Solving Initial Value Problem for Exponential Growth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving an initial value problem for exponential growth related to pricing strategies in sales. The differential equation given is dp/dx = -p/100, with the initial condition p(100) = 20.09. The solution derived is p(x) = 20.09e^{1 - x/100}, which is confirmed to satisfy both the differential equation and the initial condition. This solution effectively models the unit price as a function of the number of units ordered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically first-order linear equations.
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their properties.
  • Familiarity with initial value problems in calculus.
  • Basic skills in integration techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating first-order linear differential equations.
  • Explore applications of exponential growth models in economics.
  • Learn about the implications of continuous discounting on pricing strategies.
  • Investigate further into initial value problems and their solutions in various contexts.
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Students in calculus, mathematicians interested in differential equations, sales strategists analyzing pricing models, and anyone studying exponential growth in real-world applications.

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Homework Statement
To encourage buyers to place 100-unit orders, your firm's sales department applies a continuous discount that makes the unit price a function p(x) of the number of units x ordered. The discount decreases the price at a rate of $0.01 per unit ordered. The price per unit for a 100-unit order is p(100) = $20.09. Find p(x) by solving the following initial value problem:

Differential equation: dp/dx = -p/100
Initial condition: p(100) = 20.09


The attempt at a solution
So I integrated the differential equation and applied the initial condition to it. I was able to get the following equation:

p = 20.09e^{1 - x/100}

Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
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Yes, it's correct. You can verify it by confirming that it satisfies the differential equation and the initial condition.
 

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