A differential equation problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a differential equation related to disease spread, specifically modeled by the equation dx/dt = kx(1 - x). The user establishes that with half the group sick (x = 1/2), the disease spreads at a rate of dx/dt = 1/48, leading to the conclusion that the constant k equals 1/12. The task is to determine the fraction of the group that will be sick after 12 days, requiring the separation of variables and integration of partial fractions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically first-order separable equations.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly partial fraction decomposition.
  • Familiarity with the concept of disease modeling using mathematical equations.
  • Basic grasp of the SIR model in epidemiology for context.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in differential equations.
  • Learn how to perform integration using partial fractions.
  • Explore the SIR model and its applications in epidemiology.
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving differential equations when analytical solutions are complex.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations, as well as epidemiologists and public health officials interested in mathematical modeling of disease spread.

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I'm not sure how to solve the following problem. It's quite unlike the other problems I've had to solve since I started learning about differential equations. Can anybody help?

A disease spreads at a speed that is proportional to the multiplier of healthy and sick people. Let's call the sick quotient of a group x and the quotient of healthy people 1 - x. Then we have dx / dt = kx(1 - x). If half of the group is sick and the disease spreads at a constant speed, every member of the group will be sick in 24 days time. Then we have x = 1/2 , 1 - x = 1/2 and dx / dt = (1/2)/24 = 1/48 , so 1/48 = k * 1/2 * 1/2 <=> k = 1/12 , which gives dx / dt = 1/12 x(1 - x). Calculate how big a fraction of the group is sick in 12 days time.
 
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Hint: Separate the variables and then integrate, do you know how to integrate partial fractions?
 

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