First order ODE initial value problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) with an initial value problem. The equation presented is y = 4*t*sqrt(y), and the initial condition is y(0) = 1. Participants are exploring how to find the exact polynomial that satisfies both the equation and the initial condition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the feasibility of integrating the first-order differential equation while considering the initial value. Others suggest that the equation may have been miswritten and propose that it should be interpreted as y' = 4ty^(1/2), indicating a separable equation. There is also a discussion about the implications of disregarding the initial condition and the necessity of integrating, which introduces a constant of integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the original equation being explored. Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the integration of the equation, while others have raised concerns about the uniqueness of the solution based on the existence and uniqueness theorem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential typos or misinterpretations in the original problem statement, particularly regarding the formulation of the differential equation. The initial condition is also a point of contention, as participants discuss its role in finding the solution.

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Homework Statement



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

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

Homework Equations

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 )
 
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Is it not possible to integrate a first order differential equation and also consider the initial value y(0) = 1 ?
 
Isn't there a typo? Where is y' ?
 
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.
 
Shade said:

Homework Statement



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

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

Homework Equations




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 )

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 [itex]\frac{dy}{dt}= 4t\sqrt{y}= 4ty^{\frac{1}{2}}[/itex]

That can be written [itex]y^{-\frac{1}{2}}dy= 4t dt[/itex]. 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 "existence and uniquenss" theorem is not satisfied.
 

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