Complex differential equations to find functions [TRIED]

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The original poster is attempting to solve two differential equations related to population dynamics, specifically in the form of logistic growth models. The equations presented are dP/dt = kP - AP² and dP/dt = kP(M - P). The goal is to find the population function P(t) given initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for integrating the differential equations, including the use of partial fractions. There is an exploration of how to handle terms involving multiple variables and the setup of equations for integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using partial fractions and have suggested renaming variables to simplify the integration process. There is ongoing discussion about the correctness of the approaches taken and the assumptions made during the integration steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have not encountered similar problems involving multiple unknowns in their coursework, which adds to the complexity of the discussion. There is also mention of constraints related to the use of specific symbols and notation in the mathematical expressions.

NZBRU
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I need to solve two differential equations to find a population function P(t). I am able to do this with problems like Newtons law of cooling:

dT/dt=-k(T-Ta) solves to:
dT=-k(T-Ta) dt
∫1/(T-Ta)dT=∫-k dt
Ln(T-Ta)=-kt
e-kt=T-Ta
T=Ta+E-kt

However I have been presented with two hard problems which I can not do:

1. dP/dt=kP-AP2
2. dP/dt=kP(M-P)

using P=Po at t=0 find P(t) for both.

Homework Equations



^As above, no other equations where provided, it is pretty much calculus and algebra

The Attempt at a Solution



dP=kP-AP2 dt
dP=P(k-AP) dt
1/P dP = k-AP dt
∫1/P dP = ∫k-AP dt
Ln(P)=t(k-AP)
Ln(P)=tk-APt
etk-APT=P
loge(tk-APt)=P
eP=tk-APt

From there it just loops around. I can not think of anything else to do with it. As you can not (that I am aware of, unless you used unreals, factorise kP-AP2.

Thanks for reading this, I am not giving up and will continue to work on it now.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
$$
\frac{dP}{P(k-AP)} = \frac {-1} A \frac {dP}{P(P-\frac k A)}$$Use partial fractions.
 
Thanks a lot, I have now come down to: XP2- XPk/A - AY=1 (Instead of using A and B for partial fractions I used X and Y as those variables were not already used). The questions we have done in class involve something like: x-3=Ax-A+Bx+B and we just split them up into terms which contain x and terms not containing X to solve for A and B. Would you split it up into terms containing P and not P or terms not containing P or k or A?

We have not done this type of question containing two unknown variables (apart from those used for the partial fractions of course) yet. I apologize that I do now know how to use MathsJax, I am just using the quick symbols.

EDIT: Should I have used three fractions and used X,Y,Z as P(k-AP) could be factorized to:

-A times P times P - k/a. Then split the the final line into variables containing each one (somehow, some might contain two variables but I suppose they could be eliminated when finding the values for X, Y and Z). I will try it now...
 
Last edited:
Just call the P's x's and call -k/A "c" and you will feel right at home$$
\frac 1 {x(x-c)}$$with a -1/A out in front.
 
That makes a lot more sense, I am doing it now. I assume the -1/A can be simply integrated to -Ln(A) as you just simplified -1/A to -1 times 1/A. I will post my results once I finish, thank you a lot by the way. I would be unable to do this without your help.
 
This is my working:

∫1/(Pk- AP2) dP
= ∫-1/A times p(p-k/a) dP
∫-1/A dP can be solved
= -1P/A (this could be incorrect)
now back to the other part (I know this setting out is terrible)
∫ p(p-k/a) dP

let P=x and -k/A=c

∫ x(x-c) dx
∫ A/x +B/(x-c) dx
∫ A(x-c)/x(x-c) +Bx/x(x-c) dx
∫ A(x-c)+Bx / x(x-c) dx
∫ Ax-Ac+Bx / x(x-c) dx

Therefore Ax-Ac+Bx / x(x-c) = 1
Split up into terms containing x and terms not containing x

X
A+B=0
B=-A

Other
-Ac=1
-A=1/c
A=-1/c

Therefore B= 1/c

-1/c / x + 1/c / (x-c) = 1 / Pk-AP2
Sub C and P back in...
A=-1/c
A=-1/(-k/A)
A =A/k

B=1/c
B=1/(-k/A)
B=-A/k

So you get:

∫-1/A times [A/k / P + -A/k / (P + k/A) ] dP
 
NZBRU said:
That makes a lot more sense, I am doing it now. I assume the -1/A can be simply integrated to -Ln(A)

Why would you assume that? -1/ A is just a constant out in front. The variable of integration is P (or x if you renamed it).
 
Oh, that makes sense. My bad, it was lake when I typed that. Is my working for the A and B values correct, I will try to differentiate the final line now.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K