Another First Ord. Diff. Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order linear differential equation given by dy/dx = y/x + 1/x^2 for x > 0. Participants are attempting to verify their solutions and understand the steps involved in finding the integrating factor and rearranging the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their derived solutions and discuss the verification process. There are questions about the correctness of integrating factors and the rearrangement of the equation. Some participants express confusion over notation and methods used in the solution process.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered different solutions and approaches, with some verifying their results while others seek clarification on specific steps. There is an acknowledgment of differing methods, and some participants express a willingness to learn from each other’s approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to adhere to specific methods taught in their coursework, which may influence their understanding and approach to solving the equation. There is also a recognition of potential errors in verification steps that may have led to confusion.

wubie
Hello,

Once again I am having trouble verifying my answer.

Here is the question:

Solve the given first-order linear equation and verify that your solution indeed satisfies the equation:

dy/dx = y/x + 1/x^2, x>0

Now I get an answer of

y = -1/2 * 1/x + xC

But when I sub. back in the the equation

dy/dx = y/x + 1/x^2

It doesn't verify. I keep on trying it over and over again, but I keep on getting the same thing. What am I doing wrong?

Any help is appreciated. Thankyou.
 
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I get

[tex]y = -Cx - \frac{1}{2x}[/tex]

I didn't verify it, so that may not be it, but maybe it is.

EDIT: Just verified it, that's should be the answer; looks like you just missed a sign somewhere.
 
How did you get

-Cx?

I get this:

1/x * y = integral of 1/x^3

which becomes

1/x * y = -1/2 * 1/x^2 + C

then

y = -1/2 * 1/x + Cx

How did you get -Cx?

Some more nfo.

When I try to find the integrating factor I know that

f(x) = - 1/x

Integrating that I get

- ln x

which is the same as

ln x^-1

When this is to the power of e

e^ln x^-1 = 1/x

This is correct right?

So my integrating factor should be 1/x right?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
First, I found the integrating factor to get an exact equation:

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

[tex]M(x,y)dx + N(x,y)dy = 0[/tex]
[tex](yx + 1)dx + (-x^2)dy = 0[/tex]

find [tex]\frac{\frac{\partial M}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial N}{\partial x}}{N} = \frac{x-(-2x)}{-x^2} = -\frac 3 x[/tex]

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

Now multiply the factor (the equation is now exact, but I'll skip that step (you can check if you want)):

[tex]\frac{yx+1}{x^3}dx + (-\frac 1 x)dy = 0[/tex]

So:

[tex]F(x,y) = C = \int{N(x,y)dy} + \Phi(x) = -\frac y x + \Phi(x)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial F}{\partial x} = \frac{y}{x^2} + \Phi'(x) = M(x,y) = \frac{yx + 1}{x^3}[/tex]

Solve for Φ(x) (using algebra and integration) and then find F(x,y):

[tex]F(x,y) = -\frac y x - \frac{1}{2x^2} = C[/tex]

Solving for y:

[tex]y = -Cx - \frac{1}{2x}[/tex]

which can be verified as the correct answer. Does that help?
 
Last edited:
I'm not too familiar with the first part. If that is the way you did it then that is where I got into trouble. I am not too familiar with that notation either.

Typically we try to get the equation into a form of

y' + F(x)y = Q(x)

and then try to find the integrating factor as such

I(x) = e^integral of F(x) dx

So I would then take the integral of F(x).

I will have to look over the first part some more and try to figure it out. I might need some help in the first part. If that is not too much trouble.

Thanks for your help so far.
 
This is what we were shown to do in the text and lecture:

Put into the form y' + P(x)y = Q(x)

So that is what I did:

y' - 1/x * y = 1/x^2.

From that I have P(x) = -1/x.

Now I find the integrating factor I(x) where

I(x) = e^integral of P(x) dx

So then

e^integral of -1/x dx

becomes

e^lnx^-1

which is the same as

x^-1 = 1/x

That is how we are supposed to find the integrating factor. I haven't your procedure before. If you say your answer is correct I would have to believe you since my way is not checking out.

Can you see any similarity to the way you are doing it and the way I am doing it? And if so, can you show me those similarities? If it isn't too much trouble.

Thanks for your time james.
 
Ugh. We're both right. Well, you're more right because I didn't realize you were right.

Anyway, the sign on an arbitrary constant C clearly doesn't matter, so

[tex]y = C_1x- \frac{1}{2x} = -C_2x-\frac{1}{2x}[/tex]

same difference.

Doublecheck your verification step; it should work out:
[tex]y' = C + \frac{1}{2x^2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac y x = C - \frac{1}{2x^2}[/tex]
[tex]y' - \frac y x + \frac{1}{x^2} = (C + \frac{1}{2x^2}) - (C - \frac{1}{2x^2}) - \frac{1}{x^2} = 0[/tex]

So that works out.

Sorry about any foreign notation/formulation I used. I'm a little rusty at this myself and that's just the way I remembered it. Rest assured that both of our formulations accomplish the same task.
 
Hi James,

First of all, I really appreciate your time and effort. Maybe I have just been looking at this too long.

When I did what you said and did the verification yet again, it worked out. I must have had some sort of brain malfunction or something.

Thanks again James.

Have a good night.
 

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