How Do You Solve This First Order Linear ODE?

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Homework Statement



Solve this first order linear ODE

x (dy/dx)-2y=6x5

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

x (dy/dx)-2y=6x5

divide through by x

dy/dx -2y/x = 6x4

I= e∫-2/x dx

=e-ln(2) =-2

∴ -2(dy/dx) + 4y/x = -12x4

d/dx(-2y) = -12x5/5 + C

y= 6/5(x5) - C/2

this is wrong but where did I go wrong?

Thanks
 
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You didn't calculate the integrating factor correctly. Recheck the integral.
 
vela said:
You didn't calculate the integrating factor correctly. Recheck the integral.

ohh it should be a half; thanks

so it should be y = y=-6/5x5 - 2C

the answer in my book has 2x5 + Ax2
 
No, it should have an x in it.

EDIT: It refers to the integrating factor.
 
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charmedbeauty said:
ohh it should be a half; thanks

so it should be y = y=-6/5x5 - 2C

the answer in my book has 2x5 + Ax2

The book is correct. Show your steps and we can help you find where you went astray.
 
charmedbeauty said:
=e-ln(2) =-2

This isn't true; take a look at log/exponential rules.
 
Bohrok said:
This isn't true; take a look at log/exponential rules.

okbthanks I figured it out now../.

I=1/x2

although I am alittle confused about this integral

if you work out the integral of -2/x

-2ln(x)

so I thought e^-2ln(x)

which is e^1/-2ln(x)


should be -1/2x

and not -1/x^2

??

thanks.
 
You seem to be making one algebra mistake after another. Yes, the integral of -2/x is -2ln(x) and the exponential of that is e^{-2\ln(x)} but that is NOT e/(-2\ln(x)). I can't imagine where you got that. It is, rather 1/e^{2\ln(x)}.

But what you should have done first was simplify -2 ln(x). Do you know how to take that -2 'into' the logarithm?
 
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HallsofIvy said:
You seem to be making one algebra mistake after another. Yes, the integral of -2/x is -2ln(x) and the exponential of that is e^{-2\ln(x)} but that is NOT e/(-2\ln(x)). I can't imagine where you got that. It is, rather 1/e^{2\ln(x)}.

But what you should have done first was simplify -2 ln(x). Do you know how to take that -2 'into' the logarithm?


yeah I made a stupid mistake of course e-2ln(x) = 1/e2ln(x)

its been a while so first I should of done

-2ln(x) = -ln(x2)

Thanks
 
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