Question

The value of \( m \) so that \( 2x - x^2 + m y^2 \) may be harmonic is:

• A. \( 0 \)
• B. \( 1 \)
• C. \( 2 \)
• D. \( 3 \)

Hint:

A function is harmonic if it satisfies Laplace’s equation: \[ \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2} = 0. \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Condition for a harmonic function. A function \( u(x,y) \) is harmonic if: \[ \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2} = 0. \]
Step 2: Compute second derivatives. For \( u(x,y) = 2x - x^2 + m y^2 \): \[ \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial x^2} = -2, \quad \frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial y^2} = 2m. \]
Step 3: Solve for \( m \). \[ -2 + 2m = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad m = 2. \]
Step 4: Selecting the correct option. Since \( m = 2 \) satisfies the Laplace equation, the correct answer is (C).