Differential equation using partial fractions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating a differential equation involving partial fractions to express P in terms of t. The equation presented is 1/P dP/dt = b + aP, which requires manipulation and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for manipulating the differential equation, including separating variables and using partial fractions. Questions arise about the correctness of integration steps and the handling of terms on both sides of the equation.

Discussion Status

Several participants provide guidance on how to approach the integration, suggesting the use of partial fractions and clarifying the need to rearrange terms. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly apply these techniques, with some confusion noted regarding the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the integration steps and the application of partial fractions, indicating a need for clarification on the decomposition of terms. There is a focus on ensuring the correct setup before proceeding with integration.

Shelby
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Homework Statement



I need to integrate this differential equation using partial fractions to obtain an equation for P in terms of t; P(t):

1/P dP/dt = b + aP


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So far, this is what I have:
ln /P/ = bP + aP^2/2 +c

Where do I go from here, would I take e from each side and then what would I do? and am I doing this right?
Please help me
 
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Multiply both sides by P?
 
christianjb said:
Multiply both sides by P?

No sense in doing that, since he still needs to bring the P-terms over to the left hand side.

Bring the P-terms from the RHS to the LHS, then separate variables :

\frac{1}{P(aP+b)}dP = dt

Separate the left hand side using partial fractions (write it as \frac{k_1}{P} + \frac{k_2}{aP+b}, then find the values of k1 and k2 quickly with the "Heaviside cover-up" shortcut, for example) and integrate both sides to solve.
 
Shelby said:

Homework Statement



I need to integrate this differential equation using partial fractions to obtain an equation for P in terms of t; P(t):

1/P dP/dt = b + aP


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So far, this is what I have:
ln /P/ = bP + aP^2/2 +c
No. You can't just integrate both sides with respect to P: there is not "dP" on the right side. You can rewrite the equation as
\frac{dP}{P(b+aP)}= dt
and integrate- the left side with respect to P, the right side with respect to t.

As Curious3141 said, you "partial fractions" to integrate the right side.

Where do I go from here, would I take e from each side and then what would I do? and am I doing this right?
Please help me
 
partial fractions

can you point me in the right direction, with all of these variables I keep getting confused?
 
What more "pointing" do you want! Use partial fractions to integrate
\frac{dP}{P(b+ aP}

Can you do the "partial fractions" decomposition? You want to find A and B so that
\frac{1}{P(b+aP)}= \frac{A}{P}+ \frac{B}{b+ aP}
Multiply both sides of that by P(b+aP) to get
1= A(b+aP)+ BP
and solve for A and B. (Hint: let P= 0 and P= -b/a)
 

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