242.14.2. solve the initial value problem

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the initial value problem for the differential equation \( x \frac{dy}{dx} = 2y - 2 \). Participants explore verifying a proposed general solution \( y = Cx^2 + 1 \) and applying initial conditions to find the specific solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose verifying that \( y = Cx^2 + 1 \) is a general solution by substituting it back into the original differential equation.
  • Others suggest separating variables and integrating to find the general solution, leading to the expression \( \frac{1}{2} \ln|y-1| = \ln|x| + \ln|C| \).
  • There is a discussion about including the constant of integration in the integration process.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the notation of \( C \) and \( Cx \) in the context of the solution.
  • A later reply calculates \( C \) using the initial condition \( y(2) = 3 \), leading to the conclusion that \( C = \frac{1}{2} \). However, this is not universally accepted as the final answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final solution, as there are multiple approaches and some confusion regarding the constants involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of notation and the implications of the constant of integration.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made during integration and the dependence on the definitions of the constants involved. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved, particularly in the context of verifying the solution.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\tiny{242.14.2}\\$
$\textsf{(a) Verify that y = $Cx^2+1$ is a general solution to the differential equation $\displaystyle x \frac{dy}{dx}=2y-2$}$
$\textsf{(b) Use part (a) to solve the initial value problem
$\displaystyle x \frac{dy}{dx}=2y-2, \, y(2)=3$}$

$\textit{all new so kinda ??}$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
$$x\frac{\text{d}y}{\text{d}x}=2y-2\implies\int\frac{1}{2y-2}\,\text{d}y=\int\frac1x\,\text{d}x$$

Can you continue?
 
Greg has shown you how to separate variables in order to integrate to obtain the general solution to the given ODE yourself (which I recommend carrying out), but since you are given the solution and asked to confirm it is a solution, you want to take the given solution:

$$y=Cx^2+1$$

And substitute it into the ODE to see if an identity results. In order to do so, we need to compute:

$$\d{y}{x}=2Cx$$

Now, substitute for $y$ and $$\d{y}{x}$$ into the ODE...what do you find?
 
greg1313 said:
$$x\frac{\text{d}y}{\text{d}x}=2y-2\implies\int\frac{1}{2y-2}\,\text{d}y=\int\frac1x\,\text{d}x$$

Can you continue?
suggesting that,,,
$$\frac{\ln\left({y-1}\right)}{2}=\ln\left({x}\right)$$
 
Ok good. But we need to include a constant of integration.

$$\frac12\ln|y-1|=\ln|x|+\ln|C|$$

... and now what?
 
MarkFL said:
$$y=Cx^2+1$$

And substitute it into the ODE to see if an identity results. In order to do so, we need to compute:

$$\d{y}{x}=2Cx$$

Now, substitute for $y$ and $$\d{y}{x}$$ into the ODE...what do you find?
so
$\displaystyle x \frac{dy}{dx}=2y-2
\implies 2Cx^2=2y-1$
$\text{plug in y?}$
 
karush said:
so
$\displaystyle x \frac{dy}{dx}=2y-2
\implies 2Cx^2=2y-1$
$\text{plug in y?}$

$2Cx^2=2y-2$

You need to be careful! It's easy to spot the error here but with other problems it may be difficult to do so.
 
greg1313 said:
Ok good. But we need to include a constant of integration.
$$\frac12\ln|y-1|=\ln|x|+\ln|C|$$
... and now what?
if $x=2$ and $y=3$

$$\frac12\ln|y-1|=\ln|x|+\ln|C|$$
$$C=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$$
which means...
 
$$\begin{align*}\frac12\ln|y-1|&=\ln|x|+\ln|C| \\
\ln\sqrt{y-1}&=\ln|Cx| \\
e^{\ln\sqrt{y-1}}&=e^{\ln|Cx|} \\
\sqrt{y-1}&=|Cx| \\
y-1&=Cx^2\quad\text{(just notation here - we calculate }C\text{ using the initial condition).} \\
y&=Cx^2+1\end{align*}$$

$$y(2)=3\implies3=4C+1\implies C=\frac12$$
 
  • #10
confused about the C vs Cx thing?
 
  • #11
"C vs Cx"? What do you mean?
 
  • #12
nevermind got it

$ln(x)+ln(C)=ln(Cx)$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K