Differential Equation Containing Natural Log of Negative e

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation y' - e^{-y}cos(x) = 0, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the natural logarithm of a negative number. The user, Chris, initially struggles with finding an explicit solution without an initial condition, leading to the erroneous conclusion that ln(-e^{-y}) is valid. However, it is clarified that the natural logarithm of a negative number is undefined, and the correct approach involves integrating the equation properly, leading to the realization of a mistake in the integral of e^{-y}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order differential equations
  • Knowledge of integration techniques
  • Familiarity with the properties of logarithmic functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors for solving differential equations
  • Learn about the implications of initial conditions in differential equations
  • Explore the properties and definitions of logarithmic functions, particularly ln(x)
  • Review common mistakes in integration and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematics students, educators, and anyone involved in solving differential equations, particularly those encountering challenges with logarithmic functions and integration techniques.

chrisa88
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Hi I am working on a problem that ends up having the natural log of a negative e which I'm confused on how to find the explicit solution.

The Problem:
Find an explicit solution with C.
y'-e^{-y}cos(x)=0

My Conclusion:
First of all, I'm confused how I should solve this explicitly if I'm not given an initial condition. I'm assuming that is why they said "with C", however I'm now in the conundrum of how to solve this with just y on the left side since I have reached the following:
ln(-e^{-y})=ln(sin(x) + C)
which could then be simplified to (if I'm not mistaken)
ln(-e^{-y})=c*ln(sin(x))
BUT from my research and trials I have found that the natural log of a negative number, even e, is undefined. So how would I get this simplified to solving for y?

Thank you very much!

Chris
 
Physics news on Phys.org
y'-exp(−y)cos(x)=0
y'exp(y)=cos(x)
Integrate...
 
So my mistake was in doing the integral of e^(-y) which yields -e^(-y), wow.. I kept thinking I had made some silly algebra error here haha.. Thank you very much for pointing out my trivial mistake!
 

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