DiffEQ: Determining the largest interval of a solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kaylee!
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diffeq Interval
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the first-order linear differential equation cos(x) dy/dx + sin(x)y = 1 and determining the largest interval for the solution's validity. The equation is rewritten in standard form and solved using the integrating factor sec(x), leading to the general solution y = sin(x) + c(cos(x)). The user seeks clarification on the interval of validity, reasoning that since sec(x) has a domain of (-π/2, π/2), this should be the interval for the solution. The reasoning is confirmed as correct, as the solution is valid within the constraints of the integrating factor.
Kaylee!
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
The question is to determine the solution to the following 1st order linear DE, along with the largest interval the solution is valid on:

cosx \frac{dy}{dx} + (sinx)y=1



Rewriting it shows it to be linear:
\frac{dy}{dx} + (tanx)y = secx

The intergrating factor is: e^{\int{tanx dx}} = e^{-ln|cosx|} = secx

Multiplying both sides of the DE by the integrating factor, and rewriting the LHS as a derivative of the product of the integrating factor and y:
\frac{d}{dx}[(secx)y]= sex^{2}x

(secx)y = tanx+c

y = sinx + c(cosx)

------------------

Now how do I determine the interval?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm multiplying both sides of the equation by secx, which has a domain of (-pi/2, pi/2), so that's the interval. Is this reasoning correct?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
47K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K