-b.2.2.26 Solve first order IVP and determine where minimum of solution occurs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order initial value problem (IVP) represented by the ordinary differential equation (ODE) $$\dfrac{dy}{dx}=2 (1+x) (1+y^2)$$ with the initial condition $$y(0)=0$$. Participants explore the separation of variables, integration techniques, and the implications of their solutions, including the determination of where the minimum of the solution occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the ODE is separable and propose separating variables to facilitate integration.
  • One participant suggests using definite integrals with changed dummy variables to avoid confusion in limits of integration.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the necessity of a substitution and the integration process.
  • There is a discussion about the integration results, with one participant arriving at $$\arctan(y) = x^2 + 2x$$ and another confirming this result with $$y = \tan(x^2 + 2x)$$.
  • Some participants challenge each other's steps, particularly regarding the integration of $$2(1+x)$$ and the resulting expressions.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their answer, while another reassures them that they have arrived at the correct solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the separability of the ODE and the integration process, but there are differing views on the clarity and correctness of specific steps taken during the solution. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the minimum of the solution and its determination.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the use of definite integrals to avoid finding the constant of integration, which introduces a layer of complexity regarding the assumptions made in the integration process. There is also a lack of consensus on the interpretation of certain integration steps and their implications for the solution.

karush
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OK going to comtinue with these till I have more confidence with it
$$\dfrac{dy}{dx}=2 (1+x) (1+y^2), \qquad y(0)=0$$
separate
$$(1+y^2)\, dy=(2+2x)\, dx$$
 
Last edited:
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The ODE associated with this IVP is separable. I would next write:

$$\int_0^y \frac{1}{u^2+1}\,du=2\int_0^x v+1\,dv$$

And...GO!
 
why would this need to be a u=v substitution?
do you just plug in y=0, x=0
 
Last edited:
I changed the dummy variables of integration because I used the boundaries as the limits of the definite integrals. It's considered bad form to have the variable of integration in the limits. Using definite integrals removes the need for finding the constant of integration.

Suppose you have the initial value problem (IVP):

$$\frac{dy}{dx}=f(x)$$ where $$y\left(x_0\right)=y_0$$

Now, separating variables and using indefinite integrals, we may write:

$$\int\,dy=\int f(x)\,dx$$

And upon integrating, we find

$$y(x)=F(x)+C$$ where $$\frac{d}{dx}\left(F(x) \right)=f(x)$$

Using the initial condition, we get

$$y\left(x_0 \right)=F\left(x_0 \right)+C$$

Solving for \(C\) and using $$y\left(x_0\right)=y_0$$, we obtain:

$$C=y_0-F\left(x_0 \right)$$ thus:

$$y(x)=F(x)+y_0-F\left(x_0 \right)$$

which we may rewrite as:

$$y(x)-y_0=F(x)-F\left(x_0 \right)$$

Now, we may rewrite this, using the anti-derivative form of the fundamental theorem of calculus, as:

$$\int_{y_0}^{y(x)}\,dy=\int_{x_0}^{x}f(x)\,dx$$

Now, since the variable of integration gets integrated out, it is therefore considered a "dummy variable" and since it is considered good form not to use the same variable in the boundaries as we use for integration, we may switch these dummy variables and write:

$$\int_{y_0}^{y(x)}\,du=\int_{x_0}^{x}f(v)\,dv$$

This demonstrates that the two methods are equivalent.

Using the boundaries (the initial and final values) in the limits of integration eliminates the need to solve for the constant of integration, and I find it a more intuitive and cleaner approach to separable initial value problems.
 
so...then,,,,
$$\arctan \left(y\right)=x^2+2x$$
then
$$y=\tan(x^2+2x)$$

there is no book answer to this:rolleyes:

ok sorry I am kinda lost
 
Last edited:
$\arctan(y) = (1+x)^2 + C$

$y(0) = 0 \implies C = -1$

$y = \tan(x^2+2x)$
 
how did you get..
$(1+x)^2 $
 
karush said:
so...then,,,,
$$\arctan \left(y\right)=x^2+2x$$
then
$$y=\tan(x^2+2x)$$

there is no book answer to this:rolleyes:

ok sorry I am kinda lost
You aren't lost. You got the correct answer! :eek:

-Dan
 
$\displaystyle \int 2(1+x) \, dx = (1+x)^2 +C$
 
  • #10
MarkFL said:
The ODE associated with this IVP is separable. I would next write:

$$\int_0^y \frac{1}{u^2+1}\,du=2\int_0^x v+1\,dv$$

And...GO!

Continuing, we have:

$$\int_0^y \frac{1}{u^2+1}\,du=2\int_1^{x+1} w\,dw$$

$$\arctan(y)=(x+1)^2-1=x(x+2)$$

$$y=\tan(x(x+2))$$
 

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