Solve the differential equation dy/dx=xy+y^2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around solving the differential equation dy/dx = xy + y^2. Participants explore various methods and approaches to find a solution, including the use of special functions and transformations. The conversation includes both theoretical and practical aspects of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the integral resulting from the differential equation, suggesting it may be unsolvable.
  • Another participant notes that many ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are analytically unsolvable and hints at potential tricks to manage the equation.
  • A claim is made that the solution cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions, but can be represented using the Erfi function.
  • One participant describes their approach using a transformation and integrating factor, leading to a solution that is also not in elementary form.
  • Another participant identifies the equation as a Bernoulli equation and suggests using Leibniz substitution.
  • Several participants discuss the integration process and the resulting expressions, including the use of the Erfi function and its relationship to the error function.
  • There is mention of verifying the solution using Mathematica, emphasizing the importance of computational tools in confirming results.
  • One participant introduces the idea of treating special functions like Erfi in the same way as standard functions, arguing for their validity in solutions.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the Erfi function, indicating it is a new concept for them.
  • Discussion includes the notion that any valid expression can define a new function, with examples provided to illustrate this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the solvability of the differential equation or the nature of its solutions. Multiple competing views and approaches remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the integration steps and the nature of the solutions, particularly in relation to special functions. There are unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on definitions of functions like Erfi.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in differential equations, special functions, and advanced mathematical techniques may find this discussion relevant.

heman
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How to solve the differential equation
dy/dx=xy+y^2

In my case this leads to an integral which is unsolvable! :cry:
 
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Most ODE's are analytically unsolvable.
It might be there exists a trick to manage this one, but off-hand, I can't help you.
 
The answer can not be expressed in terms of elementary functions. Although with the use of the quite commonly used Erfi function there is a fairly simple representation of the answer, why don't you show us what you have done so far.
 
I have done it this way:
i have put -1/y=t =>1/y^2dy=dt

dt/dx + xt =1
Integrating factor comes out to be e^(x^2/2)
So finally i have to integrate e^(x^2/2) to get the solution.!
I can do the integral but what perplexes is me that it's solution is not in form of elementary functions!
 
It's a Bernoulli equation, you can solve it by Leibniz substitution

[tex]v=y^{(1-n)}[/tex]
 
That's exactly what i have done,but later it is unsolvable,or rather solution is not clear to me.
 
heman said:
That's exactly what i have done,but later it is unsolvable,or rather solution is not clear to me.

Alright, this is how I see it starting from:

[tex]d\left[e^{x^2/2}z\right]=-e^{x^2/2}[/tex]

Integrating:

[tex]\int_{x_0,z_0}^{x,z} d\left[e^{x^2/2}z\right]=-\int_{x_0}^x e^{x^2/2}dx[/tex]

Yielding:

[tex]z=Ke^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\int_{x_0}^x e^{t^2/2}dt[/tex]

Noting that:


[tex]\int_{x_0}^x f(t)dt=K+\int_0^x f(t)dt[/tex]

We can write the above expression as:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\int_0^x e^{t^2/2}dt[/tex]

Letting [itex]u=t/\sqrt{2}[/itex] we obtain:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-\sqrt{2}e^{-x^2/2}\int_0^{x/\sqrt{2}} e^{u^2}du\quad\tag{1}[/tex]

Now, it just so happens that:

[tex]Erfi[x]=\frac{Erf[ix]}{i}[/tex]

and:

[tex]Erf[ix]=\frac{2i}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

so the i's cancel and we're left with:

[tex]Erfi[x]=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

or:

[tex]\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}Erfi[x][/tex]

Substituting that into (1) we get what Mathematica reports:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}<br /> Erfi\left[\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right][/tex]

But z is 1/y so then 1 over all that stuf is the answer (if I didn't make any mistakes). How about a plot?

Also, I'll quote someone in here:

"Equal rights for special functions"

That means, treat Erfi[x] in the same way as Sin[x]. You wouldn't mind if the answer was:

[tex]z(x)=Ce^{-x^2/2}Sin[x][/tex]

would you? Same dif.
 
Oh yea, back-substitute everything into the ODE in Mathematica to make sure the answer is right. We can do that . . . like Gauss and the rest of them wouldn't have used Mathematica if they had it back then. Be for real. :smile:
 
saltydog said:
Alright, this is how I see it starting from:

[tex]d\left[e^{x^2/2}z\right]=-e^{x^2/2}[/tex]

Integrating:

[tex]\int_{x_0,z_0}^{x,z} d\left[e^{x^2/2}z\right]=-\int_{x_0}^x e^{x^2/2}dx[/tex]

Yielding:

[tex]z=Ke^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\int_{x_0}^x e^{t^2/2}dt[/tex]

Noting that:


[tex]\int_{x_0}^x f(t)dt=K+\int_0^x f(t)dt[/tex]

We can write the above expression as:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\int_0^x e^{t^2/2}dt[/tex]

Letting [itex]u=t/\sqrt{2}[/itex] we obtain:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-\sqrt{2}e^{-x^2/2}\int_0^{x/\sqrt{2}} e^{u^2}du\quad\tag{1}[/tex]

Now, it just so happens that:

[tex]Erfi[x]=\frac{Erf[ix]}{i}[/tex]

and:

[tex]Erf[ix]=\frac{2i}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

so the i's cancel and we're left with:

[tex]Erfi[x]=\frac{2}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

or:

[tex]\int_0^{x} e^{t^2}dt=\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}Erfi[x][/tex]

Substituting that into (1) we get what Mathematica reports:

[tex]z(y)=Ce^{-x^2/2}-e^{-x^2/2}\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{2}}<br /> Erfi\left[\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right][/tex]

But z is 1/y so then 1 over all that stuf is the answer (if I didn't make any mistakes). How about a plot?

Also, I'll quote someone in here:

"Equal rights for special functions"

That means, treat Erfi[x] in the same way as Sin[x]. You wouldn't mind if the answer was:

[tex]z(x)=Ce^{-x^2/2}Sin[x][/tex]

would you? Same dif.

Thanks Salty :smile:
Everything is fine and well for me in yours solution!
Could you please throw some light on this New Emergent function!
I came across this first time!
 
  • #10
heman said:
Thanks Salty :smile:
Everything is fine and well for me in yours solution!
Could you please throw some light on this New Emergent function!
I came across this first time!

Well Erfi[x] is called the imaginary Error function and Erf[x] is the error function. Check out Mathworld for details. But just any valid expression can hold for a new function. There's tons of them. For example, if I have some irreducible integral of the form:

[tex]2e^c\int_0^{\sqrt{ln(x)-c}} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

I can call it Sal[x] such that:

[tex]Sal[x]=2e^c\int_0^{\sqrt{ln(x)-c}} e^{t^2}dt[/tex]

and further:

[tex]\frac{dSal[x]}{dx}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{ln(x)+c}}[/tex]


Same dif as Sin[x] as far as I'm concerned.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Thanks Salty! :smile:
 

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