Solving a Flow Line Curve: c(t) for F=(x,-y)

In summary, the flow line curve c(t) to the vector field F=(x,-y) passing through the point (1,2) can be found by using the parametric form c(t) = (y(t), x(t)), where y(t) = 2x and x(t) = e^t. This is different from the explicit equation given in the solution, which is y = 2/x. The complete solution is c(t) = (e^t, 2e^(-t)).
  • #1
madachi
29
0

Homework Statement



Find the flow line curve [itex] c(t) [/itex] to the vector field [itex] F = (x,-y) [/itex] which passes through the point [itex] (1, 2) [/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution



So I let [itex] c(t) = (x(t), y(t)) [/itex].
So [itex] c'(t) = ( \frac{dx}{dt} , \frac{dy}{dt} ) [/itex].

Now, [itex] \frac{dx}{dt} = x [/itex] and [itex] \frac{dy}{dt} = -y [/itex].

So [itex] \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{y}{x} [/itex]

Solving the differential equation, I get

[itex] ln(y) = -ln(x) + C [/itex]
[itex] y = e^{-ln(x) + C} [/itex]
[itex] y = \frac{A}{x}[/itex]
[itex] y = \frac{2}{x} [/itex] by using the point given.

This is not the answer given, I am not sure what they want. The answer given is
[itex] c(t) = ( e^{t}, 2e^{-t} ) [/itex].

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
you have given an explicit equation y(x).

The answer given is parametric c(t) = (y(t), x(t))
 
  • #3
there's an arithmetic mistep as well...
madachi said:
1. Homework Statement


Find the flow line curve [itex] c(t) [/itex] to the vector field [itex] F = (x,-y) [/itex] which passes through the point [itex] (1, 2) [/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution



So I let [itex] c(t) = (x(t), y(t)) [/itex].
So [itex] c'(t) = ( \frac{dx}{dt} , \frac{dy}{dt} ) [/itex].

Now, [itex] \frac{dx}{dt} = x [/itex] and [itex] \frac{dy}{dt} = -y [/itex].
so you could solve for the parametric form of y(t) and x(t) here rather than the explicit substitution

use the given point as you initial conditions for each
madachi said:
So [itex] \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{y}{x} [/itex]

Solving the differential equation, I get

[itex] ln(y) = -ln(x) + C [/itex]
[itex] y = e^{-ln(x) + C} [/itex]
the next step isn't quite right either, it should go
[itex] y = e^{-ln(x) + C} = e^C e^{ln(x^{-1})} = e^C (x^{-1}) [/itex]

madachi said:
[itex] y = Ax [/itex]
[itex] y = 2x [/itex] by using the point given.

This is not the answer given, I am not sure what they want. The answer given is
[itex] c(t) = ( e^{t}, 2e^{-t} ) [/itex].

Thanks.
 

1. How do you define the function c(t) for solving a flow line curve?

The function c(t) represents the parametric curve that describes the path of a flow line. It is defined by the x and y coordinates at a given time t, where x represents the horizontal position and -y represents the vertical position.

2. What is the significance of solving a flow line curve for F=(x,-y)?

Solving a flow line curve for F=(x,-y) allows us to visualize the direction and magnitude of the flow at any given point on the curve. This can provide valuable insights for understanding fluid dynamics and other related phenomena.

3. How is the flow line curve affected by changes in the function F=(x,-y)?

The function F=(x,-y) determines the direction and magnitude of the flow at each point on the curve. Therefore, any changes to this function will result in a different flow line curve, potentially altering the behavior of the fluid being studied.

4. Can you provide an example of solving a flow line curve for F=(x,-y)?

Sure, let's say we have a flow field represented by the function F=(x^2,-y). To solve the flow line curve for this function, we would use the differential equation dx/dt=x^2 and dy/dt=-y to find the parametric equations for c(t). Then, we can plug in different values of t to graph the flow line curve.

5. How is the flow line curve related to other mathematical concepts?

The flow line curve is closely related to vector fields, which represent the direction and magnitude of a vector at each point in space. It is also related to the concept of a stream function, which describes the path of fluid particles in a flow field. Additionally, the flow line curve can be used to calculate important quantities such as the velocity and acceleration of the fluid at any given point.

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