Finding the Solution to a Differential Equation with Initial Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation \(2x - 6y\sqrt{x^2 + 1} \frac{dy}{dx} = 0\) with the initial condition \(y(0) = 3\). The user successfully integrates the equation but struggles with the algebraic manipulation required to isolate the constant of integration. The correct solution, verified by Mathematica, is \(\frac{\sqrt{25 + 2\sqrt{1 + x^2}}}{\sqrt{3}}\), which satisfies the initial condition when \(x=0\). The user acknowledges a momentary lapse in basic algebra that hindered their progress.

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Pengwuino
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Ok I have a problem here. I have gotten to the unfortunate point where I feel like I'm nearly done, Mathematica has given me a solution that is correct… but of course, I can't figure out how I was suppose to get from point A to B. I currently have:

2x - 6y\sqrt {x^2 + 1} \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 0,y(0) = 3

So I did this…

\begin{array}{l}<br /> 2xdx = 6y(x^2 + 1)^{1/2} \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} \\ <br /> \int {2x(x^2 + 1)^{ - 1/2} dx = } \int {6ydy} \\ <br /> u = x^2 + 1 \\ <br /> dx = \frac{{du}}{{2x}} \\ <br /> 2u^{1/2} = 3y^2 + c \\ <br /> 2(x^2 + 1)^{1/2} = 3y^2 + c \\<br /> \end{array}

Kinda not sure where to go from here…. Or if I did that right in the first place

The correct answer according to Mathematica is...

\frac{{\sqrt {{\rm 25 + 2}\sqrt {{\rm 1 + x}^{\rm 2} } } }}{{\sqrt 3 }}

So yup, put x=0 and 3 pops out.
 
Last edited:
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It looks right, now use your initial condition to solve for the constant of integration.
 
oh my god, sorry guys, i guess i had one of those "forgot basic algebra" moments. I tried to square root the left side of the equation before bringing c to the left...
 

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