Can You Solve This Initial Value Problem and Determine Its Solution Interval?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem involving a differential equation, specifically the equation \( xdx + ye^{-x}dy = 0 \) with the initial condition \( y(0) = 1 \). Participants explore methods for integrating the equation, graphing the solution, and determining the interval of validity for the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the initial value problem and attempts to separate variables and integrate, expressing uncertainty about subsequent steps.
  • Another participant suggests integrating both sides to find the curve and graph, emphasizing the need to perform the integrals.
  • A different participant points out a potential typo in the original post and recommends using integration by parts for one of the integrals, noting that solving for \( y \) will involve a square root.
  • Further contributions discuss the isolation of \( y \) and the simplification of the resulting expression, with one participant questioning the graph's output.
  • There is a suggestion that the "2" in the expression for \( y \) might be misplaced, and participants discuss the implications of the square root in the solution.
  • One participant shares their Desmos graphing attempt and expresses confusion about the interval \( -1.68 < x < 0.77 \) mentioned in the book, questioning how to derive these values.
  • Another participant provides a detailed approach to finding the interval by setting \( y = 0 \) and transforming the equation, introducing the Lambert W function in their explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct form of the solution or the interval of validity. Multiple competing views and methods for solving the problem are presented, with ongoing uncertainty about specific details and outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential typos in the expressions, unresolved mathematical steps in the integration process, and dependency on the definitions of functions like the Lambert W function.

karush
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View attachment 9112

Given #11
$\quad\displaystyle
xdx+ye^{-x}dy=0,\quad y(0)=1$
a. Initial value problem in explicit form.
$\quad xdx=-ye^{-x}dy$
separate
$\quad \frac{x}{e^{-x}}\, dx=-y\, dy$
simplify
$\quad xe^x\, dx=-y\, dy$
rewrite
$\quad y\,dy=-xe^x\,dx$
integrate (with boundaries)
$\quad \int_1^y u\,dy=-\int_0^x ve^v\,dv$

OK i did this so far hopefully ok but didnt know how to do b and c (on desmos)

b. Plot the graph of the solution
c. Interval of solution.
 

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Re: 11.2

I recommend that you integrate both side to find the curve and the graph as well as provide that answer to us.
 
Re: 11.2

(You have a typo- your "dy" should be "du".)

Why stop there? Obviously you have to do the integrals! The "du" integral is straight forward. To do the "dv" integral, use "integration by parts".

Solving for y will involve a square root. The domain is determined by the fact that the square root must be of a non-negative number. The graph will have two parts, one with "+", the other with "-".
 
Re: 11.2

What title would you like me to give this thread so that the title is useful?
 
Re: 11.2

11.2 Initial value problem in explicit form.

I tried to fix it but couldn't

==================================

integrate (with boundaries)
$$\int_1^y y\,dy=-\int_0^x xe^x\,dx$$
then
$\frac{y^2}{2}-\frac{1}{2}=-e^xx+e^x-1$
isolate y
multiply thru by 2 and add 1
$y^2=-2e^xx+2e^x-2+1$
simplify RHS and factor
$y^2=2[1-x]e^x-1$
square both sides
$y = 2[(1-x)e^x-1]^{1/2}$

typo maybe??

when this is graphed you get nothing?
 
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Re: 11.2

karush said:
thake the square (root) of both sides
$y = 2[(1-x)e^x-1]^{1/2}$

typo maybe??

when this is graphed you get nothing?
The "2" belongs under the square root. Typo? (Sun)

Here's the graph. I have no idea why this would cause you trouble.
View attachment 9113

And don't forget the part of the solution with the negative sign!

-Dan
 

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View attachment 9117
here is the desmos attemptalso I don't know where the interval of $−1.68<x<0.77$ which is the book answer comes from
I set y=0 but that didn't return those values
 

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karush said:
here is the desmos attemptalso I don't know where the interval of $−1.68<x<0.77$ which is the book answer comes from
I set y=0 but that didn't return those values
What values did you get? If I graph the function on Desmos (https://www.desmos.com/calculator) clicking on the y-intercept, I get x= -1.678 and x= 0.768)

If y= 0 then 2(1- x)e^x- 1= 0 then 2(1- x)e^x= 1.

Let u= 1- x so that x= 1- u. The equation becomes 2ue^{1- u}= 2eue^{-u}= 1. Let v= -u so that u= -v. The equation becomes -2eve^v= 1. Divide both sides by -2e. ve^v= -\frac{1}{2e}. Then v= W\left(\frac{-1}{2e}\right) where "W" is "Lambert's W function, defined as the inverse function to f(x)= xe^x.
 

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