Integrating Factor for Solving ODE with Linear Coefficients

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) with linear coefficients, specifically in the form xy' + 2y = 3x. Participants are discussing the method of integrating factors to approach the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of finding the integrating factor, with some uncertainty about the correct form and simplification of the integral. There are attempts to clarify the integration steps and the implications of the integrating factor on the original equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct form of the integrating factor and its application to the differential equation. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these calculations, with no explicit consensus reached on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of needing to include a constant of integration, which suggests that participants are navigating the requirements of the problem while adhering to standard practices in solving ODEs.

iRaid
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Problem:
[tex]xy'+2y=3x[/tex]
Attempt:
Divide by x...
[tex]y'+\frac{2y}{x}=3[/tex]
I think I find the integrating factor by doing:
[tex]e^{\int \frac{2}{x}dx}[/tex]

Not sure if that's right but if it is then the solution to the integral is just 2x.

Any help is appreciated
 
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You will need to add in the constant of integration to the right side before you do any simplification.
 
iRaid said:
Problem:
[tex]xy'+2y=3x[/tex]
Attempt:
Divide by x...
[tex]y'+\frac{2y}{x}=3[/tex]
I think I find the integrating factor by doing:
[tex]e^{\int \frac{2}{x}dx}[/tex]

Not sure if that's right but if it is then the solution to the integral is just 2x.

Any help is appreciated
Yes, the integrating factor is [itex]e^{\int (2/x)dx}[/itex] but then the integral is 2 ln(x) so the integrating factor is [itex]e^{2ln(x)}= e^{ln(x^2)}= x^2[/itex], not 2x.

Multiplying the equation by that gives [itex]x^2y'+ 2xy= (x^2y)'= 3x^2[/itex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah I figured it out ends up:
[tex]x^{2}y'+2xy=3x^{2}[/tex]
Take integral/derivative of integrating factor:
[tex]\int \frac{d}{dx} x^{2}y=\int 3x^{2}dx[/tex]
Simplifies to:
[tex]x^{2}y=x^{3}+C \implies y=\frac{x^{3}+C}{x^{2}}[/tex]
(can be simplified a little more too)

Thanks for the help.
 

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