Get Help with Initial Value Problem: Solving xy' + 6y = 3xy^3 Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an initial value problem involving the differential equation xy' + 6y = 3xy^3, which falls under the subject area of differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore separation of variables as a potential method, with some expressing uncertainty about its applicability. Others suggest dividing by y and isolating y' to clarify the separation process. There are attempts to manipulate the equation algebraically, leading to questions about the correctness of the steps taken.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various approaches and expressing confusion about the separation of variables. Some guidance has been offered regarding methods to manipulate the equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note difficulties in separating variables and question the validity of their algebraic manipulations. There are references to external resources for further assistance, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the problem better.

Pengwuino
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I have a initial value problem that I have no idea how to start! Ahhh :(

The equation is:

[tex]xy' + 6y = 3xy^3[/tex]

How do I start? I have no idea! ahhh :cry: I don't like DE's!
 
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separation of vaiables.
 
Pengwuino said:
I have a initial value problem that I have no idea how to start! Ahhh :(

The equation is:

[tex]xy' + 6y = 3xy^3[/tex]

How do I start? I have no idea! ahhh :cry: I don't like DE's!

I can give you a link that should help, but I can't explain it very well because I'm still learning this too. Start by dividing everything by x then check out this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli_differential_equation
 
NINHARDCOREFAN said:
separation of vaiables.

I'm pretty sure that isn't going to work on this equation.

OK I was wrong it'll work it just wasn't obvious to me at first sorry.
 
So all x and y variables will be separated? I can't seem to get them to separate...
 
Pengwuino said:
So all x and y variables will be separated? I can't seem to get them to separate...

Try dividing everything by y and then isolating the y' term that might make it more obvious.
 
Can i even do this?

[tex]\begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac{{xy' + 6y}}{y} = \frac{{3xy^3 }}{y} \\ <br /> \frac{{xy'}}{y} + 6 = 3xy^2 \\ <br /> \frac{{xy'}}{y} = 3xy^2 \\ <br /> xy' = 3xy^3 \\ <br /> y' = 3y^3 \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 3y^3 \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{3y^3 dx}} = 1 \\ <br /> \frac{1}{{3y^3 }}dy = dx \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

If that's the case, I guess i know exactly what to do next!
 
Pengwuino said:
Can i even do this?

[tex]\begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac{{xy' + 6y}}{y} = \frac{{3xy^3 }}{y} \\ <br /> \frac{{xy'}}{y} + 6 = 3xy^2 \\ <br /> \frac{{xy'}}{y} = 3xy^2 \\ <br /> xy' = 3xy^3 \\ <br /> y' = 3y^3 \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 3y^3 \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{3y^3 dx}} = 1 \\ <br /> \frac{1}{{3y^3 }}dy = dx \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

If that's the case, I guess i know exactly what to do next!

You dropped a 6 out somewhere in the middle and I realized that I screwed up when I tried to separate the variables so I guess it isn't separable after all, try the method in the link I posted above.
 
Wow i still can't get this...
 
  • #10
[tex]y' + \frac{6y}{x} = 3 y^3[/tex]

divide by [tex]y^3[/tex]

[tex]y'y^{-3} + \frac{6y^-2}{x} = 3[/tex]

Make a change of variables:

[tex]w = \frac{1}{y^2}[/tex]

and

[tex]w' = \frac{1-3}{y^3} y' = \frac{-2}{y^3} y'[/tex]



This leads to:

[tex]- \frac{w'}{2} + \frac{6w}{x} = 3[/tex]

we-write this in standard form:

[tex]\frac{dw}{dx} - \frac{12w}{x} = -6[/tex]

solve using an integrating factor of:

[tex]M(x) = e^{\int P(x)dx } = e^{\int \frac{-12}{x}dx} = e^{-12ln(x)} = x^{-12}[/tex]

multiply both sides by M(x):

[tex]\frac{w'}{x^{-12}} - \frac{12w}{x^{-13}} = -\frac{6}{x^{-12}}[/tex]

but that is equal to:

[tex]\frac { d( \frac{w} {x^{-12}})} {dx} = -\frac{6}{x^{-12}}[/tex]

integrate both sides:

[tex]\frac{w} {x^{-12}} = \frac {6}{11} x^{-11} + c[/tex]

Solve in terms of w:

[tex]w = \frac{6}{11} x + cx^{12}[/tex]

Now plug back in for w:

[tex]\frac{1}{y^2} = \frac{6}{11} x + cx^{12}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Now i got to figure out how to even use Bernoulli's equation.
 
  • #12
Ok, I hope the anwser is correct. I probably have some mistakes in there. I am REALLY TIRED right now, and I HAVE to go to sleep. Please check it over someone:

The solution is:

[tex]\frac{1}{y^2} = \frac{6}{11} x + cx^{12}[/tex]
 

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