-242.7x.13 Solve the DE \dfrac{dy}{dx}=7x^6e^{-y}

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx}=7x^6e^{-y}\). Participants explore the process of separating variables, integrating both sides, and isolating \(y\). The conversation includes technical reasoning related to the integration process and notation used in logarithmic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants confirm that the differential equation is separable and that the variables have been correctly separated.
  • One participant proposes integrating both sides, leading to \(e^y = x^7\), and questions if this is correct.
  • Another participant notes the omission of the constant of integration in the solution and suggests that it should be included before taking logarithms.
  • There is a discussion about the notation used in logarithmic expressions, with some participants expressing confusion over how certain forms can be interpreted.
  • Participants debate the clarity of different logarithmic notations and express preferences for certain formats to avoid ambiguity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps taken to solve the differential equation but express differing opinions on the clarity of notation and the importance of including the constant of integration. The discussion on notation remains unresolved, with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the proper placement of the constant of integration and the interpretation of logarithmic notation, which may depend on individual preferences and conventions.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\tiny{242.7x.13}$
1000
$\textsf{Solve the differential equation}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{dy}{dx}&=7x^6e^{-y}\\
dy&=7x^6e^{-y} \, dx \\
e^y dy&=7x^6 dx
\end{align*}
$\textit{just seeing if going the right direction on this...}$
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I've moved the thread to our "Differential Equations" forum. ;)

Yes, you have been given a separable ODE, and you have separated the variables correctly, now you are ready to integrate. :D
 
$\tiny{242.7x.13}$
$\textsf{Solve the differential equation}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{dy}{dx}&=7x^6e^{-y}\\
dy&=7x^6e^{-y} \, dx \\
e^y dy&=7x^6 dx
\end{align*}
$\textit{Integrate both sides}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\int e^y dy &=\int 7x^6 dx\\
e^y&=x^7
\end{align*}
$\textit{Isolate y}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
ln (e)^y&=ln\left({x}\right)^7 \\
y&=7ln(x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{Is it this ??}$
 
karush said:
$\tiny{242.7x.13}$
$\textsf{Solve the differential equation}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\frac{dy}{dx}&=7x^6e^{-y}\\
dy&=7x^6e^{-y} \, dx \\
e^y dy&=7x^6 dx
\end{align*}
$\textit{Integrate both sides}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\int e^y dy &=\int 7x^6 dx\\
e^y&=x^7
\end{align*}
$\textit{Isolate y}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
ln (e)^y&=ln\left({x}\right)^7 \\
y&=7ln(x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{Is it this ??}$

You forgot the constant of integration...but otherwise, you did fine. :D
 
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
ln (e)^y&=ln\left({x}\right)^7 \\
y&=7ln(x)+C
\end{align*}
 
Last edited:
karush said:
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
ln (e)^y&=ln\left({x}\right)^7 \\
y&=7ln(x)+C
\end{align*}
$\text{easy to forget our C friend...}:cool:$

You can't simply "tack it on" there...it has to be there before you take logs to solve for $y$...;)

$$e^y=x^7+C$$

$$y=\ln\left(x^7+C\right)$$
 
One comment on notation too:

karush said:
$\textit{Isolate y}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
ln (e)^y&=ln\left({x}\right)^7 \\
y&=7ln(x)
\end{align*}
$\textit{Is it this ??}$
The way you have written this can be confusing, since $$\ln (a^b) = b \ln(a)$$. But at least I read $$\ln (a)^b$$ as $$(\ln a)^b$$. And for this we know $$(\ln a)^b \ne b \ln (a)$$.
 
Theia said:
One comment on notation too:

The way you have written this can be confusing, since $$\ln (a^b) = b \ln(a)$$. But at least I read $$\ln (a)^b$$ as $$(\ln a)^b$$. And for this we know $$(\ln a)^b \ne b \ln (a)$$.

why would you read $$\ln (a)^b$$ as $$(\ln a)^b$$ this notation clearly is not the same thing?
 
karush said:
why would you read $$\ln (a)^b$$ as $$(\ln a)^b$$ this notation clearly is not the same thing?

Because it looks like the whole argument of the logarithm is in parenthesis, and the exponent is not there. And so the possibility for ambiguity arises...
 
  • #10
Theia said:
Because it looks like the whole argument of the logarithm is in parenthesis, and the exponent is not there. And so the possibility for ambiguity arises...

Yes, I agree completely and I would certainly prefer the notation:

$$\log_a\left(b^c\right)$$

This is clear where the exponent belongs. :D
 
  • #11
MarkFL said:
Yes, I agree completely and I would certainly prefer the notation:

$$\log_a\left(b^c\right)$$

This is clear where the exponent belongs. :D

it might be preferable but I see both all the time it not that confusing...

$\log(abc)^2$ or $log(a^2 b^2 c^2)$ but this $(log abc)^2$ is obviously different...

bone for the day award;)
 
  • #12
karush said:
it might be preferable but I see both all the time it not that confusing...

$\log(abc)^2$ or $log(a^2 b^2 c^2)$ but this $(log abc)^2$ is obviously different...

bone for the day award;)

Personally, for clarity, I would write:

$$\log\left((abc)^2\right)$$

For any function, I want anything and everything regarding the argument(s) inside brackets.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K