-aux.2.2.02 y=\phi(x)=(1-x^2)^{-1} is a solution IVP

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the initial value problem (IVP) defined by the ordinary differential equation (ODE) \(y' = 2xy^2\) with the initial condition \(y(0) = 1\). Participants are tasked with demonstrating that the function \(y = \phi(x) = (1 - x^2)^{-1}\) is a solution to this IVP, exploring the steps involved in verifying this claim.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the ODE and suggests showing that \(y = (1 - x^2)^{-1}\) is a solution, expressing confusion after the step involving \(2x\).
  • Another participant proposes integrating the separated variables and notes that dividing by \(y^2\) eliminates the trivial solution \(y \equiv 0\), which is not relevant due to the initial condition.
  • A participant questions the absence of a constant of integration on both sides after integration, expressing uncertainty about the application of the power rule.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the integration constants, explaining that only one constant is necessary and can be defined as a single constant on one side of the equation.
  • Another participant reiterates that the problem only requires showing that the given function is a solution, not solving the equation, and verifies that the derivative of \(y = (1 - x^2)^{-1}\) satisfies the original ODE.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the task is to show that the proposed function is a solution to the IVP. However, there is some disagreement and confusion regarding the integration process and the treatment of constants of integration.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the treatment of integration constants and the implications of eliminating the trivial solution during the separation of variables. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding regarding the integration process and the requirements of the problem.

karush
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$\tiny{2.3.2}$
1000
$\textsf{Given: }$
$$\displaystyle y'=2xy^2, \quad y(0)=1$$
$\textit{Show that $y=\phi(x)=(1-x^2)^{-1}$ is a solution of the initial value problem}$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y'&=2xy^2\\
\frac{dy}{y^2}&=2x \\
y&=\color{red}{\frac{1}{(c_1-x^2)}}
\end{align*}
ok I went into confusion after 2x??
red is W|F
 
Last edited:
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Think of the ODE as:

$$y^{-2}\,dy=2x\,dx$$

Now integrate, using the power rule on both sides...what do you get?

Note: When you separated variables and divided through by $y^2$, you eliminated the trivial solution $y\equiv0$. As the initial value is not on that solution, you can ignore it, but we should be aware of any solution we eliminate during the process of solving.
 
MarkFL said:
Think of the ODE as:

$$y^{-2}\,dy=2x\,dx$$

Now integrate, using the power rule on both sides...what do you get?

Note: When you separated variables and divided through by $y^2$, you eliminated the trivial solution $y\equiv0$. As the initial value is not on that solution, you can ignore it, but we should be aware of any solution we eliminate during the process of solving.

$\displaystyle \int \frac{1}{y^2} \, dy =\int 2x \, dx$
$\displaystyle -\frac{1}{y} = x^2 +c$

ok not sure if this is really the power rule but
also why is not c given on both as I noticed on examples

so

$\displaystyle-\frac{1}{x^2 +c}=y=\phi(x)$

why the introduction of $\phi(x)$ ??
 
The power rule is:

$$\int u^r\,du=\frac{u^{r+1}}{r+1}+C$$

It appears you've properly applied it. Are you asking why there is not a constant of integration on both sides after you integrated?
 
MarkFL said:
The power rule is:

$$\int u^r\,du=\frac{u^{r+1}}{r+1}+C$$

It appears you've properly applied it. Are you asking why there is not a constant of integration on both sides after you integrated?

Kinda
Some examples seem to do a
Magic disappearing act on the c's
 
karush said:
Kinda
Some examples seem to do a
Magic disappearing act on the c's

There's really only the need to put a constant on 1 side...consider:

$$f(y)\,dy=g(x)\,dx$$

Now, let's integrate, and put a constant on both sides:

$$F(y)+c_1=G(x)+c_2$$

Subtract $c_1$ from both sides:

$$F(y)=G(x)+c_2-c_1$$

Define:

$$C=c_2-c_1$$

$$F(y)=G(x)+C$$

You can think of both constants being contained in the one, which is generally put on the RHS.

Does that make sense?
 
karush said:
$\tiny{2.3.2}$
$\textsf{Given: }$
$$\displaystyle y'=2xy^2, \quad y(0)=1$$
$\textit{Show that $y=\phi(x)=(1-x^2)^{-1}$ is a solution of the initial value problem}
The problem, as stated, does NOT ask you to solve the equation, just to show that the given function is a solution.

With $y= (1- x^2)^{-1}$, $y'= (-1)(1- x^2)^{-2}(-2x)$
Since $y= (1- x^2)^{-1}$, $(1- x^2)^{-2}= [(1- x^2)^{-1}]^2= y^2$
so $y'= 2xy^2$ and we are done!

$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y'&=2xy^2\\
\frac{dy}{y^2}&=2x \\
y&=\color{red}{\frac{1}{(c_1-x^2)}}
\end{align*}
ok I went into confusion after 2x??
red is W|F
 
Last edited:

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