# Math Help - I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

1. ## I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

I could use a second opinion on my answer to this question:

Determine the values of $a$, if any, for which all solutions to the equation:

$y'' - (2a - 1)y' + a(a - 1)y = 0$

...tend to zero as $t$ approaches infinity.

The general solution comes out to this:

$y = \frac{C_1e^{at}}{e^t} + C_2e^{at}$

So, my answer would be this:

$0 < a < 1$

if

$C_2 = 0$

$a = 0$

if

$C_2 \neq 0$

Is my answer correct, or did I miss something?

2. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

It is not correct. The condition is $\lim_{t\to +\infty}x(t)=0$ for all solutions $x(t)$ . Then, you have to find the values of $a$ such that $\lim_{t\to +\infty}(C_1e^{(a-1)t}+C_2e^{at})=0$ for all $C_1,C_2$

3. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

I'm not quite sure how to proceed, then.

4. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by Lancet
I'm not quite sure how to proceed, then.

Use the following: $\lim_{t\to +\infty}e^{\beta t}=0\Leftrightarrow \beta <0$ .

5. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

So is it correct that the general answer would be:

$a < 0$

6. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by Lancet
So is it correct that the general answer would be: $a < 0$
Right.

7. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by FernandoRevilla
Right.
Thank you very much for your help!

8. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Quick followup:

If a second question for this same problem asked for the values of $a$ for which all nonzero solutions become unbounded as $t$ approaches infinity, would that just mean $a > 0$ ?

9. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by Lancet
If a second question for this same problem asked for the values of $a$ for which all nonzero solutions become unbounded as $t$ approaches infinity, would that just mean $a > 0$ ?
It is not right. Choose for instance $C_1=1,C_2=0, a=1/2$ .

10. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by FernandoRevilla
It is not right. Choose for instance $C_1=1,C_2=0, a=1/2$ .
Ah yes, thank you.

That being the case, $a > 1$ would fill that requirement, would it not?

11. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Originally Posted by Lancet
That being the case, $a > 1$ would fill that requirement, would it not?

Yes, if $(C_1,C_2)\neq (0,0)$ and $a>1$ then, $x(t)=e^{(a-1)t}(C_1+C_2e^t)\to (+\infty\;\textrm{or}\; -\infty)$ as $t\to +\infty$ .

12. ## Re: I could use a second opinion on the completeness of my solution...

Thank you again for all your help!