Solving ODE: Separate x from M-x

  • Thread starter John O' Meara
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In summary: M}\left[\ln{x} + \ln{\left(M-x\right)}\right] = k\int{dt}. This leads to the final solution of x = \frac{M}{1+\exp^{-Mk(t-50)}} when x = M/2 at t = 50. In summary, the growth rate of the population x in a country is proportional to the product of x and (M-x), and if x is a continuous function of time t with a continuous derivative, then x can be expressed as a function of t and M, where x = M/2 when t = 50.
  • #1
John O' Meara
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The rate of growth of the population x of a country is proportional to the product of x and (M-x), where M is a constant. Assume that x can be regarded as a continuous function of the time t with a continuous derivative at all times and show that if x=M/2 when t=50 then
[tex] x=\frac{M}{1+\exp^{-Mk(t-50)}} \\[/tex].
My attempt:
[tex]\frac{dx}{dt} \propto x(M-x) [/tex] Therefore
[tex] \int\frac{1}{x(M-x)}dx = k\int dt [/tex] Solving the first integral, using partial fractions, we get:
[tex] \int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{m-x} dx \\ [/tex]
Solving the 2nd integral on the l.h.s., let u=M-x => -du=dx, therefore [tex]\int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \ln{x} + \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{u}du \\ [/tex] =-1/M(ln(x) + ln(m-x)) = -1/M*ln(x(M-x)) = [tex] k\int dt[/tex].
Therefore ln(x(M-x)) = -M*k*t - M*c. => [tex] x(M-x) = \exp{-M(kt+c)} [/tex].
As you can see x is not separated, but I cannot find the mistake/s that gave rise to this. Thanks for helping.
 
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  • #2
Recheck the integration by partial fractions.
 
  • #3
I now get x/(M-x) =[tex] \exp{-M(kt+c) [/tex]
 
  • #4
What you wrote as

[tex] \int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int\frac{1}{m-x} dx \\ [/tex]

should have been...

[tex] \int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{M-x} dx \\ [/tex]

i.e.No minus signs.After integrating, it should read,

[tex]\frac{1}{M}\left[\ln{x} - \ln{\left(M-x\right)}\right] = k\int{dt}[/tex]
 
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1. What is an ODE?

An ODE (ordinary differential equation) is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its derivatives. It is commonly used to model dynamical systems in various fields of science and engineering.

2. What does it mean to "separate x" from an ODE?

To "separate x" from an ODE means to rearrange the equation so that all terms containing the variable x are on one side of the equation and all other terms are on the other side. This allows for the solution of the equation to be expressed in terms of x.

3. Why is it important to separate x from an ODE?

Separating x from an ODE is important because it simplifies the equation and makes it easier to solve. It also allows for the identification of a particular solution for the equation, as well as the determination of any necessary boundary conditions.

4. What is the process for solving an ODE by separating x?

The process for solving an ODE by separating x involves rearranging the equation so that all terms containing the variable x are on one side and all other terms are on the other side. Then, the equation can be integrated with respect to x and the resulting equation can be solved for the variable x.

5. Are there any limitations to solving ODEs by separating x?

Yes, there are limitations to solving ODEs by separating x. This method can only be used for linear first-order ODEs, and it may not always give the general solution of the equation. Additionally, the process may become more complicated for higher-order ODEs with multiple variables.

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