Homework Help: First order ODE initial value problem

1. Feb 12, 2007

Shade

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Given the below stated equations I need to find the exact polynomial given the initial condition.

y(0) = 1
y = 4*t*sqrt(y)

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I simply disregard the initial value condition and get y = t^4

How can I find the fourth order polynomial with the given initial value?

( see also a former thread https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=111094 )

2. Feb 14, 2007

Shade

Is it not possible to integrate a first order differential equation and also consider the initial value y(0) = 1 ?

3. Feb 22, 2007

gammamcc

Isn't there a typo? Where is y' ?

4. Feb 22, 2007

Plastic Photon

I assume the equation is written y'=4ty^(1/2) in which case it appears you have dy/dt=y' and this is a seperable equation. Solve for y and then solve for the initial value.

5. Feb 22, 2007

HallsofIvy

I can see any "attempt at a solution". Saying "I simply disregard the initial value condition and get y = t^4" makes no sense! How did you "get y= t^4"? Don't you have to integrate somewhere and doesn't that introduce a "constant of integration?

The differential equation is $\frac{dy}{dt}= 4t\sqrt{y}= 4ty^{\frac{1}{2}}$

That can be written $y^{-\frac{1}{2}}dy= 4t dt$. Now integrate both sides.

It's interesting that there are two distinct solutions (actually, there are an infinite number of solutions). The "uniqueness" part of the "existance and uniquenss" theorem is not satisfied.

6. Feb 22, 2007

Shade

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