Cannot isolate y (first order quadratic DE?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving two first-order differential equations of a quadratic form, specifically focusing on the equations \(\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 0.9\) and \(\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 5\). Participants explore methods for isolating \(y\) and integrating the equations, while also addressing the implications of complex roots in the context of differential equations.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the classification of the equations as quadratic first-order differential equations and seeks help in isolating \(y\).
  • Another participant suggests separating variables and completing the square on the denominator to facilitate integration.
  • Several participants discuss the use of partial fractions and substitutions to simplify the integration process.
  • There is a mention of the quadratic formula and its application to find roots, leading to a discussion on the implications of complex roots.
  • One participant raises a concern about a potential mistake in the coefficient used during the integration process.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of complex analysis in relation to solving differential equations with complex roots.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods of separating variables and using substitutions, but there is no consensus on the best approach to handle complex roots or the classification of the equations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of complex roots and the correct coefficients in the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the equations can be classified as Riccati equations and discuss the implications of particular solutions. There are also unresolved questions about the handling of complex roots and the application of logarithmic functions in complex analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in differential equations, particularly those exploring methods of integration and the implications of complex solutions in mathematical modeling.

GreenGoblin
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I am required to solve two versions of the similar equation for y(x). I think this would be called a quadratic first order differential equation, but I don't even know if that is the correct name:

1)\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 0.9
2)\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 5

Confidence exists that if I can do one I can do the other since its just changing one value. Let's try the first.

What I tried:

Dividing through the RHS and multiplying by dx, integrating, I get obviously log of the function times 1/ the derivative of the log = x. BUT, then I don't know how to get the y on its own. Basically, I am used to linear problems only. I don't know how to isolate y here because if I take exponents it gets stuck in there and the whole thing gets messy. I would think this is a pretty common problem that once learned is learned. But I haven't learned it and don't know where to. Can anyone help?
 
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If given an ODE of the form:

$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=ay^2+by+c$

I would rewrite it as (separating variables):

$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{ay^2+by+c}=dx$

Next, I would complete the square on the denominator on the left, to get either a sum of squares (resulting in an inverse tangent anti-derivative) or a difference of squares (resulting in a logarithmic anti-derivative through partial fractions).

Many times you will get an implicit solution, although in this case you may choose to express $x$ as a function of $y$.

Another option would be to compute an integrating factor, resulting in an exact ODE.
 
MarkFL said:
If given an ODE of the form:

$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=ay^2+by+c$

I would rewrite it as (separating variables):

$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{ay^2+by+c}=dx$

Next, I would complete the square on the denominator on the left, to get either a sum of squares (resulting in an inverse tangent anti-derivative) or a difference of squares (resulting in a logarithmic anti-derivative through partial fractions).

Many times you will get an implicit solution, although in this case you may choose to express $x$ as a function of $y$.

Another option would be to compute an integrating factor, resulting in an exact ODE.
Thanks for your reply, using the method you said I lead to: \frac{-1}{10}\frac{dy}{(y-5)^{2}-16}= dx. IS this useful? How can I make it into partial fractions as you say?
 
GreenGoblin said:
Thanks for your reply, using the method you said I lead to: \frac{-1}{10}\frac{dy}{(y-5)^{2}-16}= dx. IS this useful? How can I make it into partial fractions as you say?

Yes, this is correct for the first equation you gave. To simplify a bit, I would use the substitution:

$u=y-5\,\therefore\,du=dy$

and multiply through by 10 to get:

$\displaystyle \frac{du}{4^2-u^2}=10\,dx$

Use the difference of squares formula:

$\displaystyle \frac{du}{(4+u)(4-u)}=10\,dx$

Now, for the integrand on the left, assume the partial fraction decomposition has the form:

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{(4+u)(4-u)}=\frac{A}{4+u}+\frac{B}{4-u}$

Using the Heaviside cover-up method, we find:

$\displaystyle A=B=\frac{1}{8}$ hence:

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{(4+u)(4-u)}=\frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{4+u}+\frac{1}{4-u} \right)=\frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{u+4}-\frac{1}{u-4} \right)$

and now we have:

$\displaystyle \left(\frac{1}{u+4}-\frac{1}{u-4} \right)\,du=80\,dx$

Now integrate, then back-substitute for $u$. In this case you can actually solve for $y$ in the end. Let us know how you progress.:cool:
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, this is correct for the first equation you gave. To simplify a bit, I would use the substitution:

$u=y-5\,\therefore\,du=dy$

and multiply through by 10 to get:

$\displaystyle \frac{du}{4^2-u^2}=10\,dx$

Use the difference of squares formula:

$\displaystyle \frac{du}{(4+u)(4-u)}=10\,dx$

Now, for the integrand on the left, assume the partial fraction decomposition has the form:

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{(4+u)(4-u)}=\frac{A}{4+u}+\frac{B}{4-u}$

Using the Heaviside cover-up method, we find:

$\displaystyle A=B=\frac{1}{8}$ hence:

$\displaystyle \frac{1}{(4+u)(4-u)}=\frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{4+u}+\frac{1}{4-u} \right)=\frac{1}{8}\left(\frac{1}{u+4}-\frac{1}{u-4} \right)$

and now we have:

$\displaystyle \left(\frac{1}{u+4}-\frac{1}{u-4} \right)\,du=80\,dx$

Now integrate, then back-substitute for $u$. In this case you can actually solve for $y$ in the end. Let us know how you progress.:cool:

What you just did is absolutely world class, I am going to work through and get an understanding, see if I get stuck again. Just want to say thanks a lot for now that gives me a lot to go with!
 
GreenGoblin said:
What you just did is absolutely world class, I am going to work through and get an understanding, see if I get stuck again. Just want to say thanks a lot for now that gives me a lot to go with!
One point: have I not made a mistake with the coefficient -1/10 on the LHS, should it not be -10? Since it is in the denominator.
 
Assume that we want to solve the differential equation of the form :

$$y'=ay^2+by+c$$

Let us try to solve the right hand side by the quadratic formula :y=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}

y'=(y-\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a})(y-\frac{-b-\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a})

so assume that the roots are

k_1=\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\,\,\, k_2=\frac{-b-\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}y'=(y-k_1)(y-k_2)\frac{dy}{(y-k_1)(y-k_2)}=dx\left(\frac{1}{y-k_1}-\frac{1}{y-k_2}\right)dy=dx(k_1-k_2)

Now integrate both sides to get :

\ln\left|\frac{y-k_1}{y-k_2}\right|=(k_1-k_2)x+C
 
GreenGoblin said:
One point: have I not made a mistake with the coefficient -1/10 on the LHS, should it not be -10? Since it is in the denominator.

Yes, you are right, sorry for missing that.(Tmi)
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Assume that we want to solve the differential equation of the form :

$$y'=ay^2+by+c$$

Let us try to solve the right hand side by the quadratic formula :y=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}

y'=(y-\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a})(y-\frac{-b-\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a})

so assume that the roots are

k_1=\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\,\,\, k_2=\frac{-b-\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}y'=(y-k_1)(y-k_2)\frac{dy}{(y-k_1)(y-k_2)}=dx\left(\frac{1}{y-k_1}-\frac{1}{y-k_2}\right)dy=dx(k_1-k_2)

Now integrate both sides to get :

\ln\left|\frac{y-k_1}{y-k_2}\right|=(k_1-k_2)x+C

What happens when the roots are complex?
 
  • #10
GreenGoblin said:
I am required to solve two versions of the similar equation for y(x). I think this would be called a quadratic first order differential equation, but I don't even know if that is the correct name:

1)\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 0.9
2)\frac{dy}{dx}=y - \frac{y^{2}}{10} - 5

Out of curiosity: $y'=ay^2+by+c$ is a separated variables equation and also a Riccati equation. If $k\in\mathbb{R}$ is a solution of the equation $at^2+bt+c=0$ then, $y_1=k$ is a particular solution, and with the substitution $y=y_1+\dfrac{1}{v}$ we get a linear equation on $v$.

At any case (as has been said) is better to solve it by separation of variables.
 
  • #11
MarkFL said:
What happens when the roots are complex?

I haven't considered that. Let me think about it .. :confused:
 
  • #12
When the roots of the polynomial are complex, this will require some knowledge of the principle logarithm in complex analysis

\text{Log}z = \ln|z|+i\text{Arg}(z)

Let us assume that we want to find the solution of the differential equation :

y'=y^2+1

Clearly this is separable and can be solved directly ...

y=\tan(x+C)

Now let us prove our method :

\text{Log}\left( \frac{y-k_1}{y-k_2}\right)=(k_1-k_2)x+C

we have that $k_1=i $ and $k_2=-i$

\text{Log}\left(\frac{y-i}{y+i}\right)=2ix+C_1

Now we multiply by the conjugate :

\text{Log}\left(\frac{(y-i)^2}{y^2+1}\right)=2ix+C_1

2\text{Log}(y-i)-\ln{(y^2+1)}=2ix+C_1

\text{Log}{(y-i)}=\ln \sqrt{(y^2+1)}+i\arctan\left(\frac{-1}{y}\right)=\frac{1}{2}\ln(y^2+1)+i\arctan(y)+C_2

2\left(\frac{1}{2} \ln (y^2+1)+i\arctan(y)+C_2\right)-\ln{(y^2+1)}=2ix+C_1

\ln(y^2+1)+2i\arctan(y)-\ln{(y^2+1)}=2ix+C_3

\arctan(y)=x+C

y=\tan(x+C)
 

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