The matter density parameter at general scale factor isThe reference to the definition of in the printed part points to the wrong equation number: the needed definition is the substitution in part (b). Write , so , , andExpanding the matter growth equation as a function of scale factor first givesUsing and dividing by , we obtainwhere these primes denote derivatives with respect to . For the proposed linear cosmological density perturbation ,The left side of the differential equation, divided by , has numeratorover the common denominator . This proves the result directly. Also for every , so it is a decaying mode:It is proportional to the Hubble parameter, an instance of the Hubble parameter as a solution of the dust growth equation.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2003 iii Paper 66 3 a Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-14
For pressureless matter with curvature and a possible constant cosmological constant, write the background Friedmann equation asDifferentiating on the expanding branch givesConsequentlyThis proves that the Hubble parameter as a solution of the dust growth equation is valid, including constant- and curvature contributions to the background. It does not extend without change to a radiation background or arbitrary dynamical dark energy.
In an Einstein-de Sitter universe, , and . The linear matter perturbation growth equation becomesSubstitute . The indicial equation is , with roots and . ThereforeThe Hubble-parameter solution is the decaying mode in the Einstein-de Sitter universe.