Doomsday differential equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation of the form dy/dx=ky^(1+c), where c is a positive constant. Participants are attempting to determine the solution that satisfies the initial condition y(0)=y(subzero) and are exploring the implications of the equation, including its behavior over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing integration techniques and the implications of the initial condition on the solution. There are questions about the validity of proposed solutions and the interpretation of variables, particularly regarding the role of T and its relationship to the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various insights and attempting to clarify the nature of the solution. Some have raised concerns about the correctness of certain expressions and the interpretation of the differential equation, indicating a lack of consensus on the solution's form.

Contextual Notes

There are references to the term "doomsday differential equation," with participants questioning its origin and implications. Additionally, some participants express confusion regarding the integration process and the meaning of certain constants in the context of the problem.

Trousers
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1. Let c be a positive number. a differential equation of the form
dy/dx=ky^(1+c)
Determine the solution that satisfies the initial condition y(0)=y(subzero)

The solution is y(subzero)=(1)/((ckT)^(1/c))

but I can't understand how to find it. ok when i integrate

dy/y^(1+c)=kdt, I get y^(-c)/(-c)=kt+C and I don't know what do from there.
 
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I googled the term "doomsday differential equation" and guess what? The top 2 entries were this thread itself and an older one which concerns the same DE:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=73150

EDIT: Does anyone know why it's called the doomsday equation?
 
that doesn't help me.
 
Try leaving it in the form

y^c = f(x)

and then solve for C (the integration constant, not the one in the form I just mentioned).
 
1. It is called the Doomsday equation because for any c>0, there exists a finite time T when y blows up (i.e, graphing y(t) with t as the argument axis, there would be a vertical asymptote to the graph at t=T, which the graph of y(t) will follow into infinity as t approaches T)

2. Now, for the solution:
We have that -\frac{1}{cy(t)^{c}}=kt+C in (') where our initial condition y(0)=y_{0} now can be used to determine C:
-\frac{1}{cy_{0}^{c}}=C
Inserting in (*) and simplifying, we have:
\frac{1}{y(t)^{c}}=\frac{1}{y_{0}^{c}}-ckt=\frac{1-y_{0}^{c}ckt}{y_{0}^{c}}
Or, reciprocating, and taking the c-root on both sides:
y(t)=\frac{y_{0}}{(1-y_{0}^{c}ckt)^{c}}

Now, the blow-up instant T must fulfill the equation:
1-y_{0}^{c}ckT=0\to{T}=\frac{1}{cky_{0}^{c}}
Using the blow-up time T as our independent parameter, rather than y_0, we get from the same equation: y_{0}=\frac{1}{(ckT)^{\frac{1}{c}}}

The first result is simplest to use when you DO know the value of y_0, and wants to know WHEN the solution will blow up.

The second result is most convenient when you know when the solution is going to blow up, and wants to know what was the initial value of y, i.e, y_0.
 
thank you.
 
Trousers said:
1. Let c be a positive number. a differential equation of the form
dy/dx=ky^(1+c)
Determine the solution that satisfies the initial condition y(0)=y(subzero)

The solution is y(subzero)=(1)/((ckT)^(1/c))

but I can't understand how to find it. ok when i integrate

dy/y^(1+c)=kdt, I get y^(-c)/(-c)=kt+C and I don't know what do from there.

I have no idea what you are saying. "The solution is y(subzero)=(1)/((ckT)^(1/c))" can't possibly be right- there is no y(t) in it so it can't be a solution to the differenital equation. Also, is T supposed to be t are is it a specific value of t?
 

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