Help simplifying a solution to a differential equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation, initially presented as dy/dx = 2y^2 + xy^2, with an initial condition y(0) = 1. Participants explore algebraic manipulations and the challenges of isolating y as a function of x after arriving at the equation y^2 + y = x^2 - 4.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss factoring the differential equation and separating variables. There are questions about the derivation of the equation y^2 + y = x^2 - 4, with some expressing confusion about the steps taken to reach that point.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on separating variables and integrating, while others have expressed uncertainty about the original equation and its manipulation. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the steps taken, and no consensus has been reached on the correct approach to isolating y.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that there may have been confusion regarding the initial conditions and the equations involved, with one participant admitting to mixing up problems. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the algebraic steps necessary to isolate y.

Raziel2701
Messages
128
Reaction score
0
So I'm in the process of solving the following differential equation:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=2y^2 +xy^2[/tex]

with initial condition y(0)=1

I worked it out until I got to the following equation:

[tex]y^2 +y =x^2 -4[/tex]

So now my problem is that I can't isolate y as a function of x in order to move on with the problem and determine where the solution attains its minimum value.

I've tried completing the square and I noticed that the RHS(right hand side) is a difference of squares and I expanded that out but I have no clue how to isolate that y. Now I'm tired and desolate, and I'd like to be pointed back on the right direction.

It's frustrating to be thwarted by algebraic manipulations. :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
so i could be totally wrong on this, I'm here myself to get help with simple differential equations, but here goes:

so you have

dy/dx = 2y2 + x*y2, with y(0) = 1

try factoring it as dy/dx = y2 ( 2 + x)
then you separate the variables.
does that help?

p.s. could you maybe show how you got "the following equation"? i have no idea where you got that. i think you may have made a mistake, but like i said, I'm here for help myself.
 
Last edited:
I agree with bennyska. I get a completely different solution that you do. Please show us how you got that.
 
Man I got mixed up. The original differential equation is:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2x}{1+2y}[/tex] with initial condition y(2)= 0

I've been working on this mountain load of homework last night that I got my equations all wrong, I'm sorry.

So with that in mind, after I separate and integrate I get:

[tex]y^2 +y=x^2-4[/tex]

Now I'd like to know how to isolate y, because I haven't been able to, I am not sure what I have to expand or what. I'm just, nonplussed.
 
Raziel2701 said:
Man I got mixed up. The original differential equation is:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2x}{1+2y}[/tex] with initial condition y(2)= 0

I've been working on this mountain load of homework last night that I got my equations all wrong, I'm sorry.

So with that in mind, after I separate and integrate I get:

[tex]y^2 +y=x^2-4[/tex]

Now I'd like to know how to isolate y, because I haven't been able to, I am not sure what I have to expand or what. I'm just, nonplussed.

Again, not sure what you did to get that answer. Where did the -4 come from on the dx side?

You should separate [tex]2xdx = (1+2y)dy[/tex]
 
Yes I separated like you did and integrated, obtaining:

[tex]y+y^2=x^2 +c[/tex]

The initial condition is y(2) = 0, the one I posted in my first post is from a different problem I got mixed in. Thus plugging 2 for x, and 0 for all y, I get that c=-4, which I then substitute into the equation we have so far and I get:

[tex]y+y^2=x^2 -4[/tex]

Which I've tried to manipulate to isolate y, but have been unsuccessful so far.
 
Write your equation as y2 + y - x2 + 4 = 0.

This is quadratic in y, with a = 1, b = 1, and c = 4 - x2. Just plug these into the quadratic formula to get two solutions for y(x).
 
I was never taught I could do this kind of stuff with the quadratic equation. I feel ripped off :p

Thanks Mark44!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K