Bernoulli differential equation, i got the form down, where did i f it up? :-x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a Bernoulli differential equation, specifically focusing on the correct application of the substitution method to solve it. The original poster presents their work and expresses confusion regarding their solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve a Bernoulli differential equation using a substitution method but questions the correctness of their approach and results. Some participants suggest that the original poster's identification of the function Q(x) may be incorrect, prompting a reevaluation of the problem setup.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's work, providing feedback and alternative perspectives on the substitution method. There is an ongoing exploration of the notation and definitions used in the problem, with some participants clarifying their interpretations of the substitution.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the coefficients in the differential equation, particularly the role of Q(x) and its dependence on x. The original poster also references an example from their professor, indicating potential discrepancies in understanding the problem's setup.

mr_coffee
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Hello everyone! ITS ME! I'm having a good time with some Bernoulli differential equations, and yet it didn't work. Here is the directions:
A Bernoulli differential equation is one of the form:
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/c4/3f85cf0e6820be855c6d2a21d051b71.png
Observe that, if n=0 or 1, the Bernoulli equation is linear. For other values of n, the substitution u=y^{1-n} transforms the Bernoulli equation into the linear equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/aa/f6e0ed9c0e920a9374d9b874f69ff21.png
Use an appropriate substitution to solve the equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/a5/7eb1214eb5ca480f1d8188f6dd4e9a1.png
and find the solution that satisfies y(1)=3.

y(x) =

Okay here is my work:
P(x) = 1/x;
Q(x) = 9
n = 2

u' + (-1)(1/x)*u = (-1)*9
so integrating facotr would be:
I(t) = e^(-1/x)
I = -x;

-x*u' + u = 9x;
integration gives:
u = (-9/2)*x -c/x

applying intial condition: y(1) = 3;
3 = -9/2 - C/1
C = -15/2;

Plugging in constant of integration and solving for u gives me:
u = (-9/2)*x +(15/2);
which is wrong of course! any idea why? Thank you! (this is the first time doing a problem of this form so im' not sure if I'm suppose to plug somthing back in or what?);

THANKS
 
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From a first look, your Q(x) is wrong. As you see, Q may be a function of x and you just took 9, but the coefficient of y² was 9x.

By using the Bernouilli substitution, i.e. z = 1/y, your DE becomes

xy' + y = 9xy^2 \mathop \to \limits_{z' = - y'/y^2 }^{z = y^{ - 1} } - xz' + z = 9x
 
Thanks TD, I'm kinda confusd on your notation of
z = y^-1
->
z' = -y'/y^2

what do u mean? Also I fallowed an example program my professor did and he just used the number, but i agree i think it should be 9x
 
Well my z is just your u, for the Bernouilli equation of degree n, the substitution is - as you said - u = y^(1-n). With n being 2 here, and your u being my z, that gives us z = y^(-1), no? Then z' is just dz/dx.
 

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