How to Solve the Differential Equation x'=x+sin(t)?

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  • Thread starter karush
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You can also factor out a 1/2 from the sin(t) and cos(t) terms and just have it as -1/2. It's just a matter of preference. So in summary, we solved the differential equation x'=x+sin(t) by rewriting it as x'-x=sin(t), using the integrating factor e^-t, and solving for x(t) to get x(t)=c_1e^t-(1/2)(sin(t)+cos(t)).
  • #1
karush
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MHB
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Solve the differential equation
$x'=x+\sin(t)$
ok this uses x rather than y which threw me off
so rewrite as
$x'-x=\sin(t)$
thus $u(t)=e^{-t}$
$e^{-t}x'-e^{-t}x=e^{-t}\sin{t}$
and
$(e^{-t}x)'=e^{-t}\sin{t}$
intergrate thru
$\displaystyle e^{-t}x=\int {e^{-t} \sin(t)} dt = -1/2 e^{-t}\sin(t) - 1/2 e^{-t} \cos(t) +e^{-t} c$
divide thru
$\displaystyle x(t)=-\frac{\sin t}{2}-\frac{\sin t}{2}+ce^t$ok well typos probably

W|A returned $\displaystyle x(t) = c_1 e^t - \frac{\sin(t)}{2} - \frac{cos(t)}{2}$
 
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  • #2
Let's back up to:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}\left(e^{-t}x\right)=e^{-t}\sin(t)\)

Now, when we integrate, we get:

\(\displaystyle e^{-t}x=-\frac{1}{2}e^{-t}\left(\sin(t)+\cos(t)\right)+c_1\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle x(t)=c_1e^t-\frac{1}{2}\left(\sin(t)+\cos(t)\right)\)

This is equivalent to W|A returned. :)
 
  • #3
Isn't the 1/2 distributed?
 
  • #4
karush said:
Isn't the 1/2 distributed?

You could if you want. I chose not to.
 

1. What is the meaning of "7.1" in the equation?

The number 7.1 is a coefficient that multiplies the variable x in the equation. It represents the magnitude of the change in x over time.

2. What does the prime symbol (') after x signify?

The prime symbol indicates the derivative of x with respect to time. In this equation, it represents the rate of change of x over time.

3. What is the role of sin(t) in the equation?

The sin(t) term represents a periodic function that is dependent on time. It affects the value of x and thus, the rate of change of x over time.

4. How do you solve a differential equation like this?

To solve this differential equation, you can use separation of variables method or an integrating factor method. Both methods involve isolating the variables and integrating to find the general solution.

5. What is the significance of the constant of integration in the solution?

The constant of integration represents the initial condition or the starting point of the solution. It is necessary to include this constant to find the specific solution that satisfies the given initial condition.

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