Another First-Order ODE Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form y' + p(x)y = q(x). The original poster is exploring the use of an integrating factor to find the solution, referencing both the analytical solution provided in a textbook and their own attempts to derive it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the integrating factor method, questioning the correct form of p(x) and the resulting integrating factor. Other participants raise concerns about the accuracy of the integrating factor calculation and suggest reevaluating the integral used. There is also discussion about the implications of using different variable notations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the steps involved in finding the integrating factor and the subsequent calculations. There is acknowledgment of errors in the original poster's approach, and some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the integrating factor. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct path forward, as multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided an initial condition, y(0) = 2, but there are indications that certain assumptions or definitions may need to be revisited. The discussion also highlights potential confusion regarding variable notation and the integration process.

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Homework Statement



Going through a book on Numerical Methods, it states,

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

has the analytical solution,

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

Homework Equations



This is of the form,

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

Should I use an Integrating Factor to solve the Linear ODE?, i.e. use an integrating factor [tex]\mu(x)=e^{\int{p(x)dx}}[/tex]

[tex]\mu(x)\left[y'+p(x)y\right]=\mu(x)q(x)[/tex]

[tex]\left(\mu(x)y\right)'=\mu(x)q(x)[/tex]

[tex]\mu(x)y=\int{\mu(x)q(x)dx+C}[/tex]

...and divide through by [tex]\mu(x)[/tex] ?

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\mu(x)=e^{\int{p(x)dx}}=e^{0.5x}[/tex]

thus,
[tex]e^{0.5x}y=4\int{e^{0.8x}e^{0.5x}dx+C}[/tex]

and it is given: y(0) = 2

Any pointers? Dick, your help would be much appreciated once again!

Thanks and happy new year to all as well,

Cheers
Mike
 
Last edited:
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When computing your integrating factor what did you use as your p(t)? Your integrating factor is not correct.
 
Note: with p(t)dt, consider it as p(x)dx. I used some old latex definition I had already typed for the 'method'. i.e., rather than dy/dt, this is dy,dx. dy/dt = f(t,y) -> dy/dx = f(x,y).

*Definition updated in OP, w.r.t to (x).
 
Last edited:
Integral said:
When computing your integrating factor what did you use as your p(t)? Your integrating factor is not correct.

I used,

[tex]\mu(x) = e^{\int{p(x)dx}}=e^{\int{\dfrac{1}{2}dx}} = e^{0.5x}[/tex]

Well, isn't this,

[tex]y'+0.5y=4e^{0.8x}=y'+p(x)y=q(x)[/tex]

hence, [tex]p(x)=0.5[/tex] and [tex]q(x)=4e^{0.8x}[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
[tex]e^{\int{\dfrac{1}{2}dx}}[/tex] Try doing this integral again. Where did the ln 2 come from?
 
Integral said:
[tex]e^{\int{\dfrac{1}{2}dx}}[/tex] Try doing this integral again. Where did the ln 2 come from?

Oooops! thanks for spotting that blatant error. [tex]IF=e^{\int{p(x)dx}}=e^{0.5x}[/tex].
 
This is what I am getting now,

Since,
[tex]\mu(x)=e^{\int{0.5\,dx}}=e^{0.5x}[/tex]

[tex]\begin{equation}\begin{split} <br /> e^{0.5x}y&=4\int{e^{1.3x}}\,dx+C\\<br /> &=4\left(\dfrac{e^{1.3x}}{1.3}\right)+C\\<br /> &=\dfrac{4}{1.3}e^{1.3x}+C<br /> \label{eq:}<br /> \end{split}\end{equation}[/tex]

Hence,
[tex]\begin{equation}\begin{split} <br /> y=\dfrac{4}{1.3}e^{0.8x}+Ce^{-0.5x}<br /> \label{eq:}<br /> \end{split}\end{equation}[/tex]

Where am I going wrong again?!?
 
Last edited:
*bump*

When I left the problem earlier as [tex]e^{0.5x}y=4\int{e^{0.8x}e^{0.5x}\,dx}+C[/tex], I thought I'd need to use integration by parts. But once I got it in the simpler form above (adding the powers) it just seems 'too simple' and the solution is missing a term.

*confused*...hmm..
 

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