Need help finding solutions to Diff eq

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter primus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diff eq
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving two specific first-order differential equations. Participants seek assistance in understanding the methods to find solutions and the general rules applicable to such equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with two differential equations and expresses a desire for a general rule for solving them.
  • Another participant identifies the equations as first-order ODEs and suggests using an integrating factor, indicating that the first case requires integration over a general interval while the second involves a definite interval.
  • A different participant elaborates on finding an integrating factor for both equations, emphasizing the need to multiply the entire equation by this factor to facilitate integration.
  • Another participant outlines a method involving separating variables for the homogeneous equation and finding a particular solution using Lagrange's method for the nonhomogeneous equation.
  • One participant provides a detailed step-by-step approach to rewriting the first equation in standard form and calculating the integrating factor, suggesting that the left side can be integrated directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single method or solution approach, as participants offer different techniques and perspectives on solving the differential equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific methods such as integrating factors and Lagrange's method without fully resolving the steps or assumptions involved in these techniques.

primus
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi, I need help to solve two differential equation:

1. Find all solutions to the differential equation 3y' - 2y = 1 - x

2. Find the solution to 2y' + 3y = 4 when y(2) = 0

I would be happy if anyone could explain the general rule to solve these two equations, because the book I use only show poor examples.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
primus said:
Hi, I need help to solve two differential equation:

1. Find all solutions to the differential equation 3y' - 2y = 1 - x

2. Find the solution to 2y' + 3y = 4 when y(2) = 0

I would be happy if anyone could explain the general rule to solve these two equations, because the book I use only show poor examples.

Hello Primus,

These are first-order ODEs: The technique is to find an integrating factor, multiply both sides by it, then integrate. The first case, integrate over a general interval ([itex]x_o[/itex],x), in the second case, integrate over a definite interval (2,x). However, you may not be familiar with these operations. I'll give you some time to look into them on your own. If you still have questions, ask, and me or someone else will work through them with you.
 
Integrating factor:
In problem 1, find a function u(x) so that 3(u(x)y(x))'= 3u(x)y'- 2u(x)y
Multiply the entire equation by u(x) and the left side is easy to integrate.

In problem 2, find a function u(x) so that 2(u(x)y(x))'= 2u(x)y'+ 3u(x)y.
 
Linear nonhomogenous constant coeff.I-st order ODE-s.

1.Solve the homogenous equation bby separating variables.
2.Find the particular solution to the nonhomogenous equation (through Lagrange's method).
3.Write the general solution & impose the initial condition (for the second which is a Cauchy problem).


Daniel.
 
Well, here's the first step:

Whenever you have a first order ODE in that form, place it in standard form:

y'+A(x)y=B(x)

Thus, you have:

[tex]y^{'}-\frac{2}{3}y=\frac{1}{3}(1-x)[/tex]

Once you have it in standard form, the integration factor is e raised to the integral of A(x):

[tex]\mu(x)=e^{\int -\frac{2}{3}dx}=e^{-\frac{2}{3}x[/tex]

Now, just multiply both sides of the standard form equation by the intgration factor:

[tex]e^{-\frac{2}{3}x}(y'-\frac{2}{3}y)=\frac{1}{3}e^{-\frac{2}{3}x}(1-x)[/tex]

The left side is the differential of [itex]e^{-2/3 x}y[/itex] so when you integrate that, you're left with just [itex]e^{-2/3 x}y[/itex] right?

Just integrate indefinitely both sides now and remember to add a constant of integation. It's easier than figuring it by integrating from [itex]x_0[/itex] to x.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
6K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
10K
Replies
4
Views
2K