Differential Eq. Initial Value Problem (separable/partial fractions/hyperbolic)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem (IVP) involving a differential equation of the form dx/dt = 2*(1-x^2) with the initial condition x(0)=0. Participants are exploring the analytic solution and the possibility of expressing the solution in terms of hyperbolic functions, as well as deriving terms in the Taylor series up to the t^5 term.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the differential equation using partial fractions and question the treatment of absolute values in their solutions. There is also mention of assuming a solution in the form of a Maclaurin series and equating coefficients.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided steps in their attempts to solve the problem, while others have raised questions about the validity of certain assumptions, particularly regarding the absolute values and the positivity of constants. There is an ongoing exploration of how to express the solution in terms of hyperbolic functions, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of needing to satisfy the initial condition and are considering the implications of this on their solutions. There is a focus on ensuring that the expressions used remain valid across the relevant domain of x.

noob^n
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Homework Statement



dx/dt = 2*(1-x^2) with x(0)=0

Obtain the analytic solution to the IVP. Then, obtain the terms in the Taylor series up to and including the t^5 term.

Note: should be possible to express x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions.

The Attempt at a Solution



some of my steps;

dx/(1-x^2) = 2dt

*partial fractions + integrated*

0.5[ ln|-x+1| + ln|x+1| ] = 2t + C

-x^2 +1 = A*exp(4t) , A>=0

x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

im not sure if this is right at all, as its simply been a while since I've looked at DE's. If it is right, i can't seem to figure out what combination of hyperbolic functions it relates to! any help would be much appreciated!
 
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noob^n said:

Homework Statement



dx/dt = 2*(1-x^2) with x(0)=0

Obtain the analytic solution to the IVP. Then, obtain the terms in the Taylor series up to and including the t^5 term.

Note: should be possible to express x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions.

The Attempt at a Solution



some of my steps;

dx/(1-x^2) = 2dt

*partial fractions + integrated*

0.5[ ln|-x+1| + ln|x+1| ] = 2t + C
The work to here is fine, but the line below doesn't take into account the absolute value. Using the initial condition, you should have |1 - x2| = e4t.

For what x is the expression 1 - x2 nonnegative? Negative?
noob^n said:
-x^2 +1 = A*exp(4t) , A>=0

x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

im not sure if this is right at all, as its simply been a while since I've looked at DE's. If it is right, i can't seem to figure out what combination of hyperbolic functions it relates to! any help would be much appreciated!

It seems to me that there is another part of this problem: to assume a solution in the form of a Maclaurin series, and to find its coefficients up to the x5 term. You're assuming a solution of the form x(t) = a0 + a1t + ... + a5t5 + ... + antn + ...

Basically, what you want to do is to substitute this into dx/dt + 2x2 - 2 = 0, and equate coefficients.
 
i thought because i conditioned A to be greater than or equal to zero, the RHS would stay positive, and i could drop the absolutes on the LHS... is there something wrong with my logic there?

all i really need to find is a suitable x(t) before i start subbing things into a maclaurin series... the hint said i should be able to write x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions, and because none are springing out at me I am getting the feeling I am wrong.
 
noob^n said:
i thought because i conditioned A to be greater than or equal to zero, the RHS would stay positive, and i could drop the absolutes on the LHS... is there something wrong with my logic there?
Yes, there is. Use your initial condition to find A. You can't just arbitrarily say that A needs to be positive. Assuming that you find that A is positive (I did), you can't just get rid of the absolute values. Without them, 1 - x^2 is negative for some x and positive for others.
noob^n said:
all i really need to find is a suitable x(t) before i start subbing things into a maclaurin series... the hint said i should be able to write x(t) in terms of hyperbolic functions, and because none are springing out at me I am getting the feeling I am wrong.
 
Mark44 said:
Yes, there is. Use your initial condition to find A. You can't just arbitrarily say that A needs to be positive. Assuming that you find that A is positive (I did), you can't just get rid of the absolute values. Without them, 1 - x^2 is negative for some x and positive for others.

But because x is the dependent variable, we don't have to worry about crazy x values that cause errors... as all values of t (-inf, inf) will make x behave nicely. If the initial values didn't agree with the restraints on A then id agree there's a problem, but because they do I'm still not hugely convinced I'm wrong.

looking at 1-x2 = Ae4t , A>=0

x(0)=0 implies A=1

therefore x(t)=sqrt(1-exp(4t))

I know I must be sounding like a stubborn idiot, I apologize. I've got class tomorrow so I can run it through with the lecturer and post the answer.
 

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