How to set up differential equations for algebraic manipulation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around setting up differential equations for algebraic manipulation, specifically focusing on making equations separable. Participants are addressing problems from a worksheet related to differential equations encountered in a calculus course.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in manipulating equations to achieve a separable form. Some participants provide specific examples of problems and question the nature of the equations involved, noting that certain problems may require different approaches, such as using integrating factors.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problems, with some offering insights into the nature of the equations and suggesting that not all problems are separable. There is a mix of exploration and clarification regarding the methods applicable to the problems presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a worksheet that includes multiple problems, indicating a structured homework assignment. There is an implication that the problems may have specific requirements or constraints based on the course material.

wetwilly92
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Hey guys,
We skimmed a chapter on differential eqns in my semester 2 calculus class and we have a worksheet to fill out. I'm having trouble setting up the last 3 problems in this sheet.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/85600/DIFF_HW.PDF"

I'm pretty sure It's all just algebraic manipulation to make the eqns separable, but I'm having trouble "massaging" the eqns into a separable form.

Can anyone help me out?
 
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For #18, would you be able to solve
x \frac{du(x)}{dx} + u(x) = x?

For #19, what is d/dx(x² y)?

For #20, the approach looks OK, did you get stuck?
 
#20 is easier than you are making it. you don't need to solve it to answer the question. y will be decreasing when dy/dx is negative. you have a formula for dy/dx so you just need to find the intervals on which it is negative.

#'s 18 and 19 are not separable. they are linear and first-order, so integrating factors will work (after a pinch of 'massaging' as you so nicely put it).

hope this helps
 
Here's is what is in the link.
 

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