-b.2.2.1 separate variables y'=\dfrac{x^2}{y}

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation \( y' = \frac{x^2}{y} \). Participants explore the integration process, the handling of the constant of integration, and the implications of different representations of the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution by rewriting the equation and integrating, leading to the expression \( \frac{y^2}{2} = \frac{x^3}{3} + c \).
  • Another participant points out that the expression \( 3y^2 - 2x^3 + c \) is not an equation and highlights the potential confusion regarding the constant \( c \) in different contexts.
  • A third participant mentions that the book's answer is \( 3y^2 - 2x^3 = c \) and expresses satisfaction with this result.
  • Another participant discusses the integration process and the flexibility of the constant \( c \), suggesting that it can be redefined and that different constants can be used to avoid confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of the constant of integration \( c \) and its implications in the solution. There is no consensus on the best way to represent the constant, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of these representations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion arising from the use of different constants in the integration process and the need for clarity in their definitions. There is also mention of the original integration steps and their implications for the solution.

karush
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$\tiny{b.2.2.1 \quad 48}$
320
solve $\quad y'=\dfrac{x^2}{y}$

$\begin{array}{lll}
\textit{Rewrite as}
&y\dfrac{dy}{dx}=x^2\implies y\ dy=x^2\ dx \\ \\
\textit{Integrate Thru}
&\displaystyle\int y \, dy = \displaystyle\int x^2 \, dx\\ \\
&\dfrac{y^2}{2} = \dfrac{x^3}{3}+c\\ \\
\textit{thus}
&3y^2-2x^3+c; \quad y\ne 0
\end{array}$

I think this is OK but always get confused about the c
 
Last edited:
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Well done.

Two things...
1) [math]3y^2 - 2x^3 + c[/math] is not an equation.

2) [math]\dfrac{y^2}{2} = \dfrac{x^3}{3} + c[/math] and [math]3y^2 - 2x^3 + c = 0[/math] have two different values for c. You can keep it like this and use c for both (almost everyone does) but you really should mention that you are redefining the value of c.

-Dan
 
ok looks like left out the =$3y^2-2x^3=c; \quad y\ne 0$
this was the book answer :cool:
 
I made a pdf of 22 differential equation problems with replies from MHB
it is still in draft mode with markup corrections to be made but so far these have attracted 7K+ views:rolleyes:

hope it opens!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ARMDHlIAnGE6DEpUfDL6D4lNndt0OFeq/view?usp=sharing
 
Last edited:
Yes, integration of $\int y dy= \int x^2dx$ gives $\frac{y^2}{2}= \frac{x^3}{3}+ c$
where "c" is the "constant of integration" and can be any number.

Now clear the fractions by multiplying by 6:
$3y^2= 2x^3+ 6c$.

Since c can be any constant, so can 6c. Sometimes people just write
$3y^2= 2x^3+ c$ again, understanding that this "c" is not the same number as the first "c" but is still just an undetermined constant. Some people prefer to write "c'" or "C" to make it clear that this is not the same number.

We could just as well have written the original integration as $\frac{y^2}{2}= \frac{x^3}{3}+ \frac{c}{6}$ since "c/6" is just as much an undermined constant as "c" is! Then multiplying by 6 give $3y^2= 2x^3+ c$.
 
Last edited:

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