Find the exact value of a differential equation.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the differential equation dy/dx = 200 - 2y with the initial condition y(0) = 75. The subject area pertains to differential equations, specifically focusing on methods for solving first-order linear equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of separation of variables as a potential approach. Some express confusion about the manipulation of the equation and the integration process, questioning the validity of their steps and the treatment of variables during integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on the separation of variables technique. There are indications of confusion regarding the integration steps, and some participants are encouraged to refer to textbook examples for clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the treatment of variables during integration, particularly in distinguishing between integrating with respect to x and y. Participants are also reflecting on the implications of initial conditions in the context of their attempts.

Sam Donovan
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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
 
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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?
 

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