48x^3\)

\(\displaystyle 6x^2v_2'=48x^3\)

\(\displaystyle v_2'=8x\implies v_2(x)=4x^2\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle v_1'=-x^6\left(8x\right)=-8x^7\implies v_1(x)=-x^{8}\)

And so our particular solution is:

\(\displaystyle y_p(x)=\left(-x^{8}\right)x^{-3}+\left(4x^2\right)x^3=3x^5\)

And so the general solution is:

\(\displaystyle y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=c_1x^{-3}+c_2x^3+3x^5\)
 
  • #3
I just figured it out :D thanks anyway! your steps are way more organized than mine.
 

Related to How to Find a General Solution Using Variation of Parameters?

1. What is the concept of variation of parameters?

Variation of parameters is a method used to find a particular solution to a non-homogeneous linear differential equation. It involves introducing a set of unknown functions, called parameters, to the general solution of the corresponding homogeneous equation.

2. When is variation of parameters used?

Variation of parameters is used when solving non-homogeneous linear differential equations with constant coefficients. It is an alternative method to the method of undetermined coefficients.

3. How does variation of parameters work?

The method of variation of parameters involves finding a particular solution by expressing it as a linear combination of the solutions of the corresponding homogeneous equation, with the coefficients being the unknown parameters. These parameters are then determined by substituting the particular solution into the original non-homogeneous equation.

4. What are the advantages of using variation of parameters?

One advantage of using variation of parameters is that it can be used to find particular solutions for a wider range of non-homogeneous equations compared to the method of undetermined coefficients. Additionally, it allows for the particular solution to be expressed in a more general form, making it easier to work with in further calculations.

5. Are there any limitations to using variation of parameters?

Variation of parameters can be a more time-consuming method compared to other techniques for solving differential equations. It also may not be applicable to equations with non-constant coefficients or higher-order equations. In these cases, other methods such as the method of undetermined coefficients or Laplace transforms may be more suitable.

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