How to Integrate a Simple Differential Equation with Initial Conditions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating a differential equation of the form dy/dt = 2y*(1000-y)/1000, with an initial condition of y=10 at t=0. Participants are exploring methods to solve this equation algebraically, particularly focusing on integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of partial fractions to simplify the integrand for integration. Questions arise regarding the setup of the partial fractions and the correct application of algebraic techniques. There is also a focus on understanding the relationship between the components of the equation and their integration.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using partial fractions, while others are clarifying their understanding of the algebra involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the integration process, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention challenges with algebraic manipulation and the application of integration techniques, indicating a potential gap in foundational skills related to the problem.

RentonT
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Homework Statement


"Solve this differential equation algebraically, subject to the initial condition that [tex]y=10[/tex] at [tex]t=0[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = 2y*\frac{1000-y}{1000}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I first reduced the right side to [tex]\frac{-y^2}{500} + 2y[/tex]
After that I separated the variables, but I don't know how to integrate that function.
Can anyone point me in the right step?
[tex]\int \frac {dy}{\frac{-y^2}{500}+2y}[/tex]
 
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Have you done any partial fractions recently? You can write the integrand as A/(y)+B/(1000-y). You just need to find A and B.
 
Dick said:
Have you done any partial fractions recently? You can write the integrand as A/(y)+B/(1000-y). You just need to find A and B.
I am in fact working on the section over partial fractions. Thank you very much Dick. I see how partial fractions plays into this. Might I ask how you got [tex]\frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{1000-y}[/tex]

I'm having trouble seeing the partial fractions. Most of them I have worked with I use the shortcut to Heaviside's Method. Many have been in the form of [tex]\int \frac {Linear}{Quadratic}[/tex]
 
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RentonT said:
I am in fact working on the section over partial fractions. Thank you very much Dick. I see how partial fractions plays into this. Might I ask how you got [tex]\frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{1000-y}[/tex]

y and (1000-y) were the factors of your original expression before you multiplied it out. You didn't really want to do that.
 
Dick said:
y and (1000-y) were the factors of your original expression before you multiplied it out. You didn't really want to do that.

OK. So what would be on the left-hand side of the equal sign?
[tex]x=\frac{A}{y}+\frac{B}{1000-y}[/tex]

I understand you multiply the left side by one of the denominators on the right side and then plug in the x value that would have zeroed the denominator. I just don't know what goes on the left side. Is it the [tex]\frac{dy}{dt}[/tex]?
 
Nevermind. My poor algebra skills were my downfall this time. I figured out that it's [tex]\int \frac{-500}{y(y-1000)}[/tex]
 

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