Escaping to Infinity: Solving a Separable Differential Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the separable differential equation y'(t) = 1 + y(t)/2 with the initial condition y(0) = 0.5. The solution is derived using separation of variables, leading to the expression y(t) = 2.5e^(t/2) - 2. This indicates that the solution escapes to infinity as t approaches infinity, confirming that it does not escape to infinity in finite time. The participant also mentions using Mathematica for learning differential equations.

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  • Familiarity with integration techniques
  • Knowledge of initial value problems
  • Basic proficiency in using Mathematica for mathematical computations
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  • Study the method of separation of variables in differential equations
  • Learn about initial value problems and their solutions
  • Explore integration techniques for logarithmic functions
  • Practice using Mathematica for solving differential equations
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as anyone interested in applying Mathematica for solving mathematical problems.

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Homework Statement


Using separation of variables determine if the solution escapes to infinity in finite time or infinite time?

[tex]y'(t)=1+\frac{y(t)}{2}[/tex]
[tex]y(0)=.5[/tex]

Homework Equations


Knowing how to do separation of variables.

The Attempt at a Solution


Here is my attempt, but I get stuck...
[tex]y'(t)=1+\frac{y(t)}{2}[/tex]
[tex]y'(t)-\frac{y(t)}{2}=1[/tex]
[tex]\int_0^t{y'(x)-\frac{y(x)}{2}dx}=\int_0^t{1dx}[/tex]
The next step I'm not sure of...
[tex](y(t)-y(0))-(\frac{y(t)^2}{4}-\frac{y(0)^2}{4})=t[/tex]
[tex]y(t)-\frac{y(t)^2}{4}=t+y(0)-\frac{y(0)^2}{4}[/tex]
Now solving for [tex]y(t)[/tex] becomes a problem if the above step is correct... I'm sure I'm doing something wrong.
 
Last edited:
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Sorry about that... I'm learning DiffEq through Mathematica and needless to say, it's poop.

Anyway, I figured out how to do it.

[tex]y'(t)=1+\frac{y(t)}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{2+y(t)}{2}[/tex]
[tex]dy=\frac{(2+y(t))dt}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{y(t)+2}=\frac{dt}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\int{\frac{dy}{y(t)+2}}=\int{\frac{dt}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\ln{(y(t)+2)}=\frac{t}{2}+C[/tex]
[tex]y(t)+2=Ce^{t/2}[/tex]
[tex]y(t)=Ce^{t/2}-2[/tex]
[tex]y(0)=.5=Ce^{0/2}-2[/tex]
[tex]C=2.5[/tex]
[tex]y(t)=2.5e^{t/2}-2[/tex]
 

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