Bernoulli - Find the general solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Bernoulli differential equation represented by y' + xy = xy^3. The user attempted to transform the equation using the substitution v = y^-2, leading to a first-order linear equation. The challenge arose when integrating e^(-x^2), which relates to the error function. Ultimately, the user realized that employing separation of variables would have been a more effective approach to find the general solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bernoulli's Equation
  • Familiarity with first-order linear differential equations
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in differential equations
  • Basic understanding of the error function and its properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in differential equations
  • Explore the properties and applications of the error function
  • Learn about first-order linear differential equations and their solutions
  • Review integration techniques for exponential functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Bernoulli equations and integration techniques.

EmmanuelD
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Bernoulli -- Find the general solution

Homework Statement



Find the general solution of:

y'+xy=xy^3


Homework Equations



Bernoulli's Equation


The Attempt at a Solution



y'+xy=xy^3

(y^-3)y'+x(y^-2)=x

Let v=(y^-2), thus v'=((-2y^-3)y'

Then,

-v'/2+xv=x

Multiply through by (-2)

v'-2xv=-2x

Now it's in first-order linear so I multiply by e^int(-2x)dx = e^(-x^2)

(e^(-x^2))v'-2xe^(-x^2)=2xe^(-x^2)

This is where I'm getting stuck :(

BECAUSE: the integral of e^(-x^2) is the "error function?"

According to Wolfram, integral e^(-x^2) dx = 1/2 sqrt(pi) erf(x)+constant

----

Anyone get anything different or know where I might have messed up?

THANK YOU!
 
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EmmanuelD said:

Homework Statement



Find the general solution of:

y'+xy=xy^3


Homework Equations



Bernoulli's Equation


The Attempt at a Solution



y'+xy=xy^3

(y^-3)y'+x(y^-2)=x

Let v=(y^-2), thus v'=((-2y^-3)y'

Then,

-v'/2+xv=x

Multiply through by (-2)

v'-2xv=-2x

Now it's in first-order linear so I multiply by e^int(-2x)dx = e^(-x^2)

(e^(-x^2))v'-2xe^(-x^2)=2xe^(-x^2)

This is where I'm getting stuck :(

BECAUSE: the integral of e^(-x^2) is the "error function?"

According to Wolfram, integral e^(-x^2) dx = 1/2 sqrt(pi) erf(x)+constant

----

Anyone get anything different or know where I might have messed up?

THANK YOU!

GOT IT! Sorry, I don't know if there's an option for deleting a topic. My apologies.

Thanks, either way :)
 


Should have used separation of variables.
 

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