The function u(x,y) satisfies the partial differential equation
a∂x2∂2u+b∂x∂y∂2u+c∂y2∂2u=0
where a,b and c are non-zero constants.
Defining the variables ξ=αx+y and η=βx+y, where α and β are constants, and writing v(ξ,η)=u(x,y) show that
a∂x2∂2u+b∂x∂y∂2u+c∂y2∂2u=A(α,β)∂ξ2∂2v+B(α,β)∂ξ∂η∂2v+C(α,β)∂η2∂2v,
where you should determine the functions A(α,β),B(α,β) and C(α,β).
If the quadratic as2+bs+c=0 has distinct real roots then show that α and β can be chosen such that A(α,β)=C(α,β)=0 and B(α,β)=0.
If the quadratic as2+bs+c=0 has a repeated root then show that α and β can be chosen such that A(α,β)=B(α,β)=0 and C(α,β)=0.
Hence find the general solutions of the equations
∂x2∂2u+3∂x∂y∂2u+2∂y2∂2u=0
and
∂x2∂2u+2∂x∂y∂2u+∂y2∂2u=0