What the test question that just bugged the crap outta me

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation given as y' = 2√y. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the uniqueness of solutions, particularly after finding two solution curves that pass through the point (1,1). There is uncertainty about the implications of the existence and uniqueness theorem in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Bernoulli equation and questions the uniqueness of solutions after identifying two curves. Some participants suggest examining the validity of one of the solution curves at the point of interest, raising questions about the implications of the differential equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the nature of the solutions and questioning the assumptions made during the problem-solving process. There is a recognition of a potential misunderstanding regarding the conditions for uniqueness, and some guidance has been offered regarding the validity of the solutions at the specified point.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a "trick" question regarding the sketching of solution curves, and the original poster notes a desire for clarification before the next meeting. The discussion highlights the complexity of applying the existence and uniqueness theorem in this scenario.

schattenjaeger
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we were given the DE y'=2sqrt(y) that was how it was given, I didn't take the square root myself and thus forget a +and-

so using a bernoulli equation I got (x+c)^2(I think, I'm doing this from memory)

then the next part asked to find two solution curves for the point (1,1), so x^2 and (x-2)^2, right?

THEN it asked for the solution guaranteed by the existence and uniqueness theorem at (1,1), but didn't I just find TWO solution curves for that same point, which means there ISN'T an unique solution? And to further confuzzle matters if I actually apply the theorem it seems like it SHOULD have an unique solution at (1,1)
 
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Take a closer look at the solution [itex]y=(x-2)^2[/itex]. It has a negative slope at [itex]x=1[/itex]. If [itex]y'<0[/itex], then according to your DE [itex]2\sqrt{y}<0[/itex], which is impossible.
 
aw hell, so when it asked me to sketch two solution curves THAT was the "trick" question?
 
or were they both solution curves but they passed through the point or something? We'll go over it on Monday but I hate waiting to know
 
They are not both solutions at [itex]x=1[/itex]. [itex]y=(x-2)^2[/itex] simply does not satisfy the differential equation at [itex]x=1[/itex]. What happened was that you introduced an extraneous root when you squared [itex]y^{1/2}[/itex].
 

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