Nasty differnation variables things

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation related to population growth, specifically focusing on the relationship between the rate of change of the population P and time t. The original poster presents a problem involving the formulation and solution of a differential equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the differential equation dP/dt = kP and explore methods for integrating this equation. There are questions about the integration process and the use of natural logarithms in solving the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on integration techniques and confirming the use of separation of variables. Some guidance has been provided regarding the integration steps, but there is no consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about integrating the equation and the implications of using natural logarithms. There is an acknowledgment of the separation of variables method being applicable to the problem.

thomas49th
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A population grows in such a way that the rate of change of the population P at time t in days is proportional to P.

a) Write down a dfferential equation relating P and t

b) Show, by solving this equation, that the general solution of this equation may be written as [tex]P = Ak^{t}[/tex], where A and k are positive constants.a) is easy:

dP/dt = kP

b) I don't know where to start

Can someone walk me through B please :)
 
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[tex]\frac{dP}{dt} = kP[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \frac{1}{P}\frac{dP}{dt}=k[/tex]


integrate both sides w.r.t. t
 
Can you show me how. I don't know how to intergrate this equation

Thanks :)
 
hang on this is one of those stupid natural log ones

i know if y = a ^ x then dy/dx = a^x ln a

but how does that help?
 
this is separation of variables?
 
thomas49th said:
this is separation of variables?

Yes

[tex]\int \frac{1}{P}dP= \int k dt[/tex]



are you able to do the left side?
 

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