Can I Factor Equations for Diff. Eq. Solving?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around factoring expressions related to differential equations, specifically whether certain numerators can be factored to simplify the equations. The subject area is differential equations and algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to factor numerators involving polynomials and seeks confirmation on whether this can lead to simplifications involving only one variable. Some participants question the clarity of the expressions presented and suggest using LaTeX for better readability.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on formatting and expressing curiosity about the algebraic manipulation involved. There is no explicit consensus on the factoring approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of algebraic expressions in the context of differential equations, with some noting the difficulty in reading the original post due to formatting issues.

Beez
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On my process of obtaining the IF for solving a differential equation, I got stuck with an equation as following. This could be a very simple algebra problem, but I just can't do it. Would someone tell me if I can factor the numerators by (x^4 + 1) for the first equation and by (x^4 -1) for the second equation so that I can have only x or y as a variable?

[(x^4 - 1) - (5*x^4 + 1)]/x*(x^4+1) = (-4*x^4 - 2)/x(x^4 + 1)
= -2(2*x^4 +1)/x(x^4 + 1)

[(5*x^4 + 1) - (x^4 - 1)]/y*(x^4-1) = (4x^4 + 2)/y(x^4 - 1)
=2(2*x^4 + 1)/y(x^4 - 1)

Thanks for your help in advance.
 
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could you use [tex]\LaTeX[/tex] please. it is kinda hard to read without it.
 
OK, I got it. Please take look at the following.

[([tex]x^4[/tex] - 1) - (5[tex]x^4[/tex]+ 1)]/x([tex]x^4[/tex]+1) = (-4[tex]x^4[/tex] - 2)/x([tex]x^4[/tex] + 1)
= -2(2[tex]x^4[/tex] +1)/x([tex]x^4[/tex]+ 1)

[(5[tex]x^4[/tex] + 1) - ([tex]x^4[/tex] - 1)]/y([tex]x^4[/tex]-1) = (4[tex]x^4[/tex] + 2)/y([tex]x^4[/tex]- 1)
=2(2[tex]x^4[/tex]+ 1)/y([tex]x^4[/tex] - 1)

Thanks for your suggestion. I always wanted to know how to type [tex]x^2[/tex] for x^2.
 
Last edited:
ur kidding, right? one exponent isn't enough(especially without the x :smile:)
 

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