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GATE 2022 MA – Question 20

Ordinary Differential Equations · Stability and Eigenvalue Problems · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Eigenfunctions at distinct eigenvalues of y″−3y′=λy,0<x<π, with y(0)=y(π)=0 are orthogonal with which weight?

  1. e^(−3x)
  2. e^(−2x)
  3. e^(2x)
  4. e^(3x)

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Correct answer: (A) e^(−3x)

Explanation

Multiply by e⁻³ˣ to write (e⁻³ˣy′)′=λe⁻³ˣy. Subtract the equations for two eigenfunctions and integrate; the boundary term vanishes and (λ₁−λ₂)∫e⁻³ˣy₁y₂=0. Weight **e⁻³ˣ, A**.

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