Zeroes of ODE in normal form I need to find the number of zeroes of an ODE: y"+q(x)y=0

DeamyKetSate1m

DeamyKetSate1m

Answered question

2022-03-09

Zeroes of ODE in normal form
I need to find the number of zeroes of an ODE:
yq(x)y=0
when q(x)>0 but monotonic decreasing. For instance:
yyx2=0
where x[1,).
How can I use the Strum-Comparision Theorem to estimate the number of zeroes of it's solution?
(P.S. Here the number of zeroes won't be infinitely many contrary to the general case of q(x)>0 and monotonic increasing.)

Answer & Explanation

Ian Adams

Ian Adams

Skilled2022-03-14Added 163 answers

Step 1
The example you can solve exactly, as that is Euler-Cauchy,
x2y(x)+y(x)=0y(x)=Ax12cos(32ln(x)+B)
giving infinitely many zeros.
Step 2
In the more general case, you can get a first impression by using the WKB approximation
yAq(x)14cos(B+1xq(s)ds)
to get a general idea if the number of zeros will be finite or infinite.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?