-2.1.1 DE Find the general solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to the differential equation \(y' + 3y = t + e^{-2t}\). Participants explore various methods for solving the equation, including integrating factors, the method of undetermined coefficients, and variation of parameters. The conversation includes technical details and mathematical reasoning related to the behavior of the solution as \(t\) approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the integrating factor \(\mu(t) = e^{3t}\) to solve the equation.
  • Others present the solution in the form \(y = \frac{3t - 1}{9} + e^{-2t} + Ce^{-3t}\), noting that \(y\) is asymptotic to the line \(y = \frac{3t - 1}{9}\) as \(t \to \infty\).
  • A participant questions the use of the term "asymptotic" and seeks clarification on its meaning in this context.
  • Another method is introduced, involving the associated homogeneous equation \(y' + 3y = 0\) and proposing a particular solution of the form \(y = At + B + Ce^{-2t}\).
  • Further, a variation of parameters approach is discussed, where participants derive a solution by allowing the parameter \(C'\) to vary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct independent variable, with some using \(t\) and others suggesting \(x\). There is no consensus on the interpretation of "asymptotic" behavior, and multiple methods for solving the equation are presented without agreement on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential typographical errors in the original post, particularly regarding the independent variable. The discussion includes various assumptions about the form of the solution and the methods employed, which may not be universally accepted.

karush
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[a] Find the general solution of $y^\prime + 3y=t+e^{-2x}\quad \dfrac{dy}{dx}+f(x)y=g(x)$
\$\begin{array}{lll}
\textsf{Similarly} & \dfrac{dy}{dx}+Py=Q\\
\textsf{hence} & \mu(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)\\
\textsf{then} & \mu^\prime(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)f(x) \\
\textsf{then} & \mu(x)+y'=\mu(x)g(x)\\
\textsf{integrating factor} & \mu(x)=e^{3x}\\
\textsf{multiplying} & e^{3x}y'+3e^{3x}y=xe^{3x}+e^{x}\\
\textsf{rewriting the LHS} & \dfrac{d}{dx}\left(e^{3x}y\right)=xe^{3x}+e^{x}\\
\end{array}$
determine how the solution behave as $t \to \infty$
$ce^{-3x}+\dfrac{x}{3}-\dfrac{1}{9}+e^{-2x}$
y is asymptotic to $\dfrac{t}{3} −\dfrac{1}{9} \textit{ as } t \to \infty$

ok i think this is correct just could be worded better
maybe some typos
suggestions, complaints, or ?
ssct.png
 
Last edited:
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I’m assuming the independent variable is $t$ …

$y’ +3y = t + e^{-2t}$

$\mu(t) = e^{3t}$

$y’ \cdot e^{3t} + y \cdot 3e^{3t} = t \cdot e^{3t} + e^t$

$(y \cdot e^{3t})’ = t\cdot e^{3t} + e^t$

$y \cdot e^{3t} = \dfrac{t}{3} \cdot e^{3t} - \dfrac{1}{9} \cdot e^{3t} + e^t + C$

$y = \dfrac{3t-1}{9} + e^{-2t} + Ce^{-3t}$

$y$ is asymptotic to the line you cited.
 
here is where it came from #1
2.1.png

asymptotic ??
 
karush said:
here is where it came from #1
View attachment 11299
asymptotic ??

$y=\dfrac{3t-1}{9}$ is a slant asymptote.

as $t \to \infty$, the value of $y$ is very close to the value of the line $y=\dfrac{3t-1}{9}$ and it gets very close rather quickly because the two exponential terms approach zero very quickly.
 
$y'+ 3y= t+ e^{-2t}$

(The original post has $y'+ 3y= t+ e^{-2x}$ but that just doen't make sense! The independent variable has to be either x or t. I have chosen t.)

Another method:
The "associated homogenous equation" is y'+ 3y= 0.
$\frac{dy}{dt}= -3y$
$\frac{dy}{y}= -3dt$
$ln(y)=- 3t+ C$
$y= e^{-3t+ C}= e^Ce^{-3t}= C'e^{-3t}$
where $C'= e^C$

Since that does not involve either t or $e^{-2t}$ we try a solution to the entire equation of the form $y= At+ B+ Ce^{-2t}$.
(The "method of undetermined coefficients")

$y'+ 3y= A- 2Ce^{-2t}+ 3At+ 3B+3Ce^{-2t}=3At+ (A+ 3B)+ Ce^{-2t}= t+ e^{-2t}$

So 3A= 1, A+ 3B= 0, and C= 1. A= 1/3, and B= -1/9.
$y(t)= C'e^{-3t}+ t/3- 1/9+ e^{-2t}$
 
$y'+ 3y= t+ e^{-2t}$

Yet another method (variation of parameters):
Calculating as before that the general solution to the associated homogenous equation is $C'e^{-3t}$ we seek a solution to the entire equation of the form $y= u(x)e^{-3t}$ where u(x) is a function to be determined.
(We are allowing the "parameter", C', to "vary".)

$y'+ y= u'(x)e^{-3t}- 3u(x)e^{-3t}+ 3u(x)e^{-3t}= u'(x)e^{-3t}= t+ e^{-2t}$
$u'(t)= te^{3t}+ e^t$

And now just integrate. The integral of $e^t$ is of course $e^t$. To integrate $te^{3t}$ use "integration by parts", taking u= t and $dv= e^{3t}dt$. Then du= dt and $v= \frac{1}{3}e^{3t}$ so
$\int te^{3t}dt= \frac{1}{3}te^{3t}- \frac{1}{3}\int e^{3t}dt= \frac{1}{3}te^{3t}- \frac{1}{9}e^{3t}$.
$u(t)= \frac{1}{3}te^{3t}- \frac{1}{9}e^{3t}+ e^t$.

Then $u(t)e^{-3t}= \frac{1}{3}t- \frac{1}{9}+ e^{-2t}$
and
$y(t)= C'e^{-3t}+ \frac{1}{3}t- \frac{1}{9}+ e^{-2t}$.
 

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