-find general solution y'+2y=2-e^(-4t), y(0)=1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution to the first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by \(y' + 2y = 2 - e^{-4t}\) with the initial condition \(y(0) = 1\). Participants explore various methods of solving the ODE, including the use of integrating factors and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the ODE and attempts to find the general solution using an integrating factor \(u(t) = e^{2t}\).
  • Another participant questions the division by 2 in the integrating factor application, indicating a potential misunderstanding.
  • Some participants clarify the process of multiplying the ODE by the integrating factor and rewriting it in a form suitable for integration.
  • A participant identifies a minor typo in the exponent of one of the terms during integration.
  • Another participant derives the expression for \(y\) after integrating and dividing by the integrating factor, leading to a proposed solution involving a constant \(c\).
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the value of \(c\) after applying the initial condition.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the derived solution.
  • A later reply presents the formal solution and expresses a desire to continue exploring the topic using Euler's method, suggesting a potential shift in focus for further discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps taken to solve the ODE, but there are points of contention regarding specific details, such as the application of the integrating factor and the value of the constant \(c\). The discussion remains partially unresolved as some aspects are clarified while others are still debated.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the correctness of the integrating factor application and the integration steps, as well as the implications of the initial condition on the constant \(c\). These limitations may affect the final solution presented.

karush
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find the general solution for
$y' + 2y = 2 - {{\bf{e}}^{ - 4t}} \hspace{0.25in}y\left( 0 \right) = 1$
find
$\displaystyle u(x)=\exp \left(\int 2 \, dt\right) =e^{2t}$
$e^{2t}y' + 2\frac{e^{2t}}{2}y =2 e^{2t} - {{\bf{e}}^{ - 4t}}e^{2t}$
$(e^{2t}y)'=2e^{2t}-e^{-2t}$
i continued but didn't get the answer which is

$y\left( t \right) = 1 + \frac{1}{2}{{\bf{e}}^{ - 4t}} - \frac{1}{2}{{\bf{e}}^{ - 2t}}$
 
Last edited:
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Why did you divide the integrating factor by 2 in the second term on the LHS?
 
karush said:
isn't that the dt

I'm not sure what you mean, but you simply want to multiply the given ODE by the integrating factor to get:

$$e^{2t}y'+2e^{2t}y=2e^{2t}-e^{-2t}$$

And then, this may be written as follows:

$$\frac{d}{dt}\left(e^{2t}y\right)=2e^{2t}-e^{-2t}$$

And now you're ready to integrate both sides. ;)
 
MarkFL said:
I'm not sure what you mean, but you simply want to multiply the given ODE by the integrating factor to get:

$$e^{2t}y'+2e^{2t}y=2e^{2t}-e^{-2t}$$

And then, this may be written as follows:

$$\frac{d}{dt}\left(e^{2t}y\right)=2e^{2t}-e^{-2t}$$

And now you're ready to integrate both sides. ;)

$$e^{2t}y=\int 2e^{2t}-e^{-2} \, dt=\frac{e^{-2t}}{2}+e^{2t}+c$$
hopefully
 
Looks good so far, with the exception of a minor typo where the \(t\) in the exponent of one of the terms in the integrand was omitted.
 
$\displaystyle e^{2t}y=\int 2e^{2t}-e^{-2t} \, dt=\frac{e^{-2t}}{2}+e^{2t}+c$
dividing thru by $e^{2t}$
$y=\frac{1}{2}e^{-4t}+1+ce^{-2t}$
applying $y(0)=1$
$\frac{1}{2}+1+c=1$
$c=-\frac{1}{2}$
really ?
 
Looks correct to me. :)
 
the formal view...
$y(t)=1+\frac{1}{2}{{\bf{e}}^{- 4t}}-\frac{1}{2}{{\bf{e}}^{- 2t}}$

want to continue this applying eulers method
but feel i should start a new post.

lots of advice on the internet but too many sacred cows
better just do step by step here
 

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