General Solution for y'+ay=0 | Find the Solution with Step-by-Step Guide

  • Thread starter Thread starter Math10
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general solution for the differential equation y' + ay = 0, which falls under the subject area of differential equations. Participants are exploring the correct form of the solution and the implications of constants involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether the solution should be expressed as y = e^(-ax) or y = ce^(-ax), with some attempts to clarify the role of the constant "C" in the solution. There is also a query about the specific values of "c" that would satisfy the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the correct form of the solution and the significance of the constant. There is no explicit consensus yet, as multiple interpretations of the solution are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of constants in the solution and questioning assumptions about the uniqueness of the solution based on the value of "c".

Math10
Messages
301
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the general solution of y'+ay=0.


Homework Equations


dy/dx=-ay
dy/y=-a dx
∫ dy/y=∫ -a dx
ln(y)=-ax+C
y=e^(-ax)



The Attempt at a Solution


What I want to know is that is y=e^(-ax) the answer or y=ce^(-ax) is the answer?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Math10 said:

Homework Statement


Find the general solution of y'+ay=0.


Homework Equations


dy/dx=-ay
dy/y=-a dx
∫ dy/y=∫ -a dx
ln(y)=-ax+C
y=e^(-ax)



The Attempt at a Solution


What I want to know is that is y=e^(-ax) the answer or y=ce^(-ax) is the answer?

Find which values of c solve the equation. If it is only true for c = 1, THEN y = e^(-ax) will be the answer.
 
Math10 said:

Homework Statement


Find the general solution of y'+ay=0.

Homework Equations


dy/dx=-ay
dy/y=-a dx
∫ dy/y=∫ -a dx
ln(y)=-ax+C
Okay, and now you solve for y by taking the exponential of both sides.

y=e^(-ax)
? What happened to the "C"?

The Attempt at a Solution


What I want to know is that is y=e^(-ax) the answer or y=ce^(-ax) is the answer?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thank you, Hallsoflvy.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K