First order DE, using integrating factor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation using the integrating factor method. The equation presented is dy/dt + 10y = 1, with an initial condition y(1/10) = 2/10. Participants are exploring the integration process and the implications of the integrating factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the confusion surrounding the integration of the left side of the equation, particularly regarding the presence of two variables, y and t. There are attempts to clarify the role of the integrating factor and how it transforms the equation into a derivative form. Questions arise about the correct application of initial conditions and the algebra involved in solving for the constant C.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering guidance on the integration process and the interpretation of the integrating factor. Some participants are questioning their understanding of the initial conditions and the algebraic steps taken, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings regarding the substitution of values and the handling of the initial conditions. Participants are also reflecting on the implications of their algebraic manipulations, suggesting that there may be errors in their calculations.

James889
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Hi,

I tried to solve this by using the integrating factor technique
[tex]\begin{cases}<br /> dy/dt +10y = 1 \\<br /> y(1/10) = 2/10<br /> \end{cases}[/tex]

So [tex]p(x) = 10t \rightarrow e^{10t}[/tex]

[tex]e^{10t} \cdot \frac{dy}{dt} + e^{10t} \cdot 10y = e^{10t}[/tex]

This part is confusing to me, i have two different variables y and t.

How do i integrate the left side?
 
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James889 said:
[tex]e^{10t} \cdot \frac{dy}{dt} + e^{10t} \cdot 10y = e^{10t}[/tex]

This part is confusing to me, i have two different variables y and t.
The independent variable in this problem is t. It's playing the role x would usually play.

How do i integrate the left side?
The point of the integrating factor is to turn the lefthand side into a derivative. In your case, you have

[tex]e^{10t} \cdot \frac{dy}{dt} + e^{10t} \cdot 10y = (e^{10t} y)'[/tex]

You can differentiate [itex]e^{10t} y[/itex] to verify that's the case. So integrating the lefthand side is trivial because you're just integrating a derivative.
 
Ok,

So after integrating both sides, i have
[tex]e^{10t}\cdot y = \frac{1}{10} e^{10t} +C[/tex]

After inserting applying the initial conditions i get:

[tex]e^{10t} \cdot \frac{1}{10} = \frac{1}{10} e^{10t} +C[/tex]

This gives that the e terms cancel and C = 2/10 but that's incorrect.

Hm, what am i missing here?
 
James889 said:
Ok,

So after integrating both sides, i have
[tex]e^{10t}\cdot y = \frac{1}{10} e^{10t} +C[/tex]
You can solve for y to get

[tex]y=\frac{1}{10}+C e^{-10t}[/tex]

After inserting applying the initial conditions i get:

[tex]e^{10t} \cdot \frac{1}{10} = \frac{1}{10} e^{10t} +C[/tex]

This gives that the e terms cancel and C = 2/10 but that's incorrect.

Hm, what am i missing here?
A few mistakes in what you did: you didn't substitute a value in for t, and you plugged in the wrong initial value for y. Also, you apparently did the algebra wrong because the exponentials can't cancel.
 
vela said:
You can solve for y to get

[tex]y=\frac{1}{10}+C e^{-10t}[/tex]

Hm, after plugging in the right value for y i get, like you.

[tex]e^1\cdot \frac{2}{10} = \frac{e^1}{10} + C[/tex] which clearly gives C = e/10

But how did you get [tex]e^{-10t}[/tex] ?

That must be from dividing by 2e^10 but why does the variable t reappear when you already plugged in 1/10 ?

Sorry for the ignorance, i suck.
 
I divided both sides of the equation by [itex]e^{10t}[/itex] to solve for y. All you have to do now is take the value of C you found and plug it back into the solution.
 

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