Intergrating a Differential Equation using the intergrating factor method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating a differential equation using the integrating factor method. The original poster presents a first-order linear differential equation and attempts to find the integrating factor to solve it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the integrating factor and its application in the solution process. There are attempts to clarify the simplification of terms and the correct interpretation of the equation's components.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the integrating factor and the simplification of expressions. Some participants provide guidance on the integration steps, while others question the placement of negative signs and the simplification process.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the correct form of the integrating factor and the integration steps, as well as the handling of negative signs in the equations. The original poster references a solution from a textbook, indicating a potential discrepancy in their approach.

thomas49th
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Homework Statement



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

Homework Equations




[tex]yT =\int{QT}dx + C[/tex]
where T is the intergrating factor

T = [tex]e^{\int{P}dx[/tex]
and P is the co-efficient of y from the differential equations


The Attempt at a Solution



well to find T we need to do:

[tex]e^{\int{\frac{1}{2x}}}dx[/tex]
[tex]e^{\frac{1}{2}\int{\frac{1}{x}}}dx[/tex]
[tex]e^{\frac{1}{2}ln|x|}[/tex]
[tex]= x^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

so using [tex]yT =\int{QT}dx + C[/tex]

you get

[tex]yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx[/tex]
[tex]yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{1}dx[/tex]
[tex]yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= x + c[/tex]

the answer in the back of the book says [tex]yx^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{1}{2}x^{2}[/tex]
Where have I gone wrong?

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

Which makes your integrating factor [tex]x^\frac 1 2[/tex]

[tex]yx^\frac 1 2=-\int x^\frac 1 2 x^\frac 1 2dx=-\int xdx[/tex]

Watch your inputting.
 
[tex] yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx[/tex]

woops. above is what is ment to say
[tex]x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]
simplifies to 1 right?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
thomas49th said:
[tex] yx^{\frac{1}{2}}= \int{x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}}dx[/tex]

woops. above is what is ment to say
[tex]x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^-{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]
simplifies to 1 right?

Thanks :)
No! Is the negative with x^1/2 or with just the 1/2?
 
[tex] x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

is what i mean

thanks :)
 
thomas49th said:
[tex] x^{\frac{1}{2}}x^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

is what i mean

thanks :)
I knew what you meant, but why would the negative be with the 1/2 making it [tex]x^{-\frac 1 2}[/tex]?

Isn't the right side [tex]-\int x^\frac 1 2dx[/tex] then multiplied by your integrating factor, [tex]-\int x^\frac 1 2x^\frac 1 2dx[/tex].
 
your a genius :)
 

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