How do I solve a differential equation with the given initial condition?

In summary, the conversation discusses solving the differential equation dy/dx = (3x^2)(e^-y) using separation of variables and solving for y with the initial condition y(0)=1. The final solution is y = ln(x^3+e) and the process is applied to a different equation, dy/dx = 4(2y-1), resulting in the solution 2y-1 = C"e^(8x).
  • #1
Mitchtwitchita
190
0
dy/dx = (3x^2)(e^-y)

1/(e^-y) dy = 3x^2 dx
1/(e^-y) = x^3 + C

Can anybody please give me any help or advice on to where to go from here? I'm having a really tough time with this one.
 
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  • #2
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=3x^{2}e^{-y}[/tex]

this diff. eq. can be solved with separation of variables.So:

[tex]e^{y}dy=3x^{2}dx[/tex] now integrate both sides and solve for y.
 
  • #3
So, y = ln(x^3+C)?
 
  • #4
Mitchtwitchita said:
So, y = ln(x^3+C)?

Looks like it is right.
 
  • #5
Thanks stupidmath! Now, if I wanted to solve, for example y(0)=1

ln (C) = y - ln(x^3)
ln (C) = 1 - 0
C = e^1 ?

y = ln(x^3) + e^1 ?
 
  • #6
Well, to impose the initial condition y(0)=1, you actually here have that when x=0, y=1.

So it means:

[tex]1=ln(c)=>C=e[/tex]

so our particular solution would be

[tex]y=ln(x^{3}+e)[/tex]

You just misplaced the parentheses on your final answer.
 
  • #7
Ah, thanks a bunch stupidmath!
 
  • #8
One last question stupidmath. wouldn't dy/dx = 4(2y-1) end up being y = Ce^-32x?
 
  • #9
It is not "stupidmath". Beware of his ire!

You should be able to do this one yourself now. If dy/dx= 4(2y-1) then dy/(2y-1)= 4dx.
Integrating on both sides (1/2)ln|2y-1|= 4x+ C so ln|2y-1|= 8x+ C' (C'= 2C). Then 2y-1= C"e^(8c).
 
  • #10
It is suttypud-math, not stupidmath!
 
  • #11
Oh, I apologize for the faux pas sutupidmath. I also appreciate the help, thanks.
 
  • #12
arildno said:
It is suttypud-math, not stupidmath!

Is there any meaning to this?:smile:
 
  • #13
Mitchtwitchita said:
Thanks stupidmath! Now, if I wanted to solve, for example y(0)=1

ln (C) = y - ln(x^3)
ln (C) = 1 - 0
C = e^1 ?

y = ln(x^3) + e^1 ?


Remember that ln(a + b) =/= ln(a) + ln(b), which is what you did here.
 

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is an equation that involves an unknown function and its derivatives. It relates the rates of change of the function to its current value and other variables.

What are the applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used to model various natural phenomena in fields such as physics, engineering, biology, economics, and more. They are used to understand and predict how systems change over time.

What are the types of differential equations?

The main types of differential equations are ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). ODEs involve a single independent variable, while PDEs involve multiple independent variables.

What are initial value problems and boundary value problems?

An initial value problem is a type of differential equation that involves specifying the initial conditions of the function. A boundary value problem involves specifying the value of the function at different points in its domain.

What methods are used to solve differential equations?

Some common methods for solving differential equations include separation of variables, substitution, and using numerical methods such as Euler's method or the Runge-Kutta method. The specific method used depends on the type of differential equation and its complexity.

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