Analytic solution of this ordinary differentiale equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the ordinary differential equation y' = 4e^{0.8x} - 0.5y, which is presented as an example for applying Heun's method. The original poster mentions a 'simple' analytic solution provided in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of an integrating factor and the general solution approach for the homogeneous part of the differential equation. There are attempts to evaluate the solution at specific points, particularly at x=0, to determine constants involved in the solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on evaluating the solution and interpreting the results. There is an ongoing exploration of the integration factor method and its implications for finding particular solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the initial condition y(0) = 2, which is relevant for determining constants in the solution. The discussion includes references to specific forms of the equation and the nature of the solutions being sought.

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Homework Statement



[tex]y'=4e^{0.8x}-0.5y[/tex]

This question was obtained from a textbook, where it is used as an example for the application of Heun's method (of ODE integration). They state that it has a 'simple' analytic solution of,

[tex]y=\dfrac{4}{1.3}(e^{0.8x}-e^{-0.5x})+2e^{-0.5x}[/tex]

Homework Equations


It is of the form.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024026-2.png

The Attempt at a Solution


Attempted to use an integrating factor, https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-0.png
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024026-6.png

Obtaining,
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-1.png

Hence,
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-2.png

Any ideas ?!?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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It is also given, y(0) = 2. i.e. at x=0, y=2.
 
bsodmike said:

Homework Statement



[tex]y'=4e^{0.8x}-0.5y[/tex]

This question was obtained from a textbook, where it is used as an example for the application of Heun's method (of ODE integration). They state that it has a 'simple' analytic solution of,

[tex]y=\dfrac{4}{1.3}(e^{0.8x}-e^{-0.5x})+2e^{-0.5x}[/tex]

Homework Equations


It is of the form.
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024026-2.png

The Attempt at a Solution


Attempted to use an integrating factor, https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-0.png
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024026-6.png

Obtaining,
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-1.png

Hence,
https://www.physicsforums.com/latex_images/20/2024278-2.png

Any ideas ?!?
Yes, that is correct.

bsodmike said:
It is also given, y(0) = 2. i.e. at x=0, y=2.
Then since
[tex]y(x)= \frac{4}{1.3}e^{.8t}+ Ce^{-.5t}[/tex]
[tex]y(0)= \frac{4}{1.3}+ C= 2[/tex]
so
[tex]C= 2- \frac{4}{1.3}[/itex]<br /> <br /> That is, <br /> [tex]y(x)= \frac{4}{1.3}e^{.8t}+ \left(2- \frac{4}{1.3}\right)e^{-.5t}[/tex]<br /> <br /> [tex]y(x)= \frac{4}{1.3}\left(e^{.8t}+ e^{-.5t}\right)+ 2e^{-.5t}[/tex]<br /> <br /> exactly as given.[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This differential equation is quite simple, so its better if we see what's behind this integration factor. Its basically Lagranges method, this "fits" to your hand a bit more:

So we have:

[tex]y'+p(x)y=q(x)[/tex]

As we know the general solution of the DE can be obtained by adding the [tex]Y[/tex] general solution of the homogenous part and a [tex]y_0[/tex] particular solution of the entire DE.

first of all let's solve the homogenous part, that is:

[tex]Y'+p(x)Y=0 \Longrightarrow \frac{dY}{Y}=-p(x)dx \Longrightarrow Y=C\exp\left(-\int^x p(x')dx'\right)[/tex]

Now we only have to find a particular solution of the entire DE. Here is the trick, let's consider the constant in the homogenous part to be some function of the free variable, that is: [tex]C=C(x)[/tex]
so we have: [tex]y_0=C(x)\exp\left(-\int^x p(x')dx'\right)[/tex]

Now plug this back into the DE to get the C(x) function, and then you have the particular and add this to the homogenous part, and then you have the general solution:
[tex]y=y_0+Y[/tex]

So basicaly the integration factor is a solution of the homogenous part of the DE.
 
Thanks HallsOfIvy!

I was trying to evaluate the following,

[tex]y(x)= \frac{4}{1.3}e^{.8t}+ Ce^{-.5t}[/tex]

at y(0) and x=0 (in your example, t=0) as all the exp() expressions tend to 1; and tried to substitute back C=-14/13

[tex]y(x)= \frac{4}{1.3}e^{.8t} - \dfrac{14}{13}e^{-.5t}[/tex]

d'oh! Cheers :) :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks Thaakisfox!
 

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