Initial value problem - differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a differential equation of the form (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0, with the initial condition y(0) = π/2. Participants are exploring the exactness of the equation and the implications of dividing by y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the attempt to check for exactness and whether it is appropriate to divide by y, given the initial condition. There is uncertainty about the implications of this division and the potential for introducing issues related to division by zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the validity of their approaches and the assumptions involved in manipulating the equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the restriction of y to avoid division by zero, but no consensus has been reached on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

There is a concern about the initial condition y(0) = π/2 and its implications for the manipulation of the equation, particularly regarding the division by y. Participants are considering the constraints this places on their approaches.

Cocoleia
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Homework Statement


I am given (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0, y(0) = π/2 .
I need to solve this

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


upload_2016-12-6_20-16-41.png


At this point they still aren't exact, so I gave up. I can't figure out what the problem is. Is it possible that I have to continue trying to make them exact?

I know that the answer is: xy-cosxcosy=0
 
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Cocoleia said:

Homework Statement


I am given (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0, y(0) = π/2 .
I need to solve this

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


View attachment 110019

At this point they still aren't exact, so I gave up. I can't figure out what the problem is. Is it possible that I have to continue trying to make them exact?

I know that the answer is: xy-cosxcosy=0
Divide both sides by y, to get ##(y + \sin(x)\cos(y))dx + (x + \cos(x)\sin(y)) dy = 0##.
Now check for exactness. Note that since ##y(0) = \pi/2##, it's reasonable to assume that ##y \ne 0##.
 
Mark44 said:
Divide both sides by y, to get ##(y + \sin(x)\cos(y))dx + (x + \cos(x)\sin(y)) dy = 0##.
Now check for exactness. Note that since ##y(0) = \pi/2##, it's reasonable to assume that ##y \ne 0##.
Can we always do this if we have a common factor like y in this case?
Thank you, I spent a very long time trying to figure this out
 
Cocoleia said:
Can we always do this if we have a common factor like y in this case?
I wouldn't say you can always do it. By getting rid of a factor of y, we are possibly dividing by zero. Since the initial condition is that ##y(0) = \pi/2##, if necessary, we can restrict y to some interval that includes ##\pi/2## but doesn't include zero.
 

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