How Can You Model a Continuously Compounding Savings Account with Depletion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modeling a continuously compounding savings account that is also subject to continuous depletion. Participants explore the mathematical formulation of the problem, specifically focusing on the differential equation that describes the balance in the account over time.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the differential equation dy/dt=0.1y-y^2/1000000 to model the account's growth and depletion, expressing uncertainty about how to proceed with solving it.
  • Another participant suggests that the first problem should be solved directly, indicating that the account will stop growing when it reaches a certain size, implying a steady state.
  • There is a reiteration of the original equation and a suggestion to avoid unnecessary complexity, emphasizing that the equation is simpler than it appears.
  • A participant notes the absence of a 't' term on the right-hand side and encourages the use of various methods for solving differential equations, hinting at the potential for partial fractions.
  • Another participant points out that the method of finding an integrating factor is only applicable to linear equations, suggesting that the equation is separable and can be solved by separating variables and integrating.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate methods for solving the differential equation. Some advocate for direct solutions while others emphasize the need for variable separation. No consensus is reached on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the methods discussed, particularly the applicability of integrating factors to linear equations and the nature of the differential equation involving y^2.

Maiko
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financial model using integral

Find the amount in a savings aacount after one year if the initial balance in the account was $1,000, if the interest is paid continuously into the account at a nominal rate of 10% per annum, compounded continuously, and if the account is being continuously depleted at the rate of y^2/1000000 dollars per year, where y=y(t) is the balance in the account after t years. How large can the account grow? How long will it take the account grow to half this balance?

Just like other problems of this sort, I set up the following equation:
dy/dt=0.1y-y^2/1000000
integrating factor u(t)
dy/dt*u(t)=0.1y*u(t)-y^2/1000000*u(t)
d/dt(yu(t))=dy/dt*u(t)+du/dt*y
now, what do I do? I have never done a question involving y^2. Help, please!
 
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After your first equation stop and solve the first problem. How large can the account grow? So er, when it is that large it isn't growing any more. :wink:

The second part,
dy/dt = ay - by2
no need for any integrating factors stuff.
It's something fairly simple of which you have probably done exercises with more complicated examples.
 
Maiko said:
financial model using integral

Find the amount in a savings aacount after one year if the initial balance in the account was $1,000, if the interest is paid continuously into the account at a nominal rate of 10% per annum, compounded continuously, and if the account is being continuously depleted at the rate of y^2/1000000 dollars per year, where y=y(t) is the balance in the account after t years. How large can the account grow? How long will it take the account grow to half this balance?

Just like other problems of this sort, I set up the following equation:
dy/dt=0.1y-y^2/1000000
integrating factor u(t)
dy/dt*u(t)=0.1y*u(t)-y^2/1000000*u(t)
d/dt(yu(t))=dy/dt*u(t)+du/dt*y
now, what do I do? I have never done a question involving y^2. Help, please!

there is no 't' term on the right hand side. Don't blindly resort to one method. I am sure that your professors have taught you to use all of the tools available when solving a D.E.

What happens when you divide by [tex]0.1y-\frac{y^{2}}{1000000}[/tex]? seems like partial fractions to me.
 
Your professors will also want you to learn the limitations of each method.

While every first order differential equation has, that particular method of finding an integrating factor only works for linear equations. That's why you never seen it with y2 before!

As epenguine and djeitnstine said, that is a separable equation. Separate the variables and integrate.
 

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