Need help with differential eq. from book

In summary, the conversation discusses solving differential equations using an integrating factor and the product rule for differentiation. The first equation, \left[ e^{x^2} \cdot y \right]^\prime = x \cdot e^{x^2}, is transformed into the second equation, \left(\mu y\right)'=\mu Q(x), by using \mu=e^{x^2} and applying the product rule. This method is useful for solving differential equations in the form y'+P(x)y=Q(x).
  • #1
Pollywoggy
53
0
On page 11 of Differential Equations Demystified (Krantz), there is an example that goes from this:

[tex]

e^{x^2} \cdot y^\prime + e^{x^2} \cdot 2xy = e^{x^2} \cdot x

[/tex]

To this:

[tex]
\left[ e^{x^2} \cdot y \right]^\prime = x \cdot e^{x^2}
[/tex]

Would someone give me a hint as to how they got from the first equation to the second?


thanks
 
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  • #2
To solve differential equations in the form

[tex] y'+P(x)y=Q(x)[/tex]

it is useful to use an integrating factor defined by

[tex]\mu=\exp{\left(\int P(x)dx\right)}[/tex]

We multiply both sides of the equation by this,

[tex]\mu y'+\mu P(x)y=\mu Q(x)[/tex]

and if you look closely the left hand side is the product rule for differentiating [itex]y\mu[/itex].

So then we get that

[tex]\left(\mu y\right)'=\mu Q(x)[/tex]

And you'll see if you relate this to what you have, [itex]\mu=e^{x^2}[/itex] and then from the last equation,

[tex]\left(e^{x^2} y\right)'=e^{x^2}x[/tex]
 
  • #3
More simply, to see that the two expressions are the same, go from
[tex]\left[ e^{x^2} \cdot y \right]^\prime = x \cdot e^{x^2}[/tex]
to
[tex] e^{x^2} \cdot y^\prime + e^{x^2} \cdot 2xy = e^{x^2} \cdot x[/tex]
by doing that differentiation on the left.
 
  • #4
jeffreydk said:
To solve differential equations in the form

[tex] y'+P(x)y=Q(x)[/tex]

it is useful to use an integrating factor defined by

[tex]\mu=\exp{\left(\int P(x)dx\right)}[/tex]

Thanks, this is what I was looking for but it was not explained in the book.
 

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that involves an unknown function and its derivatives. It is used to model the relationship between a quantity and its rate of change.

2. Why do we need to study differential equations?

Differential equations are used to describe many natural phenomena and are essential in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. They allow us to make predictions and solve real-world problems.

3. What are the different types of differential equations?

There are three main types of differential equations: ordinary differential equations (ODEs), partial differential equations (PDEs), and stochastic differential equations (SDEs). ODEs involve derivatives with respect to a single independent variable, while PDEs involve derivatives with respect to multiple independent variables. SDEs introduce randomness into the equation.

4. How do I solve a differential equation?

The method for solving a differential equation depends on its type and complexity. Some common techniques include separation of variables, variation of parameters, and Laplace transforms. It is also important to check for initial conditions and boundary conditions to ensure a unique solution.

5. What are some real-world applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used in a wide range of fields, such as population dynamics, chemical reactions, electrical circuits, and fluid mechanics. They are also used in the modeling and analysis of complex systems, such as climate change and financial markets.

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