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Differential EquationsSuperchallengeThe Wronskian & Variation of Parameters

The Wronskian & Variation of Parameters · Superchallenge problem

Let qq be continuous with period 11, and let y1,y2y_1,y_2 solve y′′+q(t) y=0y''+q(t)\,y=0 with y1(0)=1y_1(0)=1, y1′(0)=0y_1'(0)=0, y2(0)=0y_2(0)=0, y2′(0)=1y_2'(0)=1. Suppose y1(1)=2y_1(1)=2 and y2′(1)=3y_2'(1)=3. There is a nonzero solution yy and a number λ>1\lambda>1 with y(t+1)=λ y(t)y(t+1)=\lambda\,y(t) for all tt. Find λ\lambda.