What is the technique used to solve a separable differential equation?

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In summary, a separable differential equation involves separating the variables into two functions and then integrating both sides separately to find a general solution. It differs from a non-separable differential equation in its ability to be separated into two functions. Not all differential equations are separable and they have many real-world applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and finance.
  • #1
schattenjaeger
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If you have the seperable DE...

dy/dx=[x(y^2-2)]/(2x^2-6x+4)

that eventually ends up

(xdx)/(2x^2-6x+4)=dy/(y^2-1), right

'cuz that's some integration I REALLY don't feel like doing by hand, so I don't want to do the wrong thing
 
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  • #2
That's

[tex]\frac{x}{2(x-2)(x-1)} dx= \frac{1}{y^2 -1}dy[/tex]

Use partial fractions to do the left hand side, and a trig substitution on the right.
 
  • #3


Yes, you are correct. The resulting differential equation is separable and can be solved by integrating both sides with respect to their respective variables. This is a common technique used in solving differential equations and can be done by hand or with the help of computational tools. It is important to double check your work and make sure you are using the correct integration techniques to avoid any errors.
 

1. What is a separable differential equation?

A separable differential equation is a type of differential equation where the variables can be separated into two separate functions, one containing only the dependent variable and the other containing only the independent variable. This allows for the equation to be solved by integrating both sides separately.

2. How do you solve a separable differential equation?

To solve a separable differential equation, first separate the variables into two functions, one containing only the dependent variable and the other containing only the independent variable. Then, integrate both sides of the equation separately. This will result in a general solution, which can be further simplified by applying initial conditions.

3. What is the difference between a separable differential equation and a non-separable differential equation?

The main difference between a separable and non-separable differential equation is in their form. A separable differential equation can be separated into two functions, while a non-separable differential equation cannot. This means that a non-separable differential equation may require more advanced techniques to solve, such as using a substitution or numerical methods.

4. Are all differential equations separable?

No, not all differential equations are separable. This depends on the form of the equation and the variables involved. Some equations may be separable with certain transformations, but others may require different methods to solve.

5. What are some real-world applications of separable differential equations?

Separable differential equations have many applications in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields. Some examples include modeling population growth, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions. They are also commonly used in economics and finance to model growth and decay in various systems.

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