Need Help with Solving an ODE in Calculus 1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) presented in a calculus context. Participants are exploring methods for integrating the equation and expressing the solution in terms of a function of time, X(t).

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about whether to categorize the problem under calculus or differential equations, indicating a lack of familiarity with ODEs.
  • Another participant suggests separating variables and integrating both sides, emphasizing the need for proper manipulation of terms.
  • A participant attempts integration but arrives at a numerical solution, questioning their approach and whether they are on the right track.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the correct form for integration, with an emphasis on ensuring the differential form is appropriate.
  • Discussion includes the introduction of logarithmic functions as part of the integration process, with some participants indicating unfamiliarity with these concepts.
  • One participant critiques another's algebraic manipulation, suggesting a different approach involving substitution and integration of a transformed equation.
  • There is a mix of supportive and critical responses, with some participants expressing frustration over perceived condescension in replies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct method for solving the ODE, with multiple competing approaches and interpretations of the integration process being presented.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of misunderstanding regarding algebraic manipulation and integration techniques, as well as varying levels of familiarity with logarithmic functions and differential equations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning about ordinary differential equations, integral calculus, and those seeking assistance with similar mathematical problems.

schapman22
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I am having trouble solving this ode, I wasn't sure if this should go under calculus section or differential equations section, but I figured since were given this in calculus 1 it belongs here. We just recently started learning integral calculus and I don't know a whole lot about differential equations. How would you solve this?

dx/dt = 2000-500x/100

the answer is supposed to be X(t). Thank you in advance.
 
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Get all the x's to the dx/dt side, then integrate both sides. When I say integrate, I mean integrate the side with the x's in terms of x and integrate the other in terms of t. That will leave with something that you can use simple algebraic manipulation to get it into a explicit form.
 
When i tried that i got
dx/dt - 5x = 20
dx - 5x = 20 dt
∫dx - 5x = ∫20 dt
(5x^2)/2 = 20t
5x^2 = 40t
x^2 = 8
x = 2.828

am I on the right track here?
 
*x = 2.828t
 
Oh, I forgot to mention that you have to get some function of x to be multiplied by dx. In other words, dx/x is okay, but dx+x isn't. More generally, f(x)dx is okay, f(x)+dx isn't.

\frac{dx}{dt}=2000-5x=5(400-x)
\frac{\frac{dx}{dt}}{400-x}=5
\int \frac{dx}{400-x}=\int 5 dt
and so on...
 
how would i do the integral of the left side?
 
Have you heard of a function called log(x)?
 
actually no
 
dx/dt = 2000-500x/100
=>dx/dt=20-5x
=>dx/20-5x=dt=>(dx/4-x)=5dt
Integrating it,-ln(4-x)=5t+k(integrating constant)
=>x=4-a*exp(-5t)
(ln(x) is one of the basic functions in maths)
 
  • #10
\int \frac{dx}{400-x} is a specific case of \int \frac{dx}{x}. Given \int \frac{dx}{x} = ln(x), you can solve it using substitution.


BTW, omkar13 is close but wrong. The correct answer can be found on Wolfram Alpha, if you want proof: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=dx/dt+=+2000-500x/100.
 
  • #11
schapman22 said:
When i tried that i got
dx/dt - 5x = 20
dx - 5x = 20 dt
This is just bad algebra. If you start with dx/dt- 5x= 20 and multiply both sides by dt, you get dx- 5xdt= 20dt. However, the best thing to do is to go back to dx/dt= 5x+ 20, multiply both sides by dt and divide both sides by 5x+ 20: dx/(5x+20)= dt. Now let u= 5x+ 20 so that du= 5dx or dx= (1/5)du. The equation becomes (1/5) du/u= dt. Integrat both sides, then go back to x.

∫dx - 5x = ∫20 dt
(5x^2)/2 = 20t
No, "dx- 5x" (which was wrong anyway) is NOT -5xdx

5x^2 = 40t
x^2 = 8
x = 2.828

am I on the right track here?
Pretty much every thing you did, both algebra and Calculus, is wrong.
 
  • #12
dude we just started on the integral in class you don't have to be douchebag I was just asking for help
 

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