1st order nonhomogeneous dif'l e'n

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order nonhomogeneous differential equation of the form f' + x*f = x^(2m+1), where m is an integer. Participants explore methods for finding a particular solution, including the use of integrating factors and polynomial guesses.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about finding a particular solution to the differential equation.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation is linear and proposes finding an integrating factor to transform it into an exact derivative.
  • Clarifications are sought regarding the right-hand side of the equation, with questions about the correct interpretation of the expression involving m.
  • A later reply provides a proposed form for the particular solution, involving a series expansion based on the integer m.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method for finding the particular solution, and multiple approaches are discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the form of the right-hand side of the equation, which may affect the proposed methods for finding a solution.

rbwang1225
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f'+x*f=x^(2m+1), m is an integer

I have no idea for finding particular solution.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Well, that is a linear equation so it should be fairly easy to find an integrating factor.

That is, you want to find a function, u(x), such that multiplying by it makes the left side an "exact derivative":
[tex]u(x)\frac{df}{dx}+ xu(x)f(x)= \frac{d(u(x)f}{dx}[/tex]

By the product rule
[tex]\frac{d(uf)}{dx}= u\frac{df}{dx}+ \frac{du}{dx}f[/tex]

Comparing those, we must have
[tex]\frac{du}{dx}= xu[/tex]
or
[tex]\frac{du}{u}= x dx[/tex]

Integrate that to find u(x), then multiply the entire differential equation by u(x) to get an exact equation.

By the way, you really need to use parenthese to clarify. Is that right hand side
(x^2)(m+1) or x^(2m)+ 1 or x^(2m+1)?

(I expect it is the last since that exponent being odd is important in integrating.)
 
hi rbwang1225! :smile:

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rbwang1225 said:
f'+x*f=x^2m+1, m is an integer

I have no idea for finding particular solution.

Any help would be appreciated.

is that f' + x*f = x2m+1 or f' + x*f = x2m + 1 ? :confused:

either way, you have a polynomial on the RHS, so the obvious guess for a particular solution is … ? :wink:
 
rbwang1225
The particular solution is

f*(x)=x^(2m)-2*m*x^(2m-2)+(2^2)*m*(m-1)*x^(2m-4)-...+((-1)^m)*(2^m)*m!
 

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