How can I split variables in calculus problems?

t_n_p
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Homework Statement



http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4489/splittingvariablesgz9.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



I can't split the x and y variables in each of these three cases. Would somebody be able to help me get started?
 
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For (a).(i)

\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x(y^2+3)}{y}

Divide through by (y^2+3)/y yielding;

\frac{y}{(y^2+3)}\cdot\frac{dy}{dx} = x

For (a).(ii)

It may be useful to note that;

e^{x-2y} = e^x\cdot e^{-2y}= \frac{e^x}{e^{2y}}

As for (b), I don't think it is seperable.
 
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Regarding a) i) how would I differentiate y/(y²+3)?

and for a) ii) that's very helpful

Thanks!
 
For (a)(i), I would use the quotient rule; but I don't think you mean differentiate, I think you mean integrate. If this is the case it may be useful to note that;

y = \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{d}{dx}(y^2+3)

and

\int\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = \ln|f(x)| + C
 
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Hootenanny said:
For (a)(i), I would use the quotient rule; but I don't think you mean differentiate, I think you mean integrate. If this is the case it may be useful to note that;

y = \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{d}{dx}(y^2+3)

and

\int\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = \ln|f(x)| + C

Silly me, of course I meant integrate!

Thanks again!:-p

Am I on the right track?
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2133/asdffy0.jpg
 
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Yeah, you've got it basically correct, however, there are a few things I should say.

On line (5), you should only include one constant of integration (one one side), otherwise they cancel each other out and your left without a constant of integration!

Secondly, you should ask yourself is there any requirement for the modulus signs? Can y2+3 ever be negative?

Thirdly, a somewhat minor point, on line (6) your final term should be 2C, not just C.
 
Hootenanny said:
Yeah, you've got it basically correct, however, there are a few things I should say.

On line (5), you should only include one constant of integration (one one side), otherwise they cancel each other out and your left without a constant of integration!

Secondly, you should ask yourself is there any requirement for the modulus signs? Can y2+3 ever be negative?

Thirdly, a somewhat minor point, on line (6) your final term should be 2C, not just C.

thanks for pointing that out, similiarly with (ii) should I only introduce the constant on one side (I'm assuming so, as the value (1,0) is given to find C...

Just double checking! :biggrin:
 
t_n_p said:
thanks for pointing that out, similiarly with (ii) should I only introduce the constant on one side (I'm assuming so, as the value (1,0) is given to find C...

Just double checking! :biggrin:
Yes, well actually what your doing is;

\int f(y) dy = \int g(x) dx

F(y) + A = G(x) + B

F(y) = G(x) + C \hspace{1cm}\text{where }C = B-A

Does that make sense?
 
Hootenanny said:
Yes, well actually what your doing is;

\int f(y) dy = \int g(x) dx

F(y) + A = G(x) + B

F(y) = G(x) + C \hspace{1cm}\text{where }C = B-A

Does that make sense?

Should I show likewise for a) i)?
 
  • #10
t_n_p said:
Should I show likewise for a) i)?
No not unless you want to :wink:, it isn't usually nesscary unless explicitly stated.
 
  • #11
Hootenanny said:
No not unless you want to :wink:, it isn't usually nesscary unless explicitly stated.

Yeah, I don't see why not :approve:

Could you please double check my value of c for (ii).

I basically subbed in (1,0) as you do, but the answer seems a bit left of field, so I guess it's best to double check.

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/7300/85694878mp9.jpg
 
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  • #12
*bump* can anybody confirm my value of c?
 
  • #13
actually I double checked, I now think c=-1-ln(2)
 
  • #14
Couldn't seem to edit my previous post, but my final answer is y=(x-1)/2 which sounds a lot better!
 
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