General solution to a simple ODE

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SUMMARY

The general solution to the ordinary differential equation (ODE) d[f(x)]/dx = bf(x) is f(x) = ae^{bx}, where 'a' is an arbitrary constant derived from initial conditions. Given the conditions f(0) = 1 and f'(0) = 3, the constants can be determined through algebraic manipulation. The solution is achieved using the method of separation of variables, leading to the integration of ln(f) = bx + c.

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  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
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  • Knowledge of integration and logarithmic functions
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations for constants
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Students of mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as educators and professionals seeking to reinforce their understanding of ODE solutions and initial value problems.

brollysan
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Whenever I am stuck I usually manage by sitting down and working on the problem and eventuall finding the solution, this one is bothering me too much and I don't have any class until friday so no hope of finding out before then unless I ask here.

Q: Find a general solution to the diff.eq:

d[f(x)]/dx = bf(x). Given f(0) = 1 and f'(0) = 3 define constants and find a solution for f(x)


Attempts:
Stuck, used 2th order ODEs so much this thing confuses me.
 
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This is solved simply through separation of variables:

\frac{df}{dx}=bf

Therefore

\frac{df}{f}=bdx

Performing indefinite integration over this gives you:

ln(f)=bx+c

With c being arbitrary constant of integration
And explicitly f is given by

f(x)=ae^{bx}

Where I chose to rewrite the arbitrary constant e^c as a.

Determining a and b from your additional conditions is a simple algebric exercise.
 
elibj123 said:
This is solved simply through separation of variables:

\frac{df}{dx}=bf

Therefore

\frac{df}{f}=bdx

Performing indefinite integration over this gives you:

ln(f)=bx+c

With c being arbitrary constant of integration
And explicitly f is given by

f(x)=ae^{bx}

Where I chose to rewrite the arbitrary constant e^c as a.

Determining a and b from your additional conditions is a simple algebric exercise.
Thank you!
 

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