2.5 - Examples for Practice
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Classification of First Example
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let’s start by classifying the PDE represented by ∂²u/∂x² + 2∂²u/∂x∂y + ∂²u/∂y² = 0. What do we need to identify first?
We need to find the coefficients A, B, and C to calculate the discriminant!
Correct! Here, A = 1, B = 2, and C = 1. Now, can someone calculate the discriminant for me?
The discriminant Δ = B² - 4AC = 2² - 4(1)(1) = 4 - 4 = 0.
Excellent! Since Δ = 0, we find this is a parabolic PDE. Can anyone recall a physical interpretation of parabolic PDEs?
It represents diffusion, like heat flow.
Right! Let’s summarize: We classified the first equation as parabolic based on a discriminant of zero.
Classification of Second Example
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now let’s move to our second example: ∂²u/∂x² - 4∂²u/∂y² = 0. What’s our first step?
We need to identify A, B, and C again.
Exactly! Here, A = 1, B = 0, and C = -4. What’s our discriminant now?
Δ = 0² - 4(1)(-4) = 0 + 16 = 16, so Δ > 0.
Very good! Since it's greater than zero, we classify it as hyperbolic. Remember that hyperbolic PDEs describe wave propagation.
Like sound waves or vibrations, right?
Exactly! To summarize, we classified our second equation as hyperbolic due to the positive discriminant.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we practice classifying second-order partial differential equations (PDEs) into elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic categories using their discriminants. Two specific examples are presented to reinforce understanding.
Detailed
Examples for Practice
This section focuses on practical applications of the classification of second-order Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). By applying the method of calculating the discriminant (Δ = B² - 4AC), we classify given equations into one of three categories:
- Elliptic PDEs (Δ < 0)
- Parabolic PDEs (Δ = 0)
- Hyperbolic PDEs (Δ > 0)
Two examples are provided to help students practice this classification, ensuring comprehension of the method and its relevance across different contexts in physics and engineering.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Example 1: Classifying a PDE
Chapter 1 of 2
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
∂2u ∂2u ∂2u
1. Classify: +2 + =0 → A=1,B=2,C=1 → Δ=22−4(1)(1)=0 ⇒
∂x2 ∂x∂y ∂ y2
Parabolic
Detailed Explanation
In this example, we classify a partial differential equation (PDE) given in standard form. To classify it, we identify the coefficients: A, B, and C. The equation provided is transformed to express A, B, and C directly. Here, A = 1, B = 2, and C = 1. Next, we compute the discriminant Δ using the formula Δ = B² - 4AC. When we substitute the values in, we calculate Δ = 2² - 4(1)(1) = 4 - 4 = 0. A discriminant of zero indicates that the PDE is a parabolic type, which typically relates to diffusion processes such as heat conduction.
Examples & Analogies
Think of parabolic PDEs like a slow, simmering pot of water on the stove. The heat spreads gradually through the water rather than quickly boiling over, representing a diffusion-like process. Just as every part of the water eventually reaches the same temperature in steady-state, a parabolic PDE ensures that the changes smooth out over time.
Example 2: Classifying Another PDE
Chapter 2 of 2
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
∂2u ∂2u
2. Classify: −4 =0 → A=1,B=0,C=−4 → Δ=0−4(1)(−4)=16 ⇒
∂x2 ∂ y2
Hyperbolic
Detailed Explanation
In this example, we are tasked with classifying a different PDE. Similar to the first example, we identify the coefficients: A, B, and C. Here, A = 1, B = 0, and C = -4. We again compute the discriminant Δ, using the same formula: Δ = B² - 4AC. With our values, this results in Δ = 0² - 4(1)(-4) = 0 + 16 = 16. Since the discriminant is greater than zero, this signifies that the PDE is hyperbolic, which typically relates to wave propagation scenarios.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a stone being thrown into a calm pond. The ripples that emanate outward represent a wave-like process. Just as those ripples travel at a certain speed, hyperbolic PDEs depict how waves propagate through different media, strikingly demonstrating how disturbances can travel through a medium.
Key Concepts
-
Classification of PDEs: Parabolic, Hyperbolic, Elliptic based on the discriminant Δ = B² - 4AC.
-
Physical Interpretations: Elliptic for steady-states, parabolic for diffusion, hyperbolic for wave propagation.
Examples & Applications
Classify the PDE ∂²u/∂x² + 2∂²u/∂x∂y + ∂²u/∂y² = 0 as Parabolic (Δ=0).
Classify the PDE ∂²u/∂x² - 4∂²u/∂y² = 0 as Hyperbolic (Δ=16).
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Elliptic is steady, with a negative flair; parabolic's diffusion, brings heat everywhere.
Stories
Imagine a calm lake (elliptic), a pool of flowing heat (parabolic), and waves crashing against the shore (hyperbolic). Each represents a PDE type.
Memory Tools
E-P-H (Elliptic-Parabolic-Hyperbolic) - Think of Energy-Peaceful-High, each one representing an equation class.
Acronyms
D-E-H
Discriminant - Elliptic (D<0) - Hyperbolic (D>0)
remember Delicate Equations in Harmony.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- PDE
Partial Differential Equation, an equation involving multivariable functions and their partial derivatives.
- Discriminant
A determinant used to classify quadratic equations, given by Δ = B² - 4AC.
- Elliptic PDE
A type of PDE defined by a negative discriminant (Δ < 0), often modeling steady-state processes.
- Parabolic PDE
A type of PDE with a zero discriminant (Δ = 0), usually modeling diffusion processes.
- Hyperbolic PDE
A type of PDE characterized by a positive discriminant (Δ > 0), illustrating wave dynamics.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.