How to characterise solutions to an unsolved equation

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In summary, the conversation discusses the dependence of solutions on a differentiable function g(x) in an equation with known constants. The dependence can be characterized by integrating both sides of the equation and solving for g(x), but more information is needed to get a specific value for x.
  • #1
NotEuler
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Equation a+bx=(cx+dx^2)*g'(x). I don't know g(x) but it is differentiable. What can I say about the dependence of solutions on g(x) and/or g'(x)?
I'm pondering a seemingly simple problem: Say I have an equation with an unknown function in it. For example,
a+bx=(cx+dx^2)*g'(x)
I don't know g(x) but it is differentiable. What can I say about the dependence of solutions on g(x)?
I don't know the function g(x), except that it is differentiable.

If g'(x) is constant, this seems straightforward. What if g'(x) is not a constant? What can I say with certainty and rigor about the dependence of the solution on g'(x) and g(x)?
 
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  • #2
##g'(x)=\frac{ax+b}{cx+dx^2}##
Now integrate both sides. On the left side you get ##g(x)## plus a constant from the fundamental theorem of calculus. I'll leave it up to you to try integrating the right side (hint: try partial fraction decomposition)
 
  • #3
Thank you Shredder. I may have phrased my question poorly, and am not sure if your answer really addresses what I intended to say.

What I meant is: there is some value of x that solves the original equation. That value will somehow depend on g'(x). How can that dependence be characterised?

I am not sure how integrating will help. Then I will just have an equation with g(x) on one side and a function of x on the other, and I still have the same problem.

Or perhaps I misunderstand something here.
 
  • #4
NotEuler said:
Thank you Shredder. I may have phrased my question poorly, and am not sure if your answer really addresses what I intended to say.

What I meant is: there is some value of x that solves the original equation. That value will somehow depend on g'(x). How can that dependence be characterised?

I am not sure how integrating will help. Then I will just have an equation with g(x) on one side and a function of x on the other, and I still have the same problem.

Or perhaps I misunderstand something here.
Generally, the goal of these equations is to solve for the function g(x). More information is then required to get a specific value of x.
 
  • #5
NotEuler said:
Or perhaps I misunderstand something here.
You ought to be precise about the whole question. Do you have "known" constants ##a, b, c,d## and a "known" function ##g(x)##? And you want to find the specific values of ##x## that solve you equation?
 
  • #6
With ##x=0##, assuming that ##g'(0) \ne \infty##, we must have ##a=0##. Also, what do you mean by "original equation" in post #3?
 

FAQ: How to characterise solutions to an unsolved equation

What does it mean to characterize solutions to an unsolved equation?

To characterize solutions to an unsolved equation means to identify and describe the properties, behavior, and structure of potential solutions without necessarily finding explicit solutions. This can involve understanding the conditions under which solutions exist, their uniqueness, and how they relate to each other.

What methods can be used to analyze unsolved equations?

Several methods can be employed to analyze unsolved equations, including qualitative analysis, numerical simulations, perturbation techniques, and symmetry analysis. Each of these methods provides different insights into the nature of the solutions and can help identify patterns or behaviors that are not immediately obvious.

How can I determine if a solution exists for an unsolved equation?

To determine if a solution exists, one can apply existence theorems relevant to the specific type of equation being studied, such as the Banach fixed-point theorem or the Brouwer fixed-point theorem. Additionally, numerical methods can be used to approximate solutions, providing evidence for existence in specific cases.

What role do boundary conditions play in characterizing solutions?

Boundary conditions are crucial in characterizing solutions because they define the constraints under which the equation is solved. They can influence the uniqueness and stability of solutions, as well as the behavior of solutions near the boundaries. Different boundary conditions can lead to vastly different solution sets.

Can unsolved equations have multiple solutions, and how are they classified?

Yes, unsolved equations can have multiple solutions, which may be classified based on their stability, behavior, and the regions of the solution space they occupy. Solutions can be categorized as unique, multiple, or even continuous families of solutions, depending on the nature of the equation and the conditions applied.

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