Find the exact value of a differential equation.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation dy/dx = 200 - 2y with the initial condition y(0) = 75 using the separation of variables technique. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly rearranging the equation to isolate variables, leading to the integral form dy/(200 - 2y) = dx. The correct integration process is highlighted, clarifying common mistakes such as misinterpreting the integral of constants and variables. Ultimately, the solution involves integrating both sides and applying the initial condition to find the exact value of y.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations
  • Familiarity with separation of variables technique
  • Basic integration skills
  • Knowledge of initial value problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the separation of variables method in detail
  • Practice solving initial value problems with different differential equations
  • Learn about integrating factors for first-order linear differential equations
  • Explore applications of differential equations in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematicians, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of differential equations and their solutions.

Sam Donovan
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


dy/dx= 200-2y. y(0)=75

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Do you move dx over and integrate.

Do you just integrate it 200y-y^2+c
 
Physics news on Phys.org
andrewkirk said:
This sort of problem is easily solved using separation of variables.

I'm having a little trouble with this. I move it so it becomes

##dy/dx=200-2y##
##dy=200dx-2ydx##
andrewkirk said:
This sort of problem is easily solved using separation of variables.
 
Sam Donovan said:
I'm having a little trouble with this. I move it so it becomes

##dy/dx=200-2y##
##dy=200dx-2ydx##
No. This is completely wrong. I would strongly advise you to look at some examples of this technique in your textbook.

Using separation of variables, you should end up with all terms involving y and dy on one side, and all terms involving x and dx on the other side.
For this problem,
1) Divide both sides by 200 - 2y
2) Multiply both sides of the resulting equation by dx

In this case, you should end up with ##\frac{dy}{200 - 2y} = dx##, or equivalently, ##\frac{dy}{100 - y} = 2 dx##,
 
Sam Donovan said:

Homework Statement


dy/dx= 200-2y. y(0)=75

The Attempt at a Solution


Do you move dx over and integrate.

Do you just integrate it 200y-y^2+c
I think what you're suggesting is to solve the problem as follows:
\begin{align*}
\frac{dy}{dx} &= 200-2y \\
\int \frac{dy}{dx}\,dx &= \int (200-2y)\,dx \\
y &= 200y-y^2+c
\end{align*}
There's a problem with that last step. If you don't recognize it, consider the questions below:

Outside of this problem, if I asked you what ##\int 200\,dx## equalled, you'd hopefully say ##200 x+c##, yet in solving this problem, you encountered the exact same integral and (allegedly) said ##\int 200\,dx = 200y+c##.

Similarly, consider the two integrals ##\int 2x\,dx## and ##\int 2y\,dx##. Why can you easily evaluate the first one but not the latter?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K