Getting started with differential equations

In summary, the conversation was about the use of differential equations to solve for the function p(t), given a particular equation (1). The conversation then progressed to discussing the use of the chain rule and separation of variables to solve for p(t) in the equation (3). Finally, the conversation ended with an example of how to solve for p(t) using the method of separation of variables.
  • #1
DivGradCurl
372
0
Folks, I'm just getting started with differential equations and I need some help.

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt}=0.5p-450 \qquad (1)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp/dt}{p-900}=\frac{1}{2} \qquad \mbox{if }p \neq 900 \qquad (2)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| p-900 \right| = \frac{1}{2} \qquad (3)[/tex]

I'm stuck in [tex](3)[/tex]. I know

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| x \right| = \frac{1}{x}[/tex]

but I still don't understand how that is obtained.

Any help is highly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
What do you mean?
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}ln|x(t)|=\frac{dx}{dt}\frac{1}{x}[/tex]
 
  • #3
I've just edited my previous post. There was a typo.

Well, the fact that in general

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| x \right| = \frac{1}{x}[/tex]

should give some insight into the transition from (2) to (3), but I still don't get it. That's what I mean.

Thanks
 
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  • #4
thiago_j said:
I've just edited my previous post. There was a typo.

Well, the fact that in general

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| x \right| = \frac{1}{x}[/tex]

should give some insight into the transition from (2) to (3), but I still don't get it. That's what I mean.

Thanks
First off, this is WRONG!
It should be:
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| x \right| = \frac{1}{x}\frac{dx}{dt}[/tex]

Do you now see the connection between (2) and (3)?
 
  • #5
Ooops. I'm sorry (it was a typo). I mean

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\ln \left| x \right|=\frac{1}{x}[/tex]

I still don't get the connection between (2) and (3). Could you please clarify that?
 
  • #6
Note that, by the chain rule we have :
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}ln|p(t)-900|=\frac{1}{p-900}\frac{dp}{dt}=\frac{\frac{dp}{dt}}{p-900}[/tex]
Does that help you?
 
  • #7
Have you been taught the METHOD OF SEPARATION OF VARIABLES...?I.e.Working with differentials,just as if they were numbers which could be multiplied & divided with...?

Daniel.
 
  • #8
So, my problem is with the chain rule step. Arildno, I don't see why

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}ln|p(t)-900|=\frac{1}{p-900}\frac{dp}{dt}[/tex]

although I can apply it (for example):

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}2(4x+1)^2=2\cdot 2 \cdot (4x+1)\cdot 4=64x+16[/tex]

Could please you explain me how that works?

Daniel, I've read about separation of variables. That's going to be useful once I'm done with (3) and move on.
 
  • #9
Well, the chain rule states, letting x=p-900:
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}ln|p-900|=\frac{d}{dt}ln|x|=(\frac{d}{dx}ln|x|)\frac{dx}{dp}\frac{dp}{dt},\frac{d}{dx}ln|x|=\frac{1}{x},\frac{dx}{dp}=1[/tex]

were you interested in a more detailed explanation behind the chain rule?
 
  • #10
What is [tex] \frac{d\ln u(t)}{dt} [/tex]...?You said u knew how to apply the chain rule...


Daniel.
 
  • #11
I can now see the way to get there:

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt}=0.5p-450 \qquad (1)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp/dt}{p-900}=\frac{1}{2} \qquad \mbox{if }p \neq 900 \qquad (2)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt} \left[ \frac{1}{p-900}\right] =\frac{1}{2} [/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt} \left[ \frac{d}{dp} \ln \left| p-900 \right| \right] =\frac{1}{2} [/tex]

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| p-900 \right| = \frac{1}{2} \qquad (3)[/tex]

Thank you
 
  • #12
Okay,how about posting the sollution to this ODE...?

Daniel.
 
  • #13
[tex]\frac{dp}{dt}=0.5p-450 [/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp/dt}{p-900}=\frac{1}{2} \qquad \mbox{if }p \neq 900[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt} \left[ \frac{1}{p-900}\right] =\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt} \left[ \frac{d}{dp} \ln \left| p-900 \right| \right] =\frac{1}{2} [/tex]

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| p-900 \right| = \frac{1}{2}[/tex]

[tex] \int \left[ \frac{d}{dt}\ln \left| p-900 \right| \right] dt = \int \frac{1}{2} dt[/tex]

[tex] \ln \left| p-900 \right| = \frac{t}{2} + \mathrm{C} [/tex]

[tex] \left| p-900 \right| = e^{\frac{t}{2} + \mathrm{C}} [/tex]

[tex] \left| p-900 \right| = e^{\mathrm{C}}e^{\frac{t}{2}} [/tex]

[tex] p-900 = \pm e^{\mathrm{C}}e^{\frac{t}{2}} [/tex]

[tex] p(t) = 900 + \mathrm{K}e^{\frac{t}{2}} \quad \mbox{where } \mathrm{K}=\pm e^{\mathrm{C}} \mbox{ is an arbitrary constant.}[/tex]
 
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  • #14
That is correct.
 
  • #15
Look at the bright side.Once u'll learn separation of variables,u'll be able to shortcut many calculations...:wink:

Daniel.
 
  • #16
Yes, indeed. :tongue2:

[tex]\frac{dp}{dt}=0.5p-450 [/tex]

[tex]\frac{dp/dt}{p-900}=\frac{1}{2} \qquad \mbox{if }p \neq 900[/tex]

[tex]\int \frac{dp}{p-900}=\int \frac{dt}{2}[/tex]

[tex] \ln \left| p-900 \right| = \frac{t}{2} + \mathrm{C} [/tex]

[tex] \left| p-900 \right| = e^{\frac{t}{2} + \mathrm{C}} [/tex]

[tex] \left| p-900 \right| = e^{\mathrm{C}}e^{\frac{t}{2}} [/tex]

[tex] p-900 = \pm e^{\mathrm{C}}e^{\frac{t}{2}} [/tex]

[tex] p(t) = 900 + \mathrm{K}e^{\frac{t}{2}} \quad \mbox{where } \mathrm{K}=\pm e^{\mathrm{C}} \mbox{ is an arbitrary constant.}[/tex]
 

1. What are differential equations?

Differential equations are mathematical equations that describe the relationship between a function and its derivatives. They are used to model various systems and phenomena in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields.

2. Why are differential equations important?

Differential equations are important because they allow us to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems. They are used in many areas of science and engineering, from modeling the spread of diseases to designing new technologies.

3. How do I solve a differential equation?

The method for solving a differential equation depends on its type and complexity. Some can be solved analytically using mathematical techniques such as separation of variables or integrating factors. Others may require numerical methods such as Euler's method or Runge-Kutta methods.

4. What are the applications of differential equations?

Differential equations have a wide range of applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, biology, economics, and more. They are used to model and understand systems such as population dynamics, fluid flow, electrical circuits, and chemical reactions.

5. Can I use software to solve differential equations?

Yes, there are many software programs and packages available that can solve differential equations numerically. Some popular options include MATLAB, Wolfram Mathematica, and Maple. However, it is still important to understand the theory and methods behind solving differential equations in order to properly interpret and use the results obtained from software.

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