Help solving the initial value problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem involving a differential equation of the form 2(√x)y' + y + 4(√x) with the initial condition y(1) = 2. Participants are exploring methods for separating variables and integrating the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct approach to separating variables and integrating the equation, with some expressing uncertainty about when to apply the initial condition. There are questions about the role of constants during integration and whether they should be adjusted based on the initial condition.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the integration process and the handling of constants. Some participants have offered guidance on finding the integrating factor and the implications of the initial condition, while others are questioning assumptions about the constants involved.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the proper form of the differential equation and the treatment of constants during integration, as well as the application of the initial condition in determining the constant of integration.

middieman147
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Given:
Solve the initial value problem 2(√x)y'+y+4(√x) ; y(1)=2



I am having trouble separating the x's and y's in order to integrate. I keep coming up with:

dy/dx +y/(2(√x))=2...

What do I keep missing here? I am pretty sure you leave the y(1)=2 alone until you are finished with the integration, in which case you plug in x=1 and y=2 to solve for the constant. Is this the correct thought process for this problem?

Thanks.
 
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Or can I substitute in the y(1) for the 2 on the right side of the equation and make all the other x's equal to 1?
 
let
gif.latex?P(x)=\frac{1}{2\sqrt&space;x}.gif


and
gif.gif


find the integrating factor
gif.gif


and then use
gif.gif


hope that help :)
 
Ok so now I have:

y'-y/(2√(x))=2

p(x)=-1/(2√x) q(x)=2

u(x)=e∫(-1/(2√x))=e-√x

y=e√x(2e-√x)+C

y=2+C

this is the solution for all values of x with C=0, correct? Or am I forgetting a step?

Thanks
 
you firstly have to integrate the right side
gif.gif
before you multiply it by
gif.gif
!
 
Ok:

y=-4sqrt(x)-4+C with C=10 is the answer given the IC y(1)=2?
 
when u divide the right side after integrating by
gif.gif
, u should also divide the constant too so it should be

gif.gif
 
middieman147 said:
Given:
Solve the initial value problem 2(√x)y'+y+4(√x) ; y(1)=2
Do you mean 2\sqrt{x}y'+ y= 4\sqrt{x}?

I am having trouble separating the x's and y's in order to integrate. I keep coming up with:

dy/dx +y/(2(√x))=2...

What do I keep missing here? I am pretty sure you leave the y(1)=2 alone until you are finished with the integration, in which case you plug in x=1 and y=2 to solve for the constant. Is this the correct thought process for this problem?

Thanks.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Do you mean 2\sqrt{x}y'+ y= 4\sqrt{x}?

yes I do.


thanks.
 
  • #10
Saeed.z said:
when u divide the right side after integrating by
gif.gif
, u should also divide the constant too so it should be

gif.gif

wouldn't that just be another constant?

so instead of writing Ce^sqrt(x), you could just consider it a new constant
 
  • #11
middieman147 said:
wouldn't that just be another constant?

so instead of writing Ce^sqrt(x), you could just consider it a new constant
C is a constant, but Ce^\sqrt{x} is definitely not a constant.
 
  • #12
isnt that irrelevant since there is an IC? wouldn't the x in that expression =1 and then just equal C multiplied by another constant?edit: Are you saying i should divide 10 by e^1 to find the constant?
 
  • #13
middieman147 said:
isnt that irrelevant since there is an IC? wouldn't the x in that expression =1 and then just equal C multiplied by another constant?


edit: Are you saying i should divide 10 by e^1 to find the constant?
No, that's not irrelevant.

In using the Initial Condition to evaluate the constant, C , you do set x=1, but in the overall solution there is a term Ce^\sqrt{x}, unless the Initial Condition gives C=0, which is not the case here.
 

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