Breakdown of a Logistic Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a logistic differential equation given by $$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})$$. Participants are exploring equilibrium solutions, separability of the equation, and the use of partial fraction decomposition for integration.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to find equilibrium solutions by setting $$\frac{dP}{dt}=0$$ and solving for P, identifying potential solutions as $$P=0$$ and $$P=A$$.
  • There are discussions on separating the equation and writing its separated form, with one participant suggesting a specific approach to facilitate separation.
  • Concerns are raised about the correctness of the integration process and the handling of partial fractions, with participants questioning the steps taken and expressing uncertainty about their methods.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and suggestions for separation and integration. There is acknowledgment of mistakes in the integration process, and some guidance has been offered regarding the correct approach to partial fractions and integration.

Contextual Notes

Participants express frustration with the complexity of the integration and the need for a common denominator in their attempts, indicating a struggle with the algebra involved in the problem.

defaultusername
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Homework Statement


I feel so stuck.
Given the Logistic Equation:
$$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})$$

a.). Find the equilibrium solutions by setting $$\frac{dP}{dt}=0$$ and solving for P.
b.). The equation is separable. Separate it and write the separated form of the equation.
c.). Use partial fraction decomposition and then integrate both sides of the equation to solve for P.

Homework Equations


$$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})$$

The Attempt at a Solution


a.) $$\frac{dP}{dt}=0$$
$$⇒P=0, A$$

b.) $$⇒\frac{1}{P}+(\frac{\frac{1}{A}}{1-\frac{P}{A}})dP=k dt$$
$$⇒(\frac{dP}{1-\frac{P}{A}})=k dt$$

c.) $$⇒(\frac{dP}{1-\frac{P}{A}})=k dt$$
$$⇒P=\frac{B}{P}+\frac{C}{1-\frac{P}{A}}$$

I am not even sure if I am doing everything correctly or not. I need to find a common denominator to solve for B and C but my attempts always end up as a huge mess.
 
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defaultusername said:

Homework Statement


I feel so stuck.
Given the Logistic Equation:
$$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})$$

a.). Find the equilibrium solutions by setting $$\frac{dP}{dt}=0$$ and solving for P.
b.). The equation is separable. Separate it and write the separated form of the equation.
c.). Use partial fraction decomposition and then integrate both sides of the equation to solve for P.

Homework Equations


$$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})$$

The Attempt at a Solution


a.) $$\frac{dP}{dt}=0$$
$$⇒P=0, A$$

b.) $$⇒\frac{1}{P}+(\frac{\frac{1}{A}}{1-\frac{P}{A}})dP=k dt$$
I can't tell what you did here (above). Start with the given diff. equation and separate it, using my hint below.
$$\frac{dP}{dt}=kP(1-\frac{P}{A})\\
\Rightarrow \frac{dP}{dt}=\frac k A P(A - P)$$
Now it should be easier to separate.
defaultusername said:
$$⇒(\frac{dP}{1-\frac{P}{A}})=k dt$$

c.) $$⇒(\frac{dP}{1-\frac{P}{A}})=k dt$$
$$⇒P=\frac{B}{P}+\frac{C}{1-\frac{P}{A}}$$

I am not even sure if I am doing everything correctly or not.
What you did is definitely wrong. You should get P as a function of t.
defaultusername said:
I need to find a common denominator to solve for B and C but my attempts always end up as a huge mess.
 
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Following where you write b) you have just made a mistake in getting the partial fractions.

In the following lines, you've lost yourself - you drop a term for no reason and integrate incorrectly.

You will need to integrate a LHS with respect to P, and right hand side with respect to t.

Revise the integrals of things like dP/P if you have forgotten.
 
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Thanks for your help!
 
defaultusername said:
Thanks for your help!

See my sig. :oldsmile: :oldwink:
 
Last edited:

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