Final round: Integrating factors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation of the form dy/dt = 1/(t+y) with the initial condition y(-1) = 0. Participants are exploring potential strategies to simplify the equation for easier processing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand if reinterpreting the equation with y as the independent variable and t as the dependent variable could simplify the problem. Some participants suggest that this transformation leads to a simpler form of the equation, but there is uncertainty about the implications of this change. Others question how to proceed with solving the equation after this reinterpretation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the merits of transforming the variables and the potential simplifications that arise from this approach. There is an exchange of ideas about how to proceed with the problem, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method or solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a prior suggestion that the equation can be made easier through variable reinterpretation, indicating that participants are working within the constraints of the original problem while exploring different perspectives.

ssb
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Homework Statement


Final round I promise!

Is there some sort of trick that can be applied to the following equation so that it is easier to process?
\frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{1}{t+y},\:y(-1)=0

The Attempt at a Solution



Somebody told me that the equation can be made easier by reinterpreting it with y as the independent variable and t as the dependent variable. I still have a vacant look about my face now as I did back then.

I know that \frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{1}{\frac{dt}{dy}} but when I try to apply it to my initial equation, I get the same thing I started with.
 
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'Somebody' is right. It turns the equation into 1/t'=1/(t+y). Or t'=t+y. That does look a bit simpler, right?
 
Dick said:
'Somebody' is right. It turns the equation into 1/t'=1/(t+y). Or t'=t+y. That does look a bit simpler, right?

Then you just solve it the normal way as if t' were y'? I don't mean rename everything but just work the problem through solving for f(y) instead of y(t)?

Just fyi I love you.
 
ssb said:
Then you just solve it the normal way as if t' were y'? I don't mean rename everything but just work the problem through solving for f(y) instead of y(t)?

Just fyi I love you.

Exactly...
 

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