How do I patch together solutions for a discontinuous coefficient problem?

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In summary, the problem stated that for a discontinuous coefficient, "Occasions arise when the coefficient P(x) in a linear equation fails to be continuous because of the jump discontinuous." A solution may still be obtained by solving the initial value problem for x=0, 1, and 2. In this case, the general solution was x=2. Next, the constant C in the general solution of part b must be chosen so that the solution from part a and solution from part c agree.
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cbarker1
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Discontinuous Coefficients Problem

Hello,

I need some help for part d.

The book's problem stated, "Occasions arise when the coefficient P(x) in a linear equation fails to be continuous because of the jump discontinuous. Fortunately, we may still obtain a 'reasonable' solution. For example consider the initial value problem

$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$


a) Find the general solution for
0\le x\le2$
b) Choose the constant in the solution of part a so that the initial condition is satisfied.
c.) Find the general solution $x\gt2$
d.) Now choose the constant in the general solution from part c so that the solution from part b and solution from part c agree $x=2$. By patching the two solutions together, we can obtain a continuous function that satisfies the differential equation except at x=2, where its derivative is undefined.

Work for part a:
$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$

Since the interval is $0\le x \le 2$, I have to plugin in 1 for the P.

$\d{y}{x}+y=x$

Integrating Factor
$\mu(x)=e^{\int dx}=e^{x}$

$e^{x}\d{y}{x}+e^{x}y=xe^{x}$

$\left[e^{x}y\right]^{\prime}=xe^{x}$

$\int\left[e^{x}y\right]^{\prime}=\int xe^{x}dx$

Integrating by parts

$e^{x}y=e^{x}\left(x-1\right)+C$

$y=x-1+Ce^{-x}$

Work for part b.
$y(x)=x-1+Ce^{-x}$

$y(0)=1=-1+C$

$C=2$

$y(x)=x-1+2e^{-x}$

Work for part C.

$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=x$ , $y(0)=1$ where
$P(x)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}1,&\mbox{ if }
0\le x\le2 \\3, & \mbox{ if } x>2\end{array}\right.$

Since the interval is $x \gt 2$, I have to plugin in 3 for the P.

$\d{y}{x}+3y=x$

Integrating Factor
$\mu(x)=e^{3\int dx}=e^{3x}$

$e^{3x}\d{y}{x}+3e^{3x}y=xe^{3x}$

$\left[e^{3x}y\right]^{\prime}=xe^{3x}$

$\int\left[e^{3x}y\right]^{\prime}=\int xe^{3x}dx$

Integrating by parts

$e^{3x}y=\frac{1}{9}e^{3x}\left(x-1\right)+C$

$y=\frac{1}{9}(3x-1)+Ce^{-3x}$

I am lost for part d. I do not know how to start with part d.

Thank you for your help.

Cbarker1
 
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  • #2
Since part (d says that x=2, plug in the value of x in for the answer from part b and part c and equality them too?
 

FAQ: How do I patch together solutions for a discontinuous coefficient problem?

What are discontinuous coefficients?

Discontinuous coefficients refer to a mathematical concept where the coefficients of a function or equation change abruptly at specific points or intervals instead of changing smoothly.

What is an example of a function with discontinuous coefficients?

A classic example is the Heaviside step function, which has a discontinuity at x=0, where the coefficient abruptly changes from 0 to 1.

How do discontinuous coefficients affect the behavior of a function?

Discontinuous coefficients can cause abrupt changes or jumps in the function's value, making it non-differentiable at those points. This can also result in undefined or infinite values in some cases.

What are some real-world applications of discontinuous coefficients?

Discontinuous coefficients are commonly used in physics and engineering to model systems with sudden changes or transitions, such as in electrical circuits or in thermodynamics.

How can one handle discontinuous coefficients in mathematical calculations?

Discontinuous coefficients can be handled by breaking the function or equation into smaller, continuous parts and using different methods for each part. Alternatively, numerical methods can also be used to approximate the behavior of the function.

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