Integrating Factor Method for Solving Linear First Order Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a linear first-order differential equation using the integrating factor method. The original poster presents an equation of the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x) and attempts to find a particular solution, detailing their steps and challenges encountered during the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of finding the integrating factor and applying it to the differential equation. There are questions about the clarity and correctness of the original poster's steps, particularly regarding the integration and substitution methods used.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion over the original poster's calculations, while others attempt to clarify the steps involved in finding the integrating factor and integrating the resulting equation. There is a recognition of the need for clearer notation and understanding of the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the integral involved and discuss the possibility of simplifying the problem for easier computation, particularly in relation to using a calculator.

Zem
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I'm using an integrating factor, rho(x), to solve an equation of the form
dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x)

I need to find the particular solution.
y' = 1 + x + y + xy; y(0) = 0
y' - y - xy = 1 + x
dy/dx + y(-1-x) = 1 + x
P(x) = (-1-x), Q(x) = (1 + x),
rho(x) = e^(-x-1/2x^2)
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)

Dx[y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)] = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

(Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of rho(x))
y(x) = e^(x + 1/2x^2) * int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

(U substitution) This is where I get stuck. It seems that I need u substitution to find the integral on the right side
u = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)
du = (-x - 1) * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)
dv = 1
v = (1+x)

When I set that up in uv - int_v du it looks just as bad as the original integral.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
Last edited:
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I don't have a clue what you did, that is some of the messiest math I have seen, I can't follow your steps at all. You do know how to find an integrating factor right? Just e raised to the integral of p(x), you multiply everything in the original equation by that and you should get a function that is the derivative of a product of y and some function of x. It kind of looks like you tried to raise e to the integral of the function you were supposed to be integrating.
 
I don't have a clue what you did, that is some of the messiest math I have seen,
I have cleaned it up. I attempted to use LaTeX notation for e and the integral sign, but made typos and my edits didn't appear.
You do know how to find an integrating factor right?
Yes, that was a mistake I made in the post that I didn't make in writing it out. This is my integrating factor...
P(x) = (-1-x), Q(x) = (1 + x),
rho(x) = e^(-x-1/2x^2)
Just e raised to the integral of p(x), you multiply everything in the original equation by that and you should get a function that is the derivative of a product of y and some function of x.
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
(Which is the product rule of...)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

I'll fix the original post.
 
Last edited:
Zem said:
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
(Which is the product rule of...)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

I'll fix the original post.

Ok It looks like you did it right then, and the right hand integral is just the integral of -eudu
 
By -e^udu, do you mean this?
int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2) * (-x - 1) * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)

I am certain my ti-89 would just give me 2 integrals if I punch that integral into it. Is there a way I could make a less complex integral for Q(x) for my calculator?
 
You had this right int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx?

Let u = -x - 1/2x2 then du = -(1+x) so you have -eudu
 
Beautiful. Thanks again!
 

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