Am i using the wrong method? not seperable?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation problem, specifically focusing on identifying the appropriate method for solving it. The original poster expresses difficulty in applying the separable method and considers the use of an integrating factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the separable method but finds it ineffective. They also explore the integrating factor method, questioning the definition of p(t) and its dependence on x or y. Other participants clarify the role of dummy variables and suggest multiplying by the integrating factor.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering guidance on the integrating factor and addressing misconceptions about variable roles. There is a mix of interpretations and suggestions, with some participants providing alternative perspectives on the solution approach.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the integration process and the application of formulas, as well as a mention of initial conditions leading to an incorrect solution. The original poster's struggle with homework is noted, reflecting the broader context of learning in differential equations.

mr_coffee
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Hello everyone, Another diff EQ problem, he gave us like 100. I can't seem to figure what method to use on this one. I tried seperable but that isn't working. Here it is:
Find the particular solution of the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/f3/6548289ff6de84dd65caa37d658bfa1.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/b1/8df613430b792391dbdebef80a9c361.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/b3/33fc13f666a02da7144a5fb4c3dd661.png = ?

dy = (7*cos(x)-y*cos(x))dx;
there's no way i can get it so dx is on 1 side and dy on the other.
if its using integrating factor I'm also stuck because what would be p(t)?
y' + ycos(x) = 7cos(x);
would i let p(t) = y? then
solve using that method? But i always thought it had to be a function of x? so would it be
p(t) = cos(x)?
then do i integrate e^(cos(x)) and get e^(sin(x)) as the integrating factor?
 
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Don't worry about whether it's p(t) or p(x), those are dummy variables. You should know that by now. But yes, you do use an integrating factor, and you're on the right track with e^sin(x). Try multiplying across by it.
 
mr_coffee said:
Hello everyone, Another diff EQ problem, he gave us like 100. I can't seem to figure what method to use on this one. I tried seperable but that isn't working. Here it is:
Find the particular solution of the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/f3/6548289ff6de84dd65caa37d658bfa1.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/b1/8df613430b792391dbdebef80a9c361.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/b3/33fc13f666a02da7144a5fb4c3dd661.png = ?

dy = (7*cos(x)-y*cos(x))dx;
there's no way i can get it so dx is on 1 side and dy on the other.
What do you mean? You have dx on one side and dy on the other!
If you mean you can't get only y on one side and x on the other that's wrong too: dy= (7- y)cos(x)dx so
\frac{dy}{7- y}= cos(x)dx[/itex]<br /> That&#039;s easy to integrate. -ln|7- y|= sin(x)+ C. Taking the exponential of both sides, the GENERAL solution is <br /> y= Ce^{-sin x}<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> if its using integrating factor I&#039;m also stuck because what would be p(t)?<br /> y&#039; + ycos(x) = 7cos(x);<br /> would i let p(t) = y? </div> </div> </blockquote>Try <b>thinking</b> instead of just memorizing formulas! Whatever general formula you were given p(t) makes no sense because there is no &quot;t&quot; in the problem to begin with. y is the <b>dependent</b> variable because there is a y&#039;- which means dy/dx. x is the independent variable. The coefficient of y is cos(x).<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> then<br /> solve using that method? But i always thought it had to be a function of x? so would it be<br /> p(t) = cos(x)?<br /> then do i integrate e^(cos(x)) and get e^(sin(x)) as the integrating factor? </div> </div> </blockquote> <br /> NO, the integral of e<sup>cos(x)</sup> is NOT e<sup>sin(x)</sup>. Why would you think such a thing?
 
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Somtimes I wonder how i got to Differential equations or how I get A's in all my math classes, sure i suck in a big way on hw, but i think i get my **** in gear when exam time comes around hah.

Ivey, i tred ur general solution and plugged in the I.C. and got:
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/d9/7a7b29742173f399ca1f76418178681.png
but it said it was incorrect :(
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think HallsofIvy meant Ce-sin x+7.
 
GOAL! thanks Status and Ivey, i'll ask my mum to cook up some cookies and i'll e-mail them to you guys. :D
 
Ouch! I forgot the 7!
 

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