Equation of tangents and separation of variables question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving differential equations using separation of variables. Participants share their approaches to two specific problems, discussing integration steps and the implications of constants in their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution involving separation of variables, leading to an expression for y in terms of t, and questions if they are on the right track.
  • Another participant suggests dropping the absolute value in the first solution, arguing that the constant will account for all solutions.
  • Several participants discuss the integration of specific functions, with one participant expressing uncertainty about where their calculations went wrong.
  • There is a back-and-forth regarding the correct form of the equation after integration, with participants correcting each other's steps and discussing the implications of constants.
  • One participant proposes a final expression for y based on their calculations, while others challenge and refine the steps leading to that conclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of integration steps and the treatment of constants. There is no consensus on the final answers, as multiple interpretations and corrections are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' calculations depend on specific assumptions about constants and initial conditions, which remain unresolved. The discussion includes potential typos and misinterpretations of mathematical expressions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in differential equations, particularly those learning about separation of variables and integration techniques, may find this discussion beneficial.

ardentmed
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Hey guys,

Can anyone help me out with these questions?

View attachment 2799

The first one has a positive initial value. Separation of variables and integrating gave me: |y+3| = k√[(t^2) + 1)]

Ultimately, I got k= √5 and thus y=√5√[(t^2) + 1)] - 3.

Also, for the second one, I used a similar process, found C=-1/2, and my final answer came out to be:
y=2(x^2) +2. Am I on the right track?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 

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For the first one, you can drop the absolute value, since your constant will account for all solutions, hence:

$$y(t)=c_1\sqrt{t^2+1}-3$$

Otherwise your work is fine. :D

For the second one, you have made an error. What did you get when you separated the variables?
 
I took the integral of 1/(y^2) and 1/(x^3)

-(1/y) = 1(2x^2) + C
C= -1 +1/2
C= -1/2

Thanks.
 
ardentmed said:
I took the integral of 1/(y^2) and 1/(x^3)

-(1/y) = 1(2x^2) + C
C= -1 +1/2
C= -1/2

Thanks.

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{1}{x^3} \, \mathrm{d}x} &= \int{ x^{-3}\,\mathrm{d}x } \\ &= \frac{x^{-2}}{-2} + C_1 \\ &= - \frac{1}{2x^2} + C_1 \end{align*}$
 
Prove It said:
$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{1}{x^3} \, \mathrm{d}x} &= \int{ x^{-3}\,\mathrm{d}x } \\ &= \frac{x^{-2}}{-2} + C_1 \\ &= - \frac{1}{2x^2} + C_1 \end{align*}$

I actually got everything right up to that point. So where did I go wrong? If C= -1/2, then the final answer should be 2x^2 + 2, no?
 
ardentmed said:
I actually got everything right up to that point. So where did I go wrong? If C= -1/2, then the final answer should be 2x^2 + 2, no?

What do you have right after you integrate?
 
MarkFL said:
What do you have right after you integrate?

-1 / y = - 1/(x^2) +C

And then I proceeded to solve for C.

Thanks.
 
ardentmed said:
-1 / y = - 1/(x^2) +C

And then I proceeded to solve for C.

Thanks.

Well, what you should actually have is:

$$-\frac{1}{y}=-\frac{1}{2x^2}+C$$

Now, let's multiply through by -1 and observing that this need not change the sign of the arbitrary constant (a constant times an arbitrary constant is still just an arbitrary constant), we have:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1}{2x^2}+C$$

Now, solve for $y$, and then use your initial condition to find $C$.
 
MarkFL said:
Well, what you should actually have is:

$$-\frac{1}{y}=-\frac{1}{2x^2}+C$$

Now, let's multiply through by -1 and observing that this need not change the sign of the arbitrary constant (a constant times an arbitrary constant is still just an arbitrary constant), we have:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1}{2x^2}+C$$

Now, solve for $y$, and then use your initial condition to find $C$.
Oh, the sign doesn't change. Therefore, the final answer should be y= (2x^2) -1, correct? C=-1
 
  • #10
ardentmed said:
Oh, the sign doesn't change. Therefore, the final answer should be y= (2x^2) -1, correct? C=-1

No, you need to express the right side as a single ratio before inverting both sides:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1+2Cx^2}{2x^2}$$

Now, $2C$ is just an arbitrary constant, so we may write:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1+Cx^2}{2x^2}$$

Now, you can flip or invert both sides, and then find $C$. :D
 
  • #11
MarkFL said:
No, you need to express the right side as a single ratio before inverting both sides:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1+2Cx^2}{2x^2}$$

Now, $2C$ is just an arbitrary constant, so we may write:

$$\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1+Cx^2}{2x^2}$$

Now, you can flip or invert both sides, and then find $C$. :D
Alright. Therefore, y = (2x^2)/(1/2Cx^2)

1= 2/(1+C), thus making C=1.

So,

y= (2x^2)/(1+x^2)

Correct?

Thanks again.
 
  • #12
ardentmed said:
Alright. Therefore, y = (2x^2)/(1/2Cx^2)

1= 2/(1+C), thus making C=1.

So,

y= (2x^2)/(1+x^2)

Correct?

Thanks again.

You have a typo in your first line...it should read:

y = (2x^2)/(1+Cx^2)

But other than that, you have the correct solution. Good job! (Yes)
 

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