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Problem Set 4

This document outlines 9 problems involving solving partial differential equations using techniques like D'Alembert's formula and the method of characteristics. The problems involve: 1) Using D'Alembert's formula to solve an initial value problem for the wave equation. 2) Showing that the spatial derivative of a wave equation solution is also a solution. 3) Showing that translating a wave equation solution in space and time yields another solution. 4) Showing scaling a wave equation solution yields another solution. 5) Solving an initial value problem by factoring the operator. 6) Using energy conservation to show the only solution to a homogeneous problem is zero. 7) Directly showing

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Adrian Harris
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48 views

Problem Set 4

This document outlines 9 problems involving solving partial differential equations using techniques like D'Alembert's formula and the method of characteristics. The problems involve: 1) Using D'Alembert's formula to solve an initial value problem for the wave equation. 2) Showing that the spatial derivative of a wave equation solution is also a solution. 3) Showing that translating a wave equation solution in space and time yields another solution. 4) Showing scaling a wave equation solution yields another solution. 5) Solving an initial value problem by factoring the operator. 6) Using energy conservation to show the only solution to a homogeneous problem is zero. 7) Directly showing

Uploaded by

Adrian Harris
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PROBLEM SET 4 FOR MTH 6151

1. Use D’Alembert’s formula to find the solution to


Utt − c2 Uxx = 0
with the initial data
U (x, 0) = ex ,
Ut (x, 0) = sin x.

2. Let U (x, t) denote a solution to the wave equation


Utt − c2 Uxx = 0.
Show that
∂
V (x, t) ≡ Ux (x, t) = U (x, t)
∂x
is also a solution to the wave equation.

3. Let U (x, t) denote a solution to the wave equation


Utt − c2 Uxx = 0.
Show that
V (x, t) ≡ U (x + k, t + h),
where k and h are constants is also a solution to the wave equation.

4. Let U (x, t) denote a solution to the wave equation


Utt − c2 Uxx = 0.
Show that
V (x, t) ≡ U (αx, αt)
is also a solution to the wave equation for any constant α.

5. Solve
Uxx − 3Uxt − 4Utt = 0,
U (x, 0) = x2 ,
Ut (x, 0) = ex .
Hint: factor the operator as it was done in the lectures for the wave equation. This will lead
to two consecutive first order pde’s with constant coefficients. Each of these equations can be
solved using the method of the characteristics.
1
2 PROBLEM SET 4 FOR MTH 6151

6. Use the conservation of the energy of the wave equation to show that the only solution to
the problem
Utt − c2 Uxx = 0, x ∈ R, t≥0
U (x, 0) = 0,
Ut (x, 0) = 0,
is given by
U (x, t) = 0.
Can you give an interpretation of the above result in terms of a vibrating string?
7. Show by direct computation that D’Alembert’s formula
ˆ
1 x+ct
 
1
U (x, t) = f (x + ct) + f (x − ct) + g(s)ds
2 2c x−ct
solves the wave equation
Utt − c2 Uxx = 0.
HINT: recall that ˆ z
d
h(s)ds = h(z).
dz 0
Split in two the integral in D’Alembert’s formula.
8. Use D’Alembert’s solution to compute the solution to the problem
Utt − c2 Uxx = 0,
U (x, 0) = 0,
1
Ut (x, 0) = .
1 + x2
Provide a sketch of the solution for different times. What do you think happens with the string?
9. Solve the Goursat problem:

2
Utt − c Uxx = 0

u|x−ct=0 = x2
4

u|
x+ct=0 = x .

Hint: Use the formula for general solutions of wave equation on the real line.

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