Differential Equations lesson today

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the position x as a function of time for an object experiencing a net force described by the equation V(t) = v0 / (1 + ktv0). The initial approach involves setting dx/dt equal to V(t) and attempting to separate variables for integration. A correction is provided, clarifying that the correct form is dx = (v0 dt) / (1 + ktv0), emphasizing the need to gather terms involving time for proper integration. The integration process is outlined, suggesting to integrate both sides from their respective initial conditions. The thread concludes with guidance on rearranging equations for integration in general.
mystro
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Given the following equation:

V(t) = \frac{v_{0}}{1+ktv_{0}}

find the position x as a function of time for an object of mass m, located at x = 0 and moving with velocity Voi (where i is the unit vector i) at time t = 0 and thereafter experiening a net force -kmv^2i

I'm guessing I need to integrate that function however seeing as we've only started integration today in calculus and htis was assigned in physics, I'm not quite sure as to how to approach the problem.

as far as I can see
\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{v_{0}}{1+ktv_{0}}

in which case

({1+ktv_{o}}) dx = {v_{0}}dt

but I'm not sure as to how to integrate the left and the right side of the function

any advice would be appreciated :)
 
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mystro said:
({1+ktv_{o}}) dx = {v_{0}}dt

This is not correct. It should be

dx = \frac{v_0 dt}{1+ktv_0}.

You should gather those t dependence term with the same side as dt so that you could integrate with respect to t.

Next, integrate LHS from x=0 to x and RHS from t=0 to t. You will obtain a function of the position x(t).


Kenneth
 
More generally if you have something like

\frac{f(u)}{g(t)} = \frac{dt}{du}

then to integrate you'll want to bring it into the form

f(u) du = g(t)dt

(sometimes, instead of the above form, you'll have \frac{g(t)}{f(u)} = \frac{dt}{du}. To integrate, you'll have to rewrite it as \frac{dt}{g(t)} = \frac{du}{f(u)}.)
 
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