First-order equations causing some trouble (for newbie)

  • Thread starter Pzi
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In summary, the student is not able to proceed due to complicated integration and expects something more elegant. They are working with a linear equation and find an integrating factor. They then find a function that satisfies the equation and is also a separable equation.
  • #1
Pzi
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Hi.

So I'm new to differential equations (it has been a month since I started attending this course).

Code:
\[3{x^2} - y = y'\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} \]
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9833/eqn7464.png

A linear equation, quite obviously... However I'm pretty much not able to proceed due to complicated integration.
And I expected something reasonably elegant...

----------

Code:
\[5y + {(y')^2} = x(x + y')\]
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4629/eqn8105.png

I tried to solve for y' , which seems to be
Code:
\[y' = \frac{{x \pm \sqrt {5{x^2} - 20y} }}{2}\]
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3154/eqn6514.png

But once more I am not able to proceed...
 
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  • #2
Yes, that's just not a good way to proceed. Not every differential equation can be immediately reduced to an integral.

You are correct that this equation is linear which means it is relatively easy to find an "integrating factor".

We can write the equation as [itex]y'\sqrt{x^2+ 1}+ y= 3x^2[/itex]. That is equivalent to [itex]y'+ (x^2+1)^{-1/2} 2x^2(x^2+1)^{-1/2}[/itex]

Now we look for a function, [itex]\mu(t)[/itex], such that
[tex]\mu(x)(y'+ (x^2+1)^{1/2}y)= \mu(x) y'+ \mu(x)(x^2+1)^{-1/2}y= \frac{d(\mu y)}{dx}[/tex]
([itex]\mu[/itex] is the "integrating factor".)

Since, by the product rule, [itex]d(\mu(x)y)/dx= \mu y'+ \mu'y[/itex] we must have [itex]\mu'= (x^2+1)^{-1/2}/mu[/itex] which is a separable equation for [itex]\mu[/itex]:
[tex]\frac{d\mu}{\mu}= (x^2+ 1)^{-1/2}dx[/tex]
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, that's just not a good way to proceed. Not every differential equation can be immediately reduced to an integral.

You are correct that this equation is linear which means it is relatively easy to find an "integrating factor".

We can write the equation as [itex]y'\sqrt{x^2+ 1}+ y= 3x^2[/itex]. That is equivalent to [itex]y'+ (x^2+1)^{-1/2} 2x^2(x^2+1)^{-1/2}[/itex]

Now we look for a function, [itex]\mu(t)[/itex], such that
[tex]\mu(x)(y'+ (x^2+1)^{1/2}y)= \mu(x) y'+ \mu(x)(x^2+1)^{-1/2}y= \frac{d(\mu y)}{dx}[/tex]
([itex]\mu[/itex] is the "integrating factor".)

Since, by the product rule, [itex]d(\mu(x)y)/dx= \mu y'+ \mu'y[/itex] we must have [itex]\mu'= (x^2+1)^{-1/2}/mu[/itex] which is a separable equation for [itex]\mu[/itex]:
[tex]\frac{d\mu}{\mu}= (x^2+ 1)^{-1/2}dx[/tex]

Thanks for response!

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
\frac{{d\mu }}{\mu } = \frac{{dx}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }}\\
\ln \left| \mu \right| = \ln \left| {x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} } \right|\\
\mu = x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1}
\end{array}
[/tex]

Which means

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
y' + \frac{y}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }} = \frac{{3{x^2}}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }}\\
y' \cdot (x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} ) + \frac{{y(x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} )}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }} = \frac{{3{x^2}(x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} )}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }}\\
\left( {y \cdot (x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} )} \right)' = \frac{{3{x^3}}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }} + 3{x^2}\\
y \cdot (x + \sqrt {{x^2} + 1} ) = {x^3} + \int {\frac{{3{x^3}dx}}{{\sqrt {{x^2} + 1} }}}
\end{array}
[/tex]

And I'd be good to go from here. Can you confirm?
 

FAQ: First-order equations causing some trouble (for newbie)

1. What are first-order equations and why do they cause trouble for newbies?

First-order equations are mathematical expressions that involve only one variable and its derivatives. They cause trouble for newbies because they require a solid understanding of algebra and calculus to solve, which can be difficult for those who are not familiar with these concepts.

2. How can I identify a first-order equation?

First-order equations typically have the form "dy/dx = f(x)" or "y' = f(x)", where y is the dependent variable and x is the independent variable. They can also be identified by the presence of derivatives, such as d/dx or y'.

3. What are some common techniques for solving first-order equations?

Some common techniques for solving first-order equations include separation of variables, integrating factors, and substitution. It is important to have a strong understanding of algebra and calculus to effectively use these techniques.

4. How can I check if my solution to a first-order equation is correct?

You can check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation and seeing if it satisfies the equation. You can also take the derivative of your solution and see if it matches the original equation.

5. Are there any tips for beginners struggling with first-order equations?

One tip for beginners is to practice solving different types of first-order equations and to seek help from a tutor or teacher if needed. It is also important to have a strong grasp of algebra and calculus fundamentals before attempting to solve these equations. Breaking the problem down into smaller steps and checking your work can also be helpful.

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