Another change of variable problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modifying the logistic population model to incorporate a periodic growth rate and applying a change of variable to derive an initial value equation. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a logistic growth equation with a periodic growth rate r(t) = A[1 + sin(t/(2*pi))] and seeks to modify the equation accordingly.
  • Another participant points out that r(t) cannot be treated as a constant during integration, suggesting the need to integrate r(t) separately.
  • There is a discussion about the change of variables, specifically substituting y with kz and determining the derivative y' in terms of z.
  • A participant expresses confusion about how to integrate after making the substitution, particularly regarding the expression involving the derivative.
  • Further clarification is provided that y' can be expressed as kz', leading to a discussion on how to set up the integral correctly.
  • One participant proposes that the integral of dz/[(1-z)z] could be simplified to ln(1-z) + ln(z) and questions if this can be equated to the integral of r(t) plus a constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the integration process and the change of variables. There is no consensus on the best approach to proceed with the integration after the substitution.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for careful treatment of variable dependencies during integration and the implications of using a time-dependent growth rate. Specific mathematical steps remain unresolved, particularly in the integration process.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in differential equations, population dynamics, or mathematical modeling may find this discussion relevant.

spoon
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I'm also attempting another problem...

A population has a periodic growth rate r(t) = A[1 + sin(t/(2*pi))], but otherwise follows the logistic population model with carrying capacity K. There is no threshold and the initial population is Yo = Y knot = K/2.

a. Modify the basic logistic equation for this population.
b. Use a change of variable z(t) = y/K to find a initial value equation in z(t). Then Solve for z(t).

So far I have:
Using the logistic growth equation: dy/dt = r(1-y/k)y
Leading to:
integral of [dy/((1-y/k)y)] = rt +c
substituting for r:
integral of [dy/((1-y/k)y)] = t*A[1 + sin(t/(2*pi))] + c

I can't really follow how to use the change of variables well so part b is the most confusing part.
 
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spoon said:
So far I have:
Using the logistic growth equation: dy/dt = r(1-y/k)y
Leading to:
integral of [dy/((1-y/k)y)] = rt +c
substituting for r:
integral of [dy/((1-y/k)y)] = t*A[1 + sin(t/(2*pi))] + c

ah,
as a friend of mine likes to say, "Classic mistake."
if r = r(t) you can't integrate it as if it were a constant then
plug in the value. you need:

[tex]\int \ldots dy = C + \int r(t) dt[/tex]

I can't really follow how to use the change of variables well so part b is the most confusing part.

There shouldn't be anything tricky to a change of variables.
(except, of course, deciding what varibles to use.)
It's a plug-and-chug operation.

if y = k z then
y' = ?

now, just replace every occurrence of y with (kz) and every
occurrence of y' with ?.
 
Thanks for the point about r(t), so I fixed that part, but I'm still confused as how to go about the rest...
If I substitute y with kz and y' with ?, then how do I integrate the following:
?/[(1-z)kz]
Because I could integrate it if the "?" were a "dz" right?
 
I guess I was unclear. it's your job to find out what
to put in in place of the ?.

What I thought i had hinted at
was if y = kz then y' = kz', because
k is a constant.
 
Sorry, looking back that was pretty clear...
So then it would be the integral of:
dz/(1-z)z = ln(1-z) + ln(z)
Then set this equal to:
C + Integral( r(t))
and just solve for z?
 
Last edited:

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