'guess' solution, differential question.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form dy/dx = x/y, with specific initial conditions provided. Participants are exploring methods to find the general solution and particular integral, while also addressing potential errors in the initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss separating variables and integrating to find solutions. There is mention of complementary functions and confusion regarding their relevance to the problem. Some participants express uncertainty about the initial conditions and their impact on the solution.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the problem, attempting different approaches to derive the solution. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in the initial conditions, which has led to a realization that may clarify the problem for one participant. No explicit consensus has been reached regarding the correct solution.

Contextual Notes

Initial conditions were initially stated incorrectly, which has led to confusion in the solutions being proposed. Participants are working through these discrepancies while trying to reconcile their findings with the given conditions.

keith river
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dy/dx = x/y
Solve the equation (get general form of y) for the given condition y=1 and x=2

I've tried finding the complementary function, dy/dx = 0.
So I assume y = C (a constant)

Now I'm trying the find the particular Integral.
dy/dx = x/y

rearrange for LHS containing only y and RHS containing only x

dy y = dx x
I integrate I get (y^2) / 2 = (x^2)/2 + D(constant due to integration)

y^2 = 2(x^2)/2 + 2D
y^2 = (x^2) + E (2D= E)
y = Sqrt (x^2) + Sqrt (E)
y = x + F

General function
y = C + x + F
y = G + x

The answer (given onnsheet) is y = Sqrt ((x^2) - 4)
 
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keith river said:
Now I'm trying the find the particular Integral.
dy/dx = x/y

rearrange for LHS containing only y and RHS containing only x

dy y = dx x
I integrate I get (y^2) / 2 = (x^2)/2 + D(constant due to integration)

y^2 = 2(x^2)/2 + 2D
y^2 = (x^2) + E (2D= E)
y = Sqrt (x^2) + Sqrt (E)
y = x + F

If you were going to get the particular integral by solving the equation, it sort of made no sense to get a complementary solution to y' = 0.

But from this last line: if a2= b + c then a ≠ √b + √ c,

a = √(b+c)
 
keith river said:
dy/dx = x/y
Solve the equation (get general form of y) for the given condition y=1 and x=2

I've tried finding the complementary function, dy/dx = 0.
So I assume y = C (a constant)
I can't see how this approach would work.

Your equation is separable:
y dy = x dx


keith river said:
Now I'm trying the find the particular Integral.
dy/dx = x/y

rearrange for LHS containing only y and RHS containing only x

dy y = dx x
I integrate I get (y^2) / 2 = (x^2)/2 + D(constant due to integration)

y^2 = 2(x^2)/2 + 2D
y^2 = (x^2) + E (2D= E)
y = Sqrt (x^2) + Sqrt (E)
y = x + F

General function
y = C + x + F
y = G + x

The answer (given onnsheet) is y = Sqrt ((x^2) - 4)

I get y = sqrt(x^2 - 3), and my answer checks. Are you sure you have the right initial conditions?
 
thanks, I can't believe I forgot something as simple as that.
and Initial conditions were y=0, x=2
Sorry about the typo, there are a lot on the worksheet.
But seeing the sqrt all under one bracket made me realize what to do.
I've got it now.
 
Last edited:

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