General solution formula of a differential equation

In summary, the general solution of a differential equation for y'+P(x)y=G(x) is y(x)=e^{-\int P(x)dx}[C+\int e^{\int P(x)dx}G(x)dx]. For the specific equation y'+xy=x, the solution is y=Ce^{-\frac{x^2}{2}}+1 or y=1+Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}. The discrepancy in the two solutions is due to a mistake in the integration of 1/(1-y), where the negative should have been included. This can be corrected using l'Hopital's rule.
  • #1
coki2000
91
0
Hello,

The general solution of a differential equation for [tex]y'+P(x)y=G(x)[/tex] is

[tex]y(x)=e^{-\int P(x)dx}[C+\int e^{\int P(x)dx}G(x)dx][/tex]

for [tex]y'+xy=x[/tex]

[tex]y(x)=e^{-\int xdx}[C+\int e^{\int xdx}xdx][/tex] i have

[tex]y=Ce^{-\frac{x^2}{2}}+1[/tex]

By the other solution

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+xy=x \rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx}=x(1-y)\Rightarrow \frac{dy}{1-y}=xdx[/tex]

integrating the both sides

[tex]\int \frac{dy}{1-y}=\int xdx\Rightarrow \ln \left|1-y \right|=\frac{x^2}{2}+C

\left|1-y \right|=Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}\Rightarrow y=1-Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}[/tex] or [tex]y=1+Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}[/tex]

Why the two solutions are different and where is my mistake?Please help me.Thanks.
 
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  • #2
when you integrate 1/(1-y), you forgot the negative. It should be - ln (1- y).
 
  • #3
l'Hôpital said:
when you integrate 1/(1-y), you forgot the negative. It should be - ln (1- y).
ohh thanks l'Hopital:blushing:
 

1. What is the general solution formula of a differential equation?

The general solution formula of a differential equation is a formula that represents the set of all possible solutions to a given differential equation. It includes arbitrary constants that can be adjusted to fit specific initial conditions.

2. How is the general solution formula of a differential equation derived?

The general solution formula of a differential equation is derived by solving the differential equation using integration techniques. This involves finding the antiderivative of the equation and adding arbitrary constants to form the general solution.

3. Can the general solution formula of a differential equation be used to find a specific solution?

Yes, the general solution formula of a differential equation can be used to find a specific solution by substituting the given initial conditions into the formula and solving for the arbitrary constants.

4. Are there different types of general solution formulas for differential equations?

Yes, there are different types of general solution formulas for differential equations depending on the order and type of the equation. For example, linear differential equations have a different general solution formula compared to nonlinear differential equations.

5. Is the general solution formula the only solution to a differential equation?

No, the general solution formula is not the only solution to a differential equation. There may be other specific solutions that can be derived by applying additional constraints or techniques to the general solution formula.

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