Solution for these Differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving three differential equations, which include a Riccati equation and a first-order linear equation. Participants express challenges in separating variables and seek hints to refresh their understanding of differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for tackling the equations, including variable substitutions and transformations. Some suggest using standard forms and integrating factors, while others question the feasibility of separating variables.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered hints and guidance on how to approach the equations, particularly focusing on transformations and simplifications. There is acknowledgment of progress made on one of the equations, while others remain under exploration without explicit consensus on solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention constraints related to their understanding of specific types of differential equations, such as Riccati equations, and express uncertainty about the methods to apply.

Reshma
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Hi everyone. I'm trying to solve these differential equations but I could not crack a single nut. I seem to have lost my memory on solving differential equations :bugeye:. Please help me refresh it by providing useful hints.
I'm unable to separate the variables in the following. Perhaps I'm missing out on something important.

1] [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} + 2y = y^2e^{2x}[/tex]

2] [tex]2y\frac{dy}{dx} + y^2 = \frac{x}{2}e^{-x}[/tex]

3] [tex]x^2\frac{dy}{dx} - 2xy = \frac{1}{x}[/tex]
 
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Reshma said:
Hi everyone. I'm trying to solve these differential equations but I could not crack a single nut. I seem to have lost my memory on solving differential equations :bugeye:. Please help me refresh it by providing useful hints.
I'm unable to separate the variables in the following. Perhaps I'm missing out on something important.

1] [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} + 2y = y^2e^{2x}[/tex]

2] [tex]2y\frac{dy}{dx} + y^2 = \frac{x}{2}e^{-x}[/tex]

3] [tex]x^2\frac{dy}{dx} - 2xy = \frac{1}{x}[/tex]

First one is a Riccati. Make the change of variables usually done for such equations and see what happens.
 
For the second one, can you simplfy the derivative term? After a well chosen substitution, the differential equation becomes linear.

For the third one, the equation is linear first order and there is a general method available.
 
Physics Monkey said:
For the second one, can you simplfy the derivative term? After a well chosen substitution, the differential equation becomes linear.
For the third one, the equation is linear first order and there is a general method available.

Thank you so much for the help.

Well, I was able to solve the third one!

Bringing the equation in the general form:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} - \frac{2}{x} y = \frac{1}{x^3}[/tex]

Setting [tex]y = u(x)v(x)[/tex]

So,
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = u\frac{dv}{dx} + v\frac{du}{dx}[/tex]

[tex]u\left(\frac{dv}{dx} - \frac{2}{x}v\right) + v\frac{du}{dx} = \frac{1}{x^3}[/tex]...(1)

Solving for v:
[tex]\frac{dv}{dx} - \frac{2}{x} v = 0[/tex]

On solving:
[tex]\ln v = \ln x^2[/tex]
[tex]v = x^2[/tex]

Again on substituting for v in (1):
[tex]u = -\frac{1}{4x^4} + C[/tex]

General formula:
[tex]y = v(x)\int \frac{Q(x)}{v(x)} dx + (C)v(x)[/tex]

[tex]y = -\frac{1}{4x^2} + C{x}^2[/tex]
Hope I'm right.
Sorry I could not find any suitable substitution for the second one :frown: . Please help!
 
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saltydog said:
First one is a Riccati. Make the change of variables usually done for such equations and see what happens.

Ricatti? I haven't studied any differential equation like that. How do you solve such equations.
 
Reshma said:
Ricatti? I haven't studied any differential equation like that. How do you solve such equations.
First place it into standard form:

[tex]y^{'}+Q(x)y+R(x)y^2=P(x)[/tex]

Now, make the transformation:

[tex]y=\frac{u^{'}}{Ru}[/tex]

Can you now substitute this into the ODE? I'll start it for you:

[tex]y^{'}=\frac{Ruu^{''}-u^{'}(Ru^{'}+uR^{'})}{(Ru)^2}[/tex]

right?

Make the other ones to get:

[tex]\frac{Ruu^{''}-u^{'}(Ru^{'}+uR^{'})}{(Ru)^2}+\frac{Qu^{'}}{Ru}+R\left(\frac{u^{'}}{Ru}\right)^2=P[/tex]

Now simplify and obtain a second order in u. Solve, convert back to y, and I want a plot.

Edit: Suppose that last one looks a bit intimidating. That's just the general expression though. For your equation a lot of stuff just drops out leaving a simple second order to solve. Try it.
 
Last edited:
For the second one, focus on the term [tex]2 y \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex], can you write this as something more convenient? Hint: notice that the only other y term you have is [tex]y^2[/tex].
 
Physics Monkey said:
For the second one, focus on the term [tex]2 y \frac{dy}{dx}[/tex], can you write this as something more convenient? Hint: notice that the only other y term you have is [tex]y^2[/tex].
I had tried it:

Set,
[tex]u = y^2[/tex]

So,
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} = 2y\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)[/tex]

So the eqaution becomes,
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} + u = \frac{x}{2} e^{-x}[/tex]

But, I'm still unable to separate the variables. Should I adopt a different method?
 
I don't think you can separate variables. You could try the integrating factor technique since you have a first order linear differential equation.
 
  • #10
Reshma said:
I had tried it:
Set,
[tex]u = y^2[/tex]
So,
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} = 2y\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)[/tex]
So the eqaution becomes,
[tex]\frac{du}{dx} + u = \frac{x}{2} e^{-x}[/tex]
But, I'm still unable to separate the variables. Should I adopt a different method?

Reshma, rearrange the equation to:

[tex]2ydy+y^2dx=\frac{x}{2}e^{-x}dx[/tex]

or:

[tex]\left(\frac{x}{2}e^{-x}-y^2\right)dx-2ydy=0[/tex]

Now, we can make this exact right? You know, the partial of M with respect to y, partial of N with respect to x, do that arithmetic, get some function of x or y, then e to the integral of that function is the integrating factor right? You know this makes two plots now.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
What Salty suggested is a nice way of proceeding, or as Benny said, you now have a linear first order equation in u and a general approach exists as I said before.
 
  • #12
Wow, thanks for your help, Saltydog and PhysicsMonkey. I got all the solutions!
 

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