-b.2.2.1 de with u subst y' + (1/x)y=\sin x; x>0,

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution of the differential equation \(y' + \frac{1}{x}y = \sin x\) for \(x > 0\). Participants explore different methods for solving the equation, including the use of integrating factors and substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the substitution \(u = \frac{1}{x}\) and proposes a solution involving an exponential integral.
  • Another participant identifies the integrating factor as \(\mu(x) = x\) and derives the equation \(\frac{d}{dx}(xy) = x\sin(x)\), leading to a solution for \(y(x)\).
  • A subsequent post repeats the integrating factor approach and arrives at the same solution for \(y(x)\), but questions the earlier substitution method.
  • Another participant clarifies the calculation of the integrating factor, confirming that \(\mu(x) = e^{\ln(x)} = x\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the substitution method versus the integrating factor approach. No consensus is reached regarding the preferred method for solving the differential equation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the methods used, and there are unresolved questions about the appropriateness of the substitution \(u(x) = \frac{1}{x}\) compared to the integrating factor approach.

karush
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$\textsf{Find the general solution of the given differential equation(book answer in red)}$
$$y^\prime + (1/x)y=\sin x \quad x>0, \qquad \color{red}
{\frac{c}{x}+\frac{\sin x}{x}-\cos x} $$
ok first $u=1/x$ and $x=1/u$ then
$$u(x) = \exp\int u \, du = e^{\ln(u)}=u +c$$
proceed or ?

$\tiny{Elementary Differential Equations And Boundary Value Problems, \\
By: William E. Boyce and Richard C. Diprima \\
1969, Second Edition}$
 
Last edited:
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We can see the integrating factor is $\mu(x)=x$ and so the ODE will become:

$$\frac{d}{dx}(xy)=x\sin(x)$$

Upon integrating, we get:

$$xy=\sin(x)-x\cos(x)+c_1$$

Hence:

$$y(x)=\frac{\sin(x)}{x}-\cos(x)+\frac{c_1}{x}$$
 
MarkFL said:
We can see the integrating factor is $\mu(x)=x$ and so the ODE will become:

$$\frac{d}{dx}(xy)=x\sin(x)$$

Upon integrating, we get:

$$xy=\sin(x)-x\cos(x)+c_1$$

Hence:

$$y(x)=\frac{\sin(x)}{x}-\cos(x)+\frac{c_1}{x}$$

wait why would $u(x)=x$
 
karush said:
wait why would $u(x)=x$

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int\frac{1}{x}\,dx\right)=e^{\ln(x)}=x$$
 

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