-2.1.9 Find general solution of 2y'+y=3t

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to the differential equation \(2y' + y = 3t\) and analyzing the behavior of solutions as \(t \to \infty\). Participants explore different approaches to solving the equation, including the use of integrating factors and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and attempts to find the general solution, noting confusion in the process.
  • Another participant clarifies the integrating factor, stating it should be \(e^{\frac{t}{2}}\) without including the constant of integration.
  • A different participant reflects on a misunderstanding regarding the derivative of \(e^{t/2}\), leading to a correction in their integration process.
  • Participants discuss the asymptotic behavior of the solution, questioning how the book's answer states that \(y\) is asymptotic to \(3t - 6\) as \(t \to \infty\).
  • Links to a Desmos slope field for visualizing the differential equation are shared.
  • Some participants reiterate the simplified form of the solution, highlighting the relationship between different expressions of the solution.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding typos and attention to detail in the mathematical expressions presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the solution's asymptotic behavior, and there is no consensus on the clarity of the solution process. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the various forms of the solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential confusion arising from the integration and differentiation of exponential functions, as well as the handling of constants in the integrating factor. There are also unresolved questions about the behavior of the solution as \(t\) approaches infinity.

karush
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Find the general solution of the given differential equation, and use it to determine how
solutions behave as $t\to\infty$.

$2y'+y=3t$
divide by 2
$y'+\frac{1}{2}y=\frac{3}{2}t$
find integrating factor,
$\displaystyle\exp\left(\int \frac{1}{2} dt\right)=e^{t/2}+c$
multiply thru
$e^{t/2}y'+e^{t/2}\frac{y}{2}
=\frac{3e^{t/2}}{2}t $ok something went :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
------------------------------------
book answer
$\color{red}\displaystyle y=ce^{-t/2}+3t-6 \\
\textit{y is asymptotic to } 3t-6 \textit{ as } t\to\infty $
 
Last edited:
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When you determine your integrating factor, you need only determine up to but not including the constant of integration:

$$\mu(t)=\exp\left(\int\frac{1}{2}\,dt\right)=e^{\frac{t}{2}}$$

And so the ODE becomes:

$$e^{\frac{t}{2}}y'+\frac{1}{2}e^{\frac{t}{2}}y=\frac{3}{2}te^{\frac{t}{2}}$$

Or:

$$\frac{d}{dt}\left(e^{\frac{t}{2}}y\right)=\frac{3}{2}te^{\frac{t}{2}}$$

Integrating, we obtain:

$$e^{\frac{t}{2}}y=3e^{\frac{t}{2}}(t-2)+c_1$$

Now does the answer given by the book make sense? :)

Hence:

$$y(t)=3(t-2)+c_1e^{-\frac{t}{2}}$$
 
for some reason I thought $\displaystyle e^{t/2}$ stayed the same whether taking the integral or derivative

$\displaystyle\frac{d}{dt} e^{t/2} = \frac{e^{t/2}}{2}$

multiply thru
$\displaystyle e^{t/2}y'+\frac{1}{2}e^{t/2}y
=\left(e^{t/2}y\right)^\prime
=\frac{3}{2}te^{t/2}$
integrate through
$\displaystyle e^{t/2}y
=\int\frac{3}{2}te^{t/2}\ dt=3 e^{t/2}(t-2)+c$
simplify
$\displaystyle y=ce^{t/2}+3t-6$
=========================================
$\textit{ok I didn't know how this the book says y is asymptotic to $3t-6$ as $t\to\infty$}$

Draw a direction field for the given differential equation.
how do you do this with Desmos
 
Last edited:
karush said:
$\displaystyle e^{t/2}y =3 e^{t/2}(t-2)+c$
simplify
$\displaystyle y=ce^{t/2}+3t-6$
Think about these two lines for a moment...

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Think about these two lines for a moment...

-Dan

$\displaystyle y=3(t-2)+\frac{c}{e^{t/2}}=ce^{-t/2}+3t-6$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
$\displaystyle y=3(t-2)+\frac{c}{e^{t/2}}=ce^{-t/2}+3t-6$
You just aren't doing well with the typos today, huh? (Sun)

Whatever. You got it.

-Dan
 
I just wanted to see if you would catch it...
😎
 

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