Homework 1 (Due October 6, 2016)

Problem 1. Solve the following first order partial differential equations:

(a) 2u0x + 3u0y = 0,
(b) u0x + 2xy 2 u0y = 0.
Problem 2. Solve the following initial value problems, for x R, t R,
(1) u00tt u00xx = 0, u(x, 0) = ex , u0t (x, 0) = sin x;
(2) u00tt 9u00xx = 0, u(x, 0) = log(1 + x2 ), u0t (x, 0) = 4 + x.
Problem 3. Consider the initial value problem
u00tt c2 u00xx = 0, x R, tR
u(x, 0) = (x),
u0t (x, 0) = 0,
where c = 2 and (
e4x , x 0,
(x) = 4x
e , x>0
Sketch the solution for t = 0, t = 2 and t = 5. How long does it take for the peak
of the wave to reach the point x = 17?
Problem 4. Consider the initial value problem
u00tt c2 u00xx = 0, x R, t R,
u(x, 0) = (x),
u0t (x, 0) = (x).
If both and are odd functions of x, show that the solution u(x, t) is also odd
in x for all t.
Problem 5. The midpoint of a piano string of tension T , density , and length
l is hit by a hammer whose head diameter is 2a. A flea is sitting at a distance
l/4 from one end. (Assume that a < l/4; otherwise, poor flea!) How long does it
take for the disturbance to reach the flea?