Differential Equations - First Order Systems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of first-order differential equations given by dx/dt = 3*x + y and dy/dt = -y. Participants are exploring methods of integration and verification of their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separation of variables for dy/dt and the subsequent integration to find y. They then substitute y back into the equation for dx/dt and apply the Integrating Factor method to solve for x. Some participants express confusion regarding the integration process and the resulting expressions for x.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the integration steps and results, with some participants questioning their calculations and others providing feedback on potential errors. A few participants have acknowledged mistakes and are revisiting their work, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention using software tools like Maple and Mathematica to verify their results, highlighting the complexity of the integration involved. There is also a reference to the need for careful attention to constants of integration.

twiztidmxcn
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Solve:

dx / dt = 3*x + y

dy / dt = -y

As for solving this, here is what I've got so far:

Since dy/dt is separable, I found that dy / y = -dt, integrated, and solved explicitly for y:

y = Ce^-t

I then plugged Ce^-t for y in the dx / dt portion of the system and found that:

dx/dt - (3*x) = Ce^-t

Then used Integrating Factor method, found u(t) = e^(-3t), multiplied to both sides and integrated and solved explicitly for x.

x = (-1/3)C + Ce^(3t)

For the second portion of the question, it asks to verify that the solution is correct.

To do that, I plugged in the x and y solutions from part 1, as well as took derivatives of x and y and plugged them in as well.

dy / dt = -y, -Ce^-t = -Ce^-t

However, the problem I am having is that when I plug in for the dx / dt equation, I get down to t = ln1 = 0.

I don't understand if this is wrong or what, as the y solution works but the x one doesn't seem to come to any reasonable conclusion.

Any help in understanding these results, or in finding mistakes would be much appreciated.

-twiztidmxcn
 
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twiztidmxcn said:
Solve:

dx / dt = 3*x + y

dy / dt = -y

As for solving this, here is what I've got so far:

Since dy/dt is separable, I found that dy / y = -dt, integrated, and solved explicitly for y:

y = Ce^-t

I then plugged Ce^-t for y in the dx / dt portion of the system and found that:

dx/dt - (3*x) = Ce^-t

Then used Integrating Factor method, found u(t) = e^(-3t), multiplied to both sides and integrated and solved explicitly for x.
so far so good
x = (-1/3)C + Ce^(3t)
I don't get this. I get x(t) = - \frac{1}{4C} e^{-Ct}.
You have done a mistake either in integrating or in solving for x.
 
hrm, I've re-done the integration multiple times and keep getting the same thing.

I am integrating this:

(x*e^(-3t))' = C*e^(-4t)

After integrating I get:

x*e^(-3t) = ( -C / [3e^(3t)] ) + C

Divide out the u(t) = e^(-3t) and end up with this:

x = (-C / 3) + C*e^(3t)

I've also done this integration in both Maple and Mathematica and got the same thing as what I got by hand.

So...I'm not sure its the integration or solving for x, I'm baffled.
 
twiztidmxcn said:
hrm, I've re-done the integration multiple times and keep getting the same thing.

I am integrating this:

(x*e^(-3t))' = C*e^(-4t)

After integrating I get:

x*e^(-3t) = ( -C / [3e^(3t)] ) + C
Sorry, I had made a few mistakes .

I did forget the constant of integration (sorry) and I made typos by putting the C in the denominator instead of the numerator and putting it in the exponential (it's getting too late for me to do simple maths!).
here is my work

d/dt(x e^{-3t}) = C e^{-4t} \rightarrow x e^{-3t} = -\frac{C}{4} e^{-4t} + K

wher I use K for the constant of integration to distinguish it from C. Solving, we get

x = -\frac{C}{4} e^{-t} + K e^{3t}
 
Last edited:
twiztidmxcn said:
hrm, I've re-done the integration multiple times and keep getting the same thing.

I am integrating this:

(x*e^(-3t))' = C*e^(-4t)

After integrating I get:

x*e^(-3t) = ( -C / [3e^(3t)] ) + C

Divide out the u(t) = e^(-3t) and end up with this:

x = (-C / 3) + C*e^(3t)

I've also done this integration in both Maple and Mathematica and got the same thing as what I got by hand.

So...I'm not sure its the integration or solving for x, I'm baffled.
It's your integration of e^(-4t) which is incorrect.
You may check that my answer satisfies the DE for x(t)

regards

Patrick
 
Haha, I just caught my error. Ima give it a whirl now with the CORRECT integral, hehe.

Thank you nrged

*edit* - got it, much thanks to you nrged
 
Last edited:
twiztidmxcn said:
Haha, I just caught my error. Ima give it a whirl now with the CORRECT integral, hehe.

Thank you nrged

:biggrin:Good! And you are welcome. Sorry for my mistakes.

Best luck!
 

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