Intergrating a Differential Equation using the intergrating factor method

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the integrating factor and solving a differential equation. The mistake in the solution is identified and corrected, resulting in the correct answer of yx^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{1}{2}x^{2}.
  • #1
thomas49th
655
0

Homework Statement



[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{y}{2x} = -x^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

Homework Equations




[tex]yT =\int{QT}dx + C[/tex]
where T is the intergrating factor

T = [tex]e^{\int{P}dx[/tex]
and P is the co-efficient of y from the differential equations


The Attempt at a Solution



well to find T we need to do:

[tex]e^{\int{\frac{1}{2x}}}dx[/tex]
[tex]e^{\frac{1}{2}\int{\frac{1}{x}}}dx[/tex]
[tex]e^{\frac{1}{2}ln|x|}[/tex]
[tex] = x^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

so using [tex]yT =\int{QT}dx + C[/tex]

you get

[tex] yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx[/tex]
[tex] yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{1}dx[/tex]
[tex] yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= x + c[/tex]

the answer in the back of the book says [tex]yx^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{1}{2}x^{2}[/tex]
Where have I gone wrong?

Thanks :)
 
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  • #2
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}-\left(-\frac{1}{2x}\right)y=-x^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

Which makes your integrating factor [tex]x^\frac 1 2[/tex]

[tex]yx^\frac 1 2=-\int x^\frac 1 2 x^\frac 1 2dx=-\int xdx[/tex]

Watch your inputting.
 
  • #3
[tex]
yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx
[/tex]

woops. above is what is ment to say
[tex]x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]
simplifies to 1 right?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
  • #4
thomas49th said:
[tex]
yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx
[/tex]

woops. above is what is ment to say
[tex]x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]
simplifies to 1 right?

Thanks :)
No! Is the negative with x^1/2 or with just the 1/2?
 
  • #5
[tex]
x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}
[/tex]

is what i mean

thanks :)
 
  • #6
thomas49th said:
[tex]
x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}
[/tex]

is what i mean

thanks :)
I knew what you meant, but why would the negative be with the 1/2 making it [tex]x^{-\frac 1 2}[/tex]?

Isn't the right side [tex]-\int x^\frac 1 2dx[/tex] then multiplied by your integrating factor, [tex]-\int x^\frac 1 2x^\frac 1 2dx[/tex].
 
  • #7
your a genius :)
 

What is the integrating factor method?

The integrating factor method is a technique used to solve certain types of differential equations, specifically those that can be written in the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x). It involves multiplying both sides of the equation by an integrating factor, which is a function of x, in order to make the left side of the equation integrable.

When is the integrating factor method used?

The integrating factor method is used when solving first-order linear differential equations, which are equations that can be written in the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x). It is particularly useful when the equation is not easily solvable using other techniques, such as separation of variables or substitution.

How do you determine the integrating factor?

The integrating factor is determined by taking the coefficient of y, which is P(x), and using it to calculate the integral of e^∫P(x)dx. This integral is then used to multiply both sides of the equation, transforming the original equation into a form that can be easily solved.

What are the steps for using the integrating factor method?

The steps for using the integrating factor method are as follows:

  1. Identify that the equation is a first-order linear differential equation in the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x).
  2. Calculate the integrating factor by taking the coefficient of y, which is P(x), and using it to calculate the integral of e^∫P(x)dx.
  3. Multiply both sides of the equation by the integrating factor.
  4. Solve the resulting equation using integration techniques.
  5. Check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

Are there any limitations to the integrating factor method?

Yes, the integrating factor method can only be used for first-order linear differential equations in the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x). It cannot be used for other types of differential equations, such as second-order or nonlinear equations. Additionally, the method may not always work if the integrating factor cannot be easily determined or if the resulting equation is not solvable using integration techniques.

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