Help with ODE using an integrating factor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the integrating factor method. Participants are exploring the relationship between the Laplace Transform solution and the integrating factor approach, seeking clarification and guidance on the integration process involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an ODE and their solution using Laplace Transforms, seeking verification and guidance on using the integrating factor method.
  • Another participant identifies the equation as a first-order linear differential equation and confirms the correctness of the integrating factor.
  • A different participant explains the role of the integrating factor in making the equation separable and outlines the steps to integrate both sides.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the integration by parts method and how it relates to their Laplace Transform result, indicating confusion about the functions involved.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource on integration by parts, suggesting it as a guide for the integration process.
  • A participant attempts to apply integration by parts but struggles with the process and expresses confusion regarding the presence of sine and cosine functions in their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the integrating factor and the approach to solving the ODE, but there is uncertainty and confusion regarding the integration steps and how they relate to the Laplace Transform solution. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the integration by parts process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their understanding of the integration by parts technique and its application to the problem at hand. There is also a mention of potential confusion arising from the presence of sine and cosine functions in the integration process.

hurcw
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Hi all,

I am doing some Laplace Transforms as part of my HND, i have got an answer for this question
q' +2q = 5sint q(0)=0, t(0)=0

But i need to prove it by means of using an integrating factor method.
My original answer is:-
e^-2t +2sint-cost does this look right?
I also have worked out my Integrating factor to be e^2x but not sure where to go from there.

Can anyone please help me with a few pointers.
 
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Do you recognize it's a first order linear diff. eq?
 
Your answer is correct. Your integrating factor is correct. Now remember what an integrating factor is. It is a function which, when multiplied by the original equation, makes the equation separable. Review this theory, it is very straightforward. Multiply your equation by the integrating factor. The left side becomes the derivative of q times the integrating factor and thus integrates trivially. The right side becomes the integral of the exponential times the non-homogeneous term sint. This can be done by parts twice (or looking in a table). The result, after applying your condition, is the same as your transform result.
 
alan2 thanks for the reply. are you saying my answer to the initial Laplace transform is correct?
Would you be abe to show me what you mean by using another example, i would like to try and work through my question myself and then get the answer possiby verified.
 
Any more help would be appreciated guys. Thanks
 
Sorry, haven't been here in a couple of days. I assume you don't have an ode book on your shelf. I don't know how to use the advanced equation editor so here goes.
If the equation were separable it would be trivially solvable. So we seek an integrating factor which makes it solvable. Call the factor a. We multiply the equation by a and find a(dq/dt)+2aq=5asint. Now we require that the left side be of the form d(aq)/dt where a=a(t). Then the equation is separable, d(aq)=5asintdt, and we can integrate both sides. But, by the chain rule, d(aq)/dt=adq/dt+qda/dt. If this is to be equal to adq/dt+2aq (from above) then da/dt=2a. This equation for a is itself separable and a=e^2t as you found above. So now we have d(aq)=5asintdt where a is the known function of t which we found. Integrate both sides (the left side is trivially aq) and you find that q=(1/a) times the integral of 5asint. This integral is done by parts twice. Apply the boundary conditions and you have the result that you found above.
 
Thanks for the reply, can you explain what you mean by the integrate by parts twice?
I am failing to see how i will end up with the same as i did for my Laplace transform as i don't have a sin & a cos function.
 
I have tried to use this example as a guide and just get lost in it all.
am i right in thinking this?:-
∫udv=uv-∫vdu
u=5sin(t)
dv= e(2t)
so:- du=-5cos(t)
v=e(-2t)
Therefore ∫udv=uv-∫vdu
=5e(-2t)sin(t)-∫e(-2t)-5cos(t)
Then i get stuck plus the 2 on the LHS is throwing me.
 

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