Finding a Family of Solutions to the Differential Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a differential equation presented in the form (x^2 + 2xy) + x(dy/dx) = 0. The user initially attempted to solve it using a TI-89 calculator, which provided the solution y = -2xy*ln(x) - x^2/2 + C. However, confusion arose when Webwork indicated an error related to taking the logarithm of zero. The correct approach involves rewriting the equation into a linear form and applying an integrating factor, specifically e^(2x), to facilitate the solution process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically first-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with integrating factors in solving differential equations.
  • Proficiency in logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Experience using graphing calculators, such as the TI-89, for solving equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors in depth, focusing on linear differential equations.
  • Learn how to manipulate and rearrange differential equations to isolate constants effectively.
  • Explore the properties of logarithmic functions, particularly the implications of log(0).
  • Practice solving various forms of differential equations using tools like the TI-89 and online platforms like Webwork.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in calculus.

mr_coffee
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Ello ello!
confusion, part 3. THe directions are the following:
Find a family of solutions to the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/64/86dc9abe51adb1b16452035777ef8b1.png
(To enter the answer in the form below you may have to rearrange the equation so that the constant is by itself on one side of the equation.) Then the solution in implicit form is:
the set of points (x, y) where F(x,y) = ENTER ANSWER HERE = constant

I'm abit distraught, how would i go about doing this?
I re-wrote it as:
(x^2+2xy)+x(dy/dx) = 0;

the Ti-89 said the answer is:
y= -2xy*ln(x)-x^2/2 + c
but when i solve for C and get:
C = y + 2xy*ln(x) + x^2/2;
WEbworks says, Can't take Log(0).


Any tip on what i shall do>?
thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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mr_coffee said:
Ello ello!
confusion, part 3. THe directions are the following:
Find a family of solutions to the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/64/86dc9abe51adb1b16452035777ef8b1.png
(To enter the answer in the form below you may have to rearrange the equation so that the constant is by itself on one side of the equation.) Then the solution in implicit form is:
the set of points (x, y) whereENTER ANSWER HERE = constant

I'm abit distraught, how would i go about doing this?
I re-wrote it as:
(x^2+2xy)+x(dy/dx) = 0;

the Ti-89 said the answer is:
y= -2xy*ln(x)-x^2/2 + c
but when i solve for C and get:
C = y + 2xy*ln(x) + x^2/2;
WEbworks says, Can't take Log(0).


Any tip on what i shall do>?
thanks.

What does log(0) have to do with it? Your original problem said "Find a family of solutions to the differential equation" in the form F(x,y) = C. Okay y+ 2xyln(x)+ x2/2 = C is of that form.

I am not terribly impressed by your letting a TI-89 do the work for you- you are supposed to be smarter than a machine! If you divide xy'+ x2+ 2xy= 0 by x you get y'+ x+ 2y= 0, a linear equation:
y'+ 2y= x. Multiplying the entire equation by e2x, an integrating factor, give e2xy'+ 2e2x= (e2xy)'= xe2x. The integral of the left side, of course, is e2xy and the right hand side you can do with integration by parts.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I know I'm ashamed of myself. Thanks for the help though, it worked! You just forgot a minus sign on ur explanation but everything else was right! But i had a question. How did you know to muliply everything by e^(2x)? For integrating facotr i always thought u had to have like:
y'+y/x = x;
then the integrating factor would be:
I = e^(integral(1/x));
I = x;

But in my case, there wasn't anything but a 2 infront of the y.

THe answer that was right was this one:
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/74/3b36e53e805bbec1fd92f9d7f9bf841.png

Thanks again!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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