Find the differential equation or system of differential equations

In summary, Askhwhelp found two solutions to the differential equation or system of differential equations associated with the two flows. The first solution was incorrect and involved treating x as a constant. The second solution was correct and involved treating x as a derivative with respect to t.
  • #1
Askhwhelp
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Find the differential equation or system of differential equations ***

Find the differential equation or system of differential equations assoicated with the following flows
a) ##\phi_t (x) = \frac{x}{\sqrt{1-2x^2t}} ## on ##{\mathbb R} ##

b) ##\phi_t (x,y) = (xe^t, \frac{y}{1-y^t}) ## on ##{\mathbb R}^2 ##

The ways I solve these two questions are that I simply take the derivatives of them

for (a), ##\left.\dfrac{d}{dt}\right|_{t=0} \phi_t (x)## if this is the right way, check you check my answer, ##\frac{-x}{2} - 2x^2##

for (b), ##\left.\dfrac{d}{dt}\right|_{t=0} \phi_t (x,y)## if this is the right way, check you check my answer, ##(xe^t, \frac{ty}{(1-y^t)^2})##
 
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  • #2
In (a), I assume that what you are looking for is a differential equation involving only ϕ, dϕ/dx and x.
If so, you need to differentiate wrt x, and you can't get rid of the t just by evaluating at t=0.
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
In (a), I assume that what you are looking for is a differential

Just edit my question...please take a look again to see if anything changes to your response
 
  • #4
Askhwhelp said:
Just edit my question...please take a look again to see if anything changes to your response
Yes, it means I'm a bit out of my depth.. but I think you need to bear in mind that x = x(t), and it's dϕ/dt, not ∂ϕ/∂t.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Yes, it means I'm a bit out of my depth.. but I think you need to bear in mind that x = x(t), and it's dϕ/dt, not ∂ϕ/∂t.

I'm not an expert in the subject either, but in flow problems like this I think you have ##x(t)=\phi(x,t)##. Treat the x in ##\phi(x,t)## as a constant. And I'd be interested in how Askhwhelp got either solution. I think the first one is just plain wrong. And for another thing, they don't look like differential equations to me and the second one even has a t in it. How can that be if you set t=0?
 
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  • #6
Having read up on this, I think I understand it well enough now to give a more helpful answer.
Askhwhelp said:
for (a), ##\left.\dfrac{d}{dt}\right|_{t=0} \phi_t (x)## my answer, ##\frac{-x}{2} - 2x^2##
As Dick says, it should be partial differentiation, the result should be equated to dx/dt, and that answer is wrong.
Please post your working.
 

FAQ: Find the differential equation or system of differential equations

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function to its derivatives. It describes how a function changes over time or space, and is often used to model real-world phenomena in physics, chemistry, engineering, and other fields.

2. Why is it important to find the differential equation for a given system?

Finding the differential equation for a system allows us to understand the underlying dynamics and behavior of the system. It also enables us to make predictions and solve problems related to the system.

3. How do you find a differential equation?

To find a differential equation, you need to determine the relationship between the function and its derivatives. This can be done by analyzing the system and using known principles and laws, such as Newton's laws of motion or conservation of energy.

4. Can you have more than one differential equation for a system?

Yes, it is possible to have a system of multiple differential equations that describe the behavior of different variables in the system. This is common in complex systems where multiple factors are involved.

5. What are some common techniques for solving differential equations?

Some common techniques for solving differential equations include separation of variables, substitution, and using integral transforms. Numerical methods, such as Euler's method and Runge-Kutta methods, are also commonly used for solving differential equations.

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