First Order Differential Equations, given initial value....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation (DiffEQ) with an initial value problem (IVP). Participants explore the steps involved in finding the solution and the challenges faced when the computed answer does not match the expected result from an online homework platform.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving a first-order DiffEQ using an integrating factor and suspects an error in computing the constant.
  • The participant mentions a discrepancy between the initial condition provided by WileyPlus and that in their textbook, which may affect the solution.
  • Another participant attempts to access the shared document to review the work and offers to post the problem for others.
  • A later reply provides a detailed derivation of the solution, confirming the general approach but arriving at a different value for the constant based on the initial condition.
  • The original poster acknowledges a mistake after receiving feedback, indicating a correction in their understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct value of the constant C, as one participant's calculation differs from the original poster's. The discussion reflects differing interpretations of the initial conditions and their impact on the solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the problem-solving process, including reliance on specific initial conditions and the need for careful verification of each step in the solution.

nuggz619
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I'm having trouble with this problem... I am almost certain that I have the first part correct which is solving the first order DiffEQ using an integrating factor. I think that I am computing the constant incorrectly. I have followed all steps, including the similar problem given on WileyPlus online homework... However, when I enter my final solution WileyPlus insists that I am wrong.

Can someone please look over my work to see If i did it correctly? I've been stuck on this problem for over 2 hours now and I just can't seem to come up with the solution that WileyPlus online wants me to come up with.

The funny thing is that the equivalent question in my textbook has a similar answer to mine, however it is slightly different because my online homework (WileyPlus) gave me the initial condition y(pi/2) = 9... where as my text gives initial condition y(pi/2) = 1...

Here is a picture of the first part of the problem that I computed... which according to wolfram Alpha plus, is correct.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9dQB0QE48ufNHpRRWptRDRBQkE/edit?usp=sharing

When I computed C, given initial condition y(pi/2) = 9... I came up with
C = (4 - 9pi^2)/4

for a final answer of...

y(t) = ( sin(t) - tcos(t) + (4-9pi^2)/4 ) / t^2

However, Wiley Plus insists that my answer is incorrect. I have redone this problem probably 5 or 6 times and i keep coming up with the same answer.

I am literally stuck!

Please help :)
 
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The document to which you have posted a link requires permission to view...I have requested permission, under the username gaussian3142. Once I have permission, I will work the problem to see what I find, and post the problem so that others do not have to follow a link. :D
 
MarkFL said:
The document to which you have posted a link requires permission to view...I have requested permission, under the username gaussian3142. Once I have permission, I will work the problem to see what I find, and post the problem so that others do not have to follow a link. :D

I'm so sorry... I just made it public

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9dQB0QE48ufNHpRRWptRDRBQkE/edit?usp=sharing

here is the link again
 
Okay, we are given the IVP:

$$t\frac{dy}{dt}+2y=\sin(t)$$ where $$y\left(\frac{\pi}{2} \right)=9$$

Multiply the ODE by $t$:

$$t^2\frac{dy}{dt}+2ty=t\sin(t)$$

The left side is the differentiation of a product:

$$\frac{d}{dt}\left(t^2y \right)=t\sin(t)$$

Integrate with respect to $t$:

$$\int\,d\left(t^2y \right)=\int t\sin(t)\,dt$$

$$t^2y=\sin(t)-t\cos(t)+C$$

Thus, the general solution is:

$$y(t)=\frac{\sin(t)-t\cos(t)+C}{t^2}$$

So far so good, this is equivalent to your working.

Now, using the initial values to determine the value of the parameter $C$, we may write:

$$y\left(\frac{\pi}{2} \right)=\frac{1+C}{\left(\frac{\pi}{2} \right)^2}=9\,\therefore\,C=\frac{9}{4}\pi^2-1$$

This is the negative of the value for the parameter you found.
 
Thank you so much... I can't believe that I made such an idiotic mistake... BAH!

you are a life saver.
 

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