First order separable Equation ODE

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a first-order separable ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by the equation dy/dx + y cos(x) = 5 cos(x), with an initial condition of y(0) = 7. Participants are exploring the solutions derived from the integration of the equation and the implications of the initial condition on these solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration process and the resulting expressions for y, questioning the validity of both solutions obtained. There is an exploration of the implications of the initial condition on the solutions and the treatment of absolute values in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the solutions derived from the ODE, with participants providing insights and questioning the assumptions made during the integration and application of the initial condition. Some participants suggest checking the solutions by differentiation, while others express uncertainty about the treatment of absolute values and the correctness of the initial condition application.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the initial condition and the interpretation of the absolute value expressions, indicating that there may be multiple cases to consider based on the value of y relative to 5. There is also mention of possible typos or hidden information affecting the correctness of the solutions.

sanhuy
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Homework Statement


\frac{dy}{dx}\:+\:ycosx\:=\:5cosx
I get two solutions for y however only one of them is correct according to my online homework
(see attempt at solution)

Homework Equations


y(0) = 7 is initial condition

The Attempt at a Solution


\int \:\frac{1}{5-y}dy\:=\:\int \:cosxdx\:+\:C
-ln\left|5-7\right|\:=\:sinx\:+C
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:De^{-sinx}\:where\:D\:=\:e^{-C}
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:5-y\:,\:if\:5-y\:>\:0\:and\:\left|5-y\right|\:=\:-\left(5-y\right)\:if\:5-y<0
using initial conditions for both equations
y=5\:-De^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+De^{-sinx}
y=5\:-2e^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+2e^{-sinx}

however the first solution is incorrect I don't understand why
 
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sanhuy said:

Homework Statement


\frac{dy}{dx}\:+\:ycosx\:=\:5cosx
I get two solutions for y however only one of them is correct according to my online homework
(see attempt at solution)

Homework Equations


y(0) = 7 is initial condition

The Attempt at a Solution


\int \:\frac{1}{5-y}dy\:=\:\int \:cosxdx\:+\:C
-ln\left|5-7\right|\:=\:sinx\:+C
Did you mean 5 - y above? If you really meant 5 -7, I wouldn't substitute in the initial condition yet.
sanhuy said:
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:De^{-sinx}\:where\:D\:=\:e^{-C}
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:5-y\:,\:if\:5-y\:>\:0\:and\:\left|5-y\right|\:=\:-\left(5-y\right)\:if\:5-y<0
using initial conditions for both equations
y=5\:-De^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+De^{-sinx}
y=5\:-2e^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+2e^{-sinx}

however the first solution is incorrect I don't understand why
I'm not totally clear on what you're doing above. Since y(0) = 7, you can assume that y -7 < 0 for solutions near the initial condition.
 
sanhuy said:

Homework Statement


\frac{dy}{dx}\:+\:ycosx\:=\:5cosx
I get two solutions for y however only one of them is correct according to my online homework
(see attempt at solution)

Homework Equations


y(0) = 7 is initial condition

The Attempt at a Solution


\int \:\frac{1}{5-y}dy\:=\:\int \:cosxdx\:+\:C
-ln\left|5-7\right|\:=\:sinx\:+C
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:De^{-sinx}\:where\:D\:=\:e^{-C}
\left|5-y\right|\:=\:5-y\:,\:if\:5-y\:&gt;\:0\:and\:\left|5-y\right|\:=\:-\left(5-y\right)\:if\:5-y&lt;0
using initial conditions for both equations
y=5\:-De^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+De^{-sinx}[/B]
y=5\:-2e^{-sinx}\:\:and\:\:y\:=\:5+2e^{-sinx}

however the first solution is incorrect I don't understand why
Why don't you apply the initial condition on ##\left|5-y\right|\:=\:De^{-sinx}\,##? That gives ##\left|5-y\right|\:=\:2e^{-sinx} > 0##. Now check your signs again.
 
fresh_42 said:
Why don't you apply the initial condition on ##\left|5-y\right|\:=\:De^{-sinx}\,##? That gives ##\left|5-y\right|\:=\:2e^{-sinx} > 0##. Now check your signs again.
Since 2e^−sinx>0 you can drop the absolute sign correct?
then it becomes
y=5−2e^−sinx?
 
sanhuy said:
Since 2e^−sinx>0 you can drop the absolute sign correct?
then it becomes
y=5−2e^−sinx?
No you can't, because inside the absolute sign can still happen both possibilities. Just consider the cases ##y(x) > 5## and ##y(x) \leq 5##.

Edit: Sorry, I think I made a sign error myself.
 
fresh_42 said:
No you can't, because inside the absolute sign can still happen both possibilities. Just consider the cases ##y(x) > 5## and ##y(x) \leq 5##.
if y(x) > 5 then |y-5| = (y-5)
and if y(x) <= 5 we get |y-5| = -(y-5) ?
then we get two solutions that i posted above again? Am i missing something here
 
Now, that I've seen my sign error, I did what you should do as well with all of these kind of equations: check them by differentiation. (I think you were right in the first place.)
 
fresh_42 said:
Now, that I've seen my sign error, I did what you should do as well with all of these kind of equations: check them by differentiation. (I think you were right in the first place.)
both solutions work, but my webwork says the first one is wrong
 
Maybe you've had a typo in your other solution. Or some additional information is hidden somewhere in your text.
 
  • #10
sanhuy said:
both solutions work, but my webwork says the first one is wrong
They satisfy the differential equation, but I do not see how your negative multiplier solution satisfies the initial condition.
 
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  • #11
haruspex said:
They satisfy the differential equation, but I do not see how your negative multiplier solution satisfies the initial condition.
I just noticed this as well. BTW I was just wondering the way I got rid of my absolute values was correct right, regardless of the general problem i stated?
 
  • #12
sanhuy said:
I just noticed this as well. BTW I was just wondering the way I got rid of my absolute values was correct right, regardless of the general problem i stated?
I was not quite sure what you did. I would substitute x=0, y=7 with still |y-5| to find D=2. Then you get y=5+/-2e-sin(x), then reuse the initial condition to rule out the -2 case.
 

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