General Solution to Differential Equation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation ty' - 4y = t^6 * e^t. The user initially attempted to isolate y' but realized that separation of variables was not applicable due to the presence of the term 4y. They correctly identified the use of integrating factors, specifically μ = e^(-4ln|t|) = t^-4, which led to the general solution y = [(te^t) - (e^t) + c] / (t^-4). The user successfully simplified the problem, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating factors in solving such equations.

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jake2
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Problem Statement

Find the general solution to ty'-4y=(t^6)*(e^t)

Solution Attempt

I added the 4y over and divided by t

y'=[(t^6)(e^t)+4y] / t

I am not sure where to go from here. I'm pretty sure that separation of variables won't work, because I don't think that I can separate the 4y from t.

Now I think I should have just divided through by t and then used integrating factors with [itex]\mu[/itex]=e^(-4ln|t|)=t^-4

Is this correct? Thanks for your help!

EDIT: I've found the solution... It did seem like using integrating factors worked the best. The answer is

y = [(te^t)-(e^t)+c] / (t^-4)
 
Last edited:
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I think using that integrating factor is a great idea. Can you finish from there?
 
Yup already finished. The problem got much simpler as things began to cancel. I love it when problems work out nicely. Thanks (:

I think the main thing that hung me up was changing gears from studying how to solve differential equations using Laplace Transforms back to using integrating factors.
 

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