How do I get d^2 y/dx^2 for a Cauchy-Euler, differential equation?

In summary, to derive d^2 y/dx^2 for a Cauchy-Euler differential equation, you can use the chain rule and the formula d/dt (dy/dx) = (1/x) (d^2 y/dt^2 - dy/dt) to get the final result: d^2 y/dx^2 = (1/x^2) (d^2 y/dt^2 - dy/dt).
  • #1
s3a
818
8

Homework Statement


How do I get d^2 y/dx^2 for a Cauchy-Euler, differential equation?

Basically, how do I derive d^2 y/dx^2, as given in the following link (since I don't want to just memorize that equation)?:
http://www.sosmath.com/diffeq/second/euler/euler.html

Homework Equations


* Cauchy-Euler, differential Equation.
* x = e^t
* Differentiating.
* Chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution


I do get how to derive dy/dx.

When I try to derive d^2 y/dx^2, I get a very close result, but it's different.

Could someone please tell me where my mistake is, or if I'm doing something completely wrong, tell me what it is I am doing wrong?

Here is my work.:
x = e^t

dy/dx = 1/x dy/dt

d/dx (dy/dx) = d/dx(1/x dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dx (dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dt (dy/dx)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dt (1/x dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dt (e^(-t) dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = (-1/x^2) dy/dt + [e^(-t)] d/dt (e^(-t) dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = [-e^(-2t)] dy/dt + [e^(-t)] (-[e^(-t)] [dy/dt] + [e^(-t)] [d^2 y/dt^2])

d^2 x/dx^2 = -e^(-2t) dy/dt – e^(-2t) dy/dt + e^(-2t) d^2 y/dt^2

d^2 x/dx^2 = -2e^(-2t) dy/dt + e^(-2t) d^2 y/dt^2

d^2 x/dx^2 = e^(-2t) [d^2 y/dt^2 - 2 dy/dt]


Any help in deriving d^2 y/dx^2 would be GREATLY appreciated!
 
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  • #2
s3a said:

Homework Statement


How do I get d^2 y/dx^2 for a Cauchy-Euler, differential equation?

Basically, how do I derive d^2 y/dx^2, as given in the following link (since I don't want to just memorize that equation)?:
http://www.sosmath.com/diffeq/second/euler/euler.html

Homework Equations


* Cauchy-Euler, differential Equation.
* x = e^t
* Differentiating.
* Chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution


I do get how to derive dy/dx.

When I try to derive d^2 y/dx^2, I get a very close result, but it's different.

Could someone please tell me where my mistake is, or if I'm doing something completely wrong, tell me what it is I am doing wrong?

Here is my work.:
x = e^t

dy/dx = 1/x dy/dt

d/dx (dy/dx) = d/dx(1/x dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dx (dy/dt)

d^2 x/dx^2 = d/dx (1/x) dy/dt + (1/x) d/dt (dy/dx)

I assume you mean [itex]d^2 y/dx^2[/itex] on the left, but your error is in assuming
[tex]
\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right) = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)
[/tex]
This doesn't work here:
[tex]
\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right) = \frac1x \frac{d^2 y}{dt^2}
[/tex]
but
[tex]
\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)
= \frac{d}{dt}\left(e^{-t} \frac{dy}{dt}\right)
= e^{-t}\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - e^{-t} \frac{dy}{dt}
= \frac1x \frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - \frac1x \frac{dy}{dt}
[/tex]

Any help in deriving d^2 y/dx^2 would be GREATLY appreciated!

I would start with the chain rule in the form
[tex]
\frac{d}{dt} = x \frac{d}{dx}
[/tex]
and then
[tex]
\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} = x\frac{d}{dx}\left( x \frac{dy}{dx}\right)
= x \frac{dy}{dx} + x^2 \frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}
= \frac{dy}{dt} + x^2 \frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}
[/tex]
so that
[tex]
\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} =
\frac1{x^2} \left(\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - \frac{dy}{dt}\right) \\
= e^{-2t} \left(\frac{d^2 y}{dt^2} - \frac{dy}{dt}\right)
[/tex]
 
  • #3
Thank you very much!
 

FAQ: How do I get d^2 y/dx^2 for a Cauchy-Euler, differential equation?

1. How do I determine the order of a Cauchy-Euler differential equation?

The order of a Cauchy-Euler differential equation is determined by the highest derivative present in the equation. For example, if the equation is of the form d^2y/dx^2 + 5(dy/dx) + 3y = 0, the order is 2.

2. What is the general form of a Cauchy-Euler differential equation?

The general form of a Cauchy-Euler differential equation is a(d^2y/dx^2) + b(dy/dx) + cy = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

3. How do I solve a Cauchy-Euler differential equation?

To solve a Cauchy-Euler differential equation, you can use the method of substitution. Let x = e^t and then substitute this into the equation. This will transform the equation into a constant coefficient differential equation, which can be solved using standard techniques.

4. What is the characteristic equation in a Cauchy-Euler differential equation?

The characteristic equation in a Cauchy-Euler differential equation is a r^2 + (b-a)r + c = 0, where r is the characteristic root. This equation is obtained by substituting y = x^r into the general form of the equation.

5. Can a Cauchy-Euler differential equation have complex solutions?

Yes, a Cauchy-Euler differential equation can have complex solutions. This can occur when the characteristic roots of the equation are complex numbers. In this case, the general solution will involve complex numbers, but the real part of the solution will still satisfy the original differential equation.

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