Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-analysis-and-differential-equations-1-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2013/differential-equations/8/b/solution
Past exam of the algebra, analysis and differential equations 1 course of the University of Oxford 2013 Differential Equations 8 b Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-31
In the lower triangular region, the characteristic coordinates obey . Integrating the canonical wave equation givesOn the right characteristic edge, and , so its prescribed value gives . On the left edge, and , giving . At the common vertex the two values agree and equal zero; hence .
Adding the two edge identities and subtracting this vertex identity determines the entire solution:The apparent freedom to add a constant to and subtract it from does not change . Every classical lower-region solution has the displayed separated form, so these two characteristic boundary traces determine it uniquely. Substitution into and into both edge values directly verifies existence.
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