First Order Differential Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solution of the first-order differential equation given by dy/dx = e^-2y. Participants explore whether the equation is separable and discuss the validity of a proposed general solution. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and homework-related inquiries.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the equation dy/dx = e^-2y and questions whether it can be solved using separable integration.
  • Another participant challenges the proposed general solution, stating it does not correctly express y as a function of x.
  • A third participant provides a method for separating the variables correctly, suggesting the equation can be rewritten in differential form and integrated accordingly.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of the question and the appropriateness of the post in the technical math subforum.
  • A moderator advises the original poster to repost the question in the appropriate homework section and to follow the required format.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to solving the differential equation. There are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the proposed solution and the method of separation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note errors in the original poster's work and express concerns about the clarity of the provided image, indicating that the mathematical steps may not be correctly represented.

santeria13
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Basically, I am confused by one question in a practice paper in which the equation is given as follows:

dy/dx = e^-2y

and I know the general solution is equal to : y = -0.5e^-2y + C

which would make sense if it was direct integration however it seems to me it is in fact separable integration as there is a lone function of y. Below is a picture of my attempt at a solution through separable integration and would appreciate if anyone has any input? Am I wrong in thinking it's seperable?
 

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santeria13 said:
Basically, I am confused by one question in a practice paper in which the equation is given as follows:

dy/dx = e^-2y

and I know the general solution is equal to : y = -0.5e^-2y + C
That's not the solution, as it does not give y as a function of x.
santeria13 said:
which would make sense if it was direct integration however it seems to me it is in fact separable integration as there is a lone function of y. Below is a picture of my attempt at a solution through separable integration and would appreciate if anyone has any input? Am I wrong in thinking it's seperable?
The image you posted is terrible! It goes from barely legible to completely unreadable because of stuff you have crossed out. There are several errors in the lines at the end.

Please include your work inline, not as an image.
 
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santeria13 said:
Basically, I am confused by one question in a practice paper in which the equation is given as follows:

dy/dx = e^-2y then e
the
and I know the general solution is equal to : y = -0.5e^-2y + C
I hope you don't 'know' that because it is not true!
which would make sense if it was direct ingration however it seems to me it is in fact separable integration as there is a lone function of y. Below is a picture of my attempt at a solution through separable integration and would appreciate if anyone has any input? Am I wrong in thinking it's seperable?
You are not "wrong in thinking it's separable" but you are "separating" it wrong.
dy/dx= e^(-2y) can be written in "differential" form as e^(2y)dy= dx and then integrating to get e^(2y)/2= x+ C which could then be solved for y as a logarithm of x.
But you seem to be "separating" it as dy= e^(-2y)dx. You can't integrate that because on the right you have a function of y that you cannot integrate with respect to x.
 
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Please stop polluting the technical math subforums with these kinds of very badly asked homework questions. I encounter them too often, they are not good for the quality of this particular subforum and, in fact, not good for the quality of PF as a whole.
 
@santeria13, please repost your question in the Homework section (under Calculus & Beyond). Note that you must use the homework template, and show your work inline in the post, not as an attachment.

Thread closed.
 

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