Differential Eq. Initial Value Problem (separable/partial fractions/hyperbolic)

In summary, it seems as though you may need to find a suitable x(t) to start fitting things into a Maclaurin series. Once you have that, you can use the initial condition and the restrictions on A to find the coefficients.
  • #1
noob^n
5
0

Homework Statement



dx/dt = 2*(1-x^2) with x(0)=0

Obtain the analytic solution to the IVP. Then, obtain the terms in the Taylor series up to and including the t^5 term.

Note: should be possible to express x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions.

The Attempt at a Solution



some of my steps;

dx/(1-x^2) = 2dt

*partial fractions + integrated*

0.5[ ln|-x+1| + ln|x+1| ] = 2t + C

-x^2 +1 = A*exp(4t) , A>=0

x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

im not sure if this is right at all, as its simply been a while since I've looked at DE's. If it is right, i can't seem to figure out what combination of hyperbolic functions it relates to! any help would be much appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
noob^n said:

Homework Statement



dx/dt = 2*(1-x^2) with x(0)=0

Obtain the analytic solution to the IVP. Then, obtain the terms in the Taylor series up to and including the t^5 term.

Note: should be possible to express x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions.

The Attempt at a Solution



some of my steps;

dx/(1-x^2) = 2dt

*partial fractions + integrated*

0.5[ ln|-x+1| + ln|x+1| ] = 2t + C
The work to here is fine, but the line below doesn't take into account the absolute value. Using the initial condition, you should have |1 - x2| = e4t.

For what x is the expression 1 - x2 nonnegative? Negative?
noob^n said:
-x^2 +1 = A*exp(4t) , A>=0

x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

im not sure if this is right at all, as its simply been a while since I've looked at DE's. If it is right, i can't seem to figure out what combination of hyperbolic functions it relates to! any help would be much appreciated!

It seems to me that there is another part of this problem: to assume a solution in the form of a Maclaurin series, and to find its coefficients up to the x5 term. You're assuming a solution of the form x(t) = a0 + a1t + ... + a5t5 + ... + antn + ...

Basically, what you want to do is to substitute this into dx/dt + 2x2 - 2 = 0, and equate coefficients.
 
  • #3
i thought because i conditioned A to be greater than or equal to zero, the RHS would stay positive, and i could drop the absolutes on the LHS... is there something wrong with my logic there?

all i really need to find is a suitable x(t) before i start subbing things into a maclaurin series... the hint said i should be able to write x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions, and because none are springing out at me I am getting the feeling I am wrong.
 
  • #4
noob^n said:
i thought because i conditioned A to be greater than or equal to zero, the RHS would stay positive, and i could drop the absolutes on the LHS... is there something wrong with my logic there?
Yes, there is. Use your initial condition to find A. You can't just arbitrarily say that A needs to be positive. Assuming that you find that A is positive (I did), you can't just get rid of the absolute values. Without them, 1 - x^2 is negative for some x and positive for others.
noob^n said:
all i really need to find is a suitable x(t) before i start subbing things into a maclaurin series... the hint said i should be able to write x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions, and because none are springing out at me I am getting the feeling I am wrong.
 
  • #5
Mark44 said:
Yes, there is. Use your initial condition to find A. You can't just arbitrarily say that A needs to be positive. Assuming that you find that A is positive (I did), you can't just get rid of the absolute values. Without them, 1 - x^2 is negative for some x and positive for others.

But because x is the dependant variable, we don't have to worry about crazy x values that cause errors... as all values of t (-inf, inf) will make x behave nicely. If the initial values didn't agree with the restraints on A then id agree there's a problem, but because they do I'm still not hugely convinced I'm wrong.

looking at 1-x2 = Ae4t , A>=0

x(0)=0 implies A=1

therefore x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

I know I must be sounding like a stubborn idiot, I apologize. I've got class tomorrow so I can run it through with the lecturer and post the answer.
 

Related to Differential Eq. Initial Value Problem (separable/partial fractions/hyperbolic)

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function to its derivatives. It describes how the value of a dependent variable changes in relation to the value of an independent variable.

2. What is an initial value problem?

An initial value problem is a type of differential equation that involves finding a function that satisfies the given equation and also satisfies a set of initial conditions, which specify the value of the function at a particular point.

3. What is the difference between a separable differential equation and a partial fraction differential equation?

In a separable differential equation, the variables can be separated and solved for individually, while in a partial fraction differential equation, the equation can be broken down into simpler fractions that can be solved using other methods.

4. How are hyperbolic functions used in solving differential equations?

Hyperbolic functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, are often used in solving differential equations because they have many applications in physics and engineering. They can be used to model real-world phenomena, and their properties make them useful in solving differential equations.

5. What are some common methods for solving initial value problems involving differential equations?

Some common methods for solving initial value problems involving differential equations include separation of variables, using partial fractions, using the method of undetermined coefficients, and using Laplace transforms.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
541
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
474
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
931
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
356
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
946
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
577
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
977
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top