Differential Equation & Linear Algebra Help?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form 8x - 2y sqrt(x^2 + 1) dy/dx = 0, with the initial condition y(0) = -3. Participants are exploring the separability of the equation and the implications of the initial condition on the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separation of variables and integration steps, questioning the correctness of the derived expression y^2 = 8 sqrt(x^2 + 1) + 1. There is also a focus on the implications of the initial condition and the need for a negative root in the final solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants identifying the need to consider both positive and negative roots of the equation. There is acknowledgment of the initial condition leading to a specific solution, but no consensus on the final form has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the nature of square roots and the requirement to satisfy the initial condition, which adds complexity to the interpretation of the solution.

JSGhost
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Homework Statement


Solve the following differential equation
8x - 2y sqrt(x^2 + 1) dy/dx = 0
subject to the initial condition: y(0) = -3.

y = ?

Homework Equations



Separable DE's
dy/dx = g(x)/f(y)

The Attempt at a Solution



8x - 2y sqrt(x^2 + 1) dy/dx = 0
8x = 2y sqrt(x^2 + 1) dy/dx
[8x/sqrt(x^2+1)]dx = 2y dy
integrate both sides

u = x^2 + 1
du = 2x dx

4 (integral) [1/sqrt(u)] du = y^2
4(2u^(1/2)) + c = y^2
8 sqrt(x^2+1) + c = y^2

Since y(0) = -3.
Substitute to find c.
8sqrt((0)^2+1) + c = (-3)^2
8 + c = 9
c = 1

y^2 = 8 sqrt(x^2+1) + 1

I get that answer but it isn't correct. I am using webwork and need help solving the equation. Thanks.
 
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Hi JSGhost! :smile:

(have a square-root; √ and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
JSGhost said:
Solve the following differential equation
8x - 2y sqrt(x^2 + 1) dy/dx = 0
subject to the initial condition: y(0) = -3.

y^2 = 8 sqrt(x^2+1) + 1

Looks ok so far …

what was your final answer, "y = … " ? :smile:
 
y^2 = 8 sqrt(x^2 + 1) + 1

to

y = sqrt( 8(x^2+1)^(1/2) + 1) ?

I've tried that already.
 
Hi JSGhost! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)
JSGhost said:
y = sqrt( 8(x^2+1)^(1/2) + 1) ?

("sqrt" and "1/2" ? and what happened to that √ I gave you? :wink:)

erm :redface:

that doesn't look negative to me! :biggrin:
 
Nothing seems to work. Maybe I am approaching the problem wrong? Maybe it's not separable...but linear first-order equation.

y = sqrt( 8sqrt(x^1 + 1) + 1) doesn't work. Those symbols don't work cause I can't copy those into the answer placement.
 
If you put x = 0 into sqrt( 8sqrt(x^1 + 1) + 1), you get √(8√(1) + 1) = √(8+1) = 3,

and you want -3

sooo … ? :smile:
 
If y^2= f(x) y is NOT necessarily equal to \sqrt{f(x)}! There are two possible solutions and only one can satisfy y(0)= -3.
 
Thanks. Finally got it. I needed a negative. :cry: I thought sqrt(9) would give negative and positive of 3.

y = - sqrt( 8sqrt(x^1 + 1) + 1)
 
he he:biggrin:

a maths symbol only ever has its unique "principal value" …

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principal_value" :wink:
 
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