-2.1.1 solve y'+3y = x + e^{-2x}

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by \(y' + 3y = x + e^{-2x}\). Participants explore methods for finding the solution, particularly focusing on the use of integrating factors and the steps involved in applying this technique.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how the term \(ce^{-3x}\) was derived in the book's solution.
  • Several participants discuss the general form of a linear first-order ODE and the method of finding an integrating factor, suggesting that the integrating factor for this problem is \(e^{3x}\).
  • There is a reiteration of the process of multiplying the ODE by the integrating factor and rewriting the left-hand side as the derivative of a product.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify the integration process and expresses confusion regarding the term \(\mu(x)g(x)\) in the context of the solution.
  • One participant successfully derives the solution using the integrating factor, showing that it aligns with the book's answer.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of checking that the ODE is exact after applying the integrating factor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using integrating factors to solve the ODE, but there are varying levels of understanding and some expressions of uncertainty regarding specific steps in the process. No consensus is reached on the derivation of certain terms or the clarity of the method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific mathematical steps, such as the integration of the integrating factor and the implications of the terms involved in the solution. The discussion reflects a range of familiarity with the topic, indicating that some assumptions may not be fully articulated.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing to study differential equations, particularly those interested in understanding the application of integrating factors in solving first-order linear ODEs.

karush
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\nmh{1000}
$$\displaystyle y^\prime + 3y = x + e^{-2x}$$
$\textit{Solve the given differential equation}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
&\textit{book answer is}\\
y&=\color{red}{\disnmplaystyle ce^{-3x}+\frac{x}{3}-\frac{1}{9}+e^{-2x}}
\end{align*}
no sure how $ce^{-3x}$ was derived?
 
Last edited:
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Typically, when given a linear first order ODE of the form:

$$\d{y}{x}+f(x)y=g(x)$$

You want to look for an integrating factor in the form:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)$$

What would your integrating factor be for this problem?
 
MarkFL said:
Typically, when given a linear first order ODE of the form:

$$\d{y}{x}+f(x)y=g(x)$$

You want to look for an integrating factor in the form:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)$$

What would your integrating factor be for this problem?
$\d{y}{x}+Py=Q$not real sure but if P=3 then
$$I=e^{\int 3 \, dx}$$
 
karush said:
$\d{y}{x}+Py=Q$not real sure but if P=3 then
$$I=e^{\int 3 \, dx}$$

Simplify it by evaluating the integral (without the constant of integration). What do you get?
 
With the integrating factor defined as:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)$$

It then follows that:

$$\mu'(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)f(x)$$

And thus, when you multiply the general ODE I posted by this factor, you obtain:

$$\mu(x)\d{y}{x}+\mu'(x)y=\mu(x)g(x)$$

We should observe now that the LHS can be rewritten as the derivative of a product:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y(x)\right)=\mu(x)g(x)$$

And now it is possible to solve for $y(x)$ after integrating. I will await your attempt to apply this method to the given problem. :)
 
MarkFL said:
With the integrating factor defined as:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)$$

It then follows that:

$$\mu'(x)=\exp\left(\int f(x)\,dx\right)f(x)$$

And thus, when you multiply the general ODE I posted by this factor, you obtain:

$$\mu(x)\d{y}{x}+\mu'(x)y=\mu(x)g(x)$$

We should observe now that the LHS can be rewritten as the derivative of a product:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y(x)\right)=\mu(x)g(x)$$

And now it is possible to solve for $y(x)$ after integrating. I will await your attempt to apply this method to the given problem. :)
i presume you imply taking the integral of both sides first
$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y(x)\right)=\mu(x)g(x)$$
$$\mu(x)y(x)=\int\mu(x)g(x) \, dx $$
 
karush said:
i presume you imply taking the integral of both sides first
$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y(x)\right)=\mu(x)g(x)$$
$$\mu(x)y(x)=\int\mu(x)g(x) \, dx $$

Yes, that's what you have after integrating. And then you may state:

$$y(x)=\frac{1}{\mu(x)}\left(\int \mu(x)g(x)\,dx\right)$$

Can you apply this technique to the given problem?
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, that's what you have after integrating. And then you may state:

$$y(x)=\frac{1}{\mu(x)}\left(\int \mu(x)g(x)\,dx\right)$$

Can you apply this technique to the given problem?

ok I think I'm lost on $\mu(x)g(x)$
\begin{align}\displaystyle
\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y(x)\right)&=\mu(x)g(x)\\
y^\prime &= x + e^{-2x}-3y\\
y+3&=\frac{1}{x}+e^{-2x}\\
book \, answer&\\
y&=\color{red}{\displaystyle ce^{-3x}+\frac{x}{3}-\frac{1}{9}+e^{-2x}}
\end{align}
 
We have the integrating factor:

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

Multiplying the given ODE by this factor we obtain:

$$e^{3x}y'+3e^{3x}y=xe^{3x}+e^{x}$$

Rewriting the LHS, we now have:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(e^{3x}y\right)=xe^{3x}+e^{x}$$

Integrating w.r.t $x$, we get:

$$e^{3x}y=\frac{1}{9}e^{3x}(3x-1)+e^x+c_1$$

Hence:

$$y(x)=\frac{1}{9}(3x-1)+e^{-2x}+c_1e^{-3x}$$

This is equivalent to the answer given by your book. :)

When you study 2nd (and higher) order linear ODE's, you will be shown other methods to solve problems like this.
 
  • #10
wow, thanks for the awesome:cool: help
I don't start a class in this for 10 weeks yet
but just want to get a head start on it.

this is the best place to come for that.
 
  • #11
Using an integrating factor helps make the differential equations "Exact". Wonderful way to solve simple and some decently complex ode's if you can integrate the integrating factor. Can you check that once you multiply by the integrating factor that you do indeed have an exact ode?
 

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