Conquering Autonomous Equations: Solving for y(0) and y'(0)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order autonomous differential equation given specific initial conditions for y and its derivative. The equation is y*y'' = (y')² + y²*y', with initial values y(0) = -1/2 and y'(0) = 1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation of the original equation into a first-order form using substitutions for y' and y''. There is discussion about potential typos in the equation and the implications of differentiating with respect to y. Some participants attempt to derive an integrating factor and express y' in terms of y and a constant k, while questioning how this relates to the initial conditions.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights and attempted to clarify the relationships between the variables and initial conditions. There is acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, and while some progress has been made, there remains uncertainty regarding the fit of the derived expressions with the initial conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the initial conditions provided, and there is an ongoing discussion about the correct interpretation of the variables and their relationships. The nature of the problem suggests that further exploration of the assumptions and derived equations is necessary.

Fredh
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Homework Statement


y*y'' = (y')² + y²*y'

y(0) = -1/2 ,

y'(0) = 1



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



y' = p
y'' = p'p

p(p'p) = p² + y²p

Dividing both sides by p

p'p = p + y²

And then I'm stuck
 
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Fredh said:

Homework Statement


y*y'' = (y')² + y²*y'

y(0) = -1/2 ,

y'(0) = 1

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



y' = p
y'' = p'p

p(p'p) = p² + y²p
Perhaps this is a typo but it should be y(p'p)= p2+ y2p

Dividing both sides by p

p'p = p + y²

And then I'm stuck
You should have yp'= p+ y2. Also, the "p' " indicates differentiation with respect to y rather than the original independent variable.

Now that is certainly non-trivial but at least is linear. Can you find the "integrating factor"?
 
Thanks!

It was not a typo, anyway, I solved yp' = p + y²:

dp/dy - p/y = y

Integrating factor = 1/y

p'/y - p/y² = 1

And that gives me y' = y(y+k)

But that does not fit the initial conditon y'(0) = 1
 
Fredh said:
Thanks!

It was not a typo, anyway, I solved yp' = p + y²:

dp/dy - p/y = y

Integrating factor = 1/y

p'/y - p/y² = 1

And that gives me y' = y(y+k)

But that does not fit the initial condition y'(0) = 1
It fits just fine with k = -3/2 .
 
SammyS said:
It fits just fine with k = -3/2 .

Edit: trying to solve it again
 
Last edited:
I don't know what to do, can you tell me how does it fit?
 
Fredh said:
Thanks!

It was not a typo, anyway, I solved yp' = p + y²:

dp/dy - p/y = y

Integrating factor = 1/y

p'/y - p/y² = 1

And that gives me y' = y(y+k)

But that does not fit the initial conditon y'(0) = 1
So, you have y' = y(y+k).

In specific that means that [itex]\displaystyle y'(0)=y(0)\left(y(0)+k\right)\ .[/itex]

Plug the initial values into that & solve for k.

[itex]\displaystyle (1)=\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)+k\right)[/itex]
 
Oh!
Of course, it didn't occur to me it was y(0) I had to use, thank you very much!
 

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