The linear second-order differential equation
dx2d2y+p(x)dxdy+q(x)y=0
has linearly independent solutions y1(x) and y2(x). Define the Wronskian W of y1(x) and y2(x).
Suppose that y1(x) is known. Use the Wronskian to write down a first-order differential equation for y2(x). Hence express y2(x) in terms of y1(x) and W.
Show further that W satisfies the differential equation
dxdW+p(x)W=0
Verify that y1(x)=x2−2x+1 is a solution of
(x−1)2dx2d2y+(x−1)dxdy−4y=0.
Compute the Wronskian and hence determine a second, linearly independent, solution of (∗).