How to solve Sturm Liouville problem $y′′+\lambda y=0$?

I have the Sturm-Liouville problem $$y''(t) + \lambda\ y(t) = 0,\hspace{1cm} y(0) = y(\pi) = 0.$$

When I reach the case where $$\Delta < 0\ \implies \lambda > 0$$ I find $$y(t) = C_1 \cos( \lambda^{\frac{1}{2}} t) + C_2 \sin( \lambda^{\frac{1}{2}} t),$$ and both coefficients $C_1$ and $C_2$ are equal to zero.

How to solve this problem, meaning that I need to find the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions?

• math.stackexchange.com/questions/247730/… – Amzoti Jul 27 '13 at 14:26
• Are you sure that's $y(\pi)=0$, and not $y'(\pi)=0$? – Ataraxia Jul 27 '13 at 14:27
• @Ataraxia Yes thats correct – BugShotGG Jul 27 '13 at 14:28
• @GeoPapas: Can you correct the problem statement if incorrect? You should consider the three cases for $\lambda$. Also, you need to find the eigenfunctions as a conclusion. Regards – Amzoti Jul 27 '13 at 14:30
• @Amzoti Yes I have got the other 2 cases but lead to c1=0 and c2=0 and yes, I am trying to find the eigenfunctions. – BugShotGG Jul 27 '13 at 14:46

Since $C_1 = 0$ follows from the first boundary condition, we have $$y(\pi) = 0 = C_2 \sin(\sqrt{\lambda}\pi) \implies \sqrt{\lambda}\pi = n\pi \implies \lambda = n^2 \quad (\text{for } n = 1, 2, \ldots).$$ Now you can find the eigenfunctions because $$y(t) = C_2 \sin(\sqrt{\lambda}t) = C_2 \sin(nt).$$ Note that the case $n = 0$ needs to be studied separately. Just plug in $\lambda = 0$ in the ODE and see what you get. Also, see this related question.

• From $y(0)=0$ you can deduce $C_1=0$. The only option left is $C_2$. See my answer. – ccorn Jul 27 '13 at 14:43
• @ccorn: Thanks for the comment. See the edit. – Mhenni Benghorbal Jul 27 '13 at 14:51
• Note that $n=0$ leads to $y(t)=0$, and zero functions do not count as eigenfunctions (though they are members of eigenspaces, of course). – ccorn Jul 27 '13 at 15:01
• @ccorn: In fact, $n=0$ is a special case and it has to be studied separately. – Mhenni Benghorbal Jul 27 '13 at 15:06
• @MhenniBenghorbal Thanks for the reply! Indeed n=0 leads to y(t)=0 and the eigenfunction is also correct. – BugShotGG Jul 27 '13 at 18:47

Your general solution is correct and the given boundary conditions imply $y(t) = 0$. Overall, you have not made any mistakes as you have arrived at the correct solution. However, to solve for the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions use the fact that $y(\pi) = 0$ and $\sin x = 0 \Longleftrightarrow x = n\pi$ whenever $n \in \mathbb Z$. Do not forget to apply the Superposition Principle. I hope this helps.

• @GeoPapas No mistakes except for the "there is no solution" part. There is a solution, it's $y(t)=0$ :) – Ataraxia Jul 27 '13 at 14:35
• @GeoPapas Precisely. – glebovg Jul 27 '13 at 14:36
• Those are not inital conditions, but boundary conditions, and these leave possibilities for certain values of $\lambda$. See my answer. – ccorn Jul 27 '13 at 14:45
• @ccorn Thanks. By the way, although the general solution will change depending on the sign of $\lambda$, given boundary conditions lead to $y(t) = 0$. – glebovg Jul 27 '13 at 15:15
• @glebovg: You essentially state that there are no oscillatory modes for a linearized guitar string. Think again. – ccorn Jul 27 '13 at 15:15