[Math] On infinitely many solutions of a nonlinear ODE

ordinary differential equationsreference-request

I have a problem with showing that a given nonlinear ODE has infinitely many solutions. I would be glad if someone can come up with any examples (and its proof) related to this problem.

I would then study this example to understand this concept and apply to mine. I would be glad if there are any references where I can get one or two of such problems and their solutions.

I have read "existence and uniqueness" chapters in a number of textbooks about nonlinear ODEs, but most only give theorems and no applications or exercises to study.

Best Answer

Consider any ODE that satisfies the standard existence and uniqueness theorem in some rectangle $a < x < b$, $c < y < d$. Pick some $x_0 \in (a,b)$. For each $y_0 \in (c,d)$, the existence and uniqueness theorem says there is a unique solution satisfying the initial condition $y(x_0) = y_0$, defined on some interval containing $x_0$. There are infinitely many possible $y_0$, so that's infinitely many solutions right there.