Not Understanding This Simplification

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a differential equation, specifically how to manipulate the equation from one form to another. Participants explore the steps involved in dividing and factorizing terms within the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the transition from the original equation to the simplified form, questioning the steps taken.
  • Another participant suggests dividing the original equation by x to clarify the simplification process.
  • A participant asks for the factorization of the term x²y + y, prompting further exploration of the equation's structure.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the reasoning behind a specific proposed form of the equation, indicating a need for clarity in the manipulation of terms.
  • One participant points out a misunderstanding regarding the definition of factorization in the context of the equation.
  • A later reply acknowledges understanding after further discussion but questions why a specific term was not divided by x.
  • Another participant reiterates the importance of multiplying the equation by 1/x to achieve the desired form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion shows a lack of consensus on the correct approach to simplifying the equation, with multiple viewpoints and methods proposed by participants. Some participants clarify steps while others express confusion, indicating that the topic remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants demonstrate varying levels of understanding regarding the manipulation of differential equations, with some assumptions about prior knowledge not being explicitly stated. The discussion includes unresolved questions about factorization and division of terms.

snowJT
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I feel dumb because I can't see how you get from this:

[tex]x \frac{dy}{dx}+x^2y+y=0[/tex]

to this

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+(x+\frac{1}{x})y=0[/tex]

this is what I would of thought it would be...

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+(x+\frac{y}{x})+\frac{y}{x}=0[/tex]

no?
 
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Why do you think it should be [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+(x+\frac{y}{x})+\frac{y}{x}=0[/tex]?

Divide the original equation by x; what do you get?
 
Factorize [itex]x^{2}y+y[/itex] in the simplest manner.
What do you get?
 
cristo said:
Why do you think it should be [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+(x+\frac{y}{x})+\frac{y}{x}=0[/tex]?

Divide the original equation by x; what do you get?

you get [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}+(\frac{x^2}{x}+\frac{y}{x})+\frac{y}{x}=0[/tex]

arildno said:
Factorize [itex]x^{2}y+y[/itex] in the simplest manner.
What do you get?

you get [tex]\frac{x^2}{y}+1[/tex]
 
No, you don't.

What does it mean to FACTORIZE?
 
[tex]y(x^2+1)[/tex]

oh I see now... thanks

but why are you not dividing the y that's on the most right side of the LHS by x?
 
So, you have now your diff.eq in the form:
[tex]x\frac{dy}{dx}+(x^{2}+1)y=0[/tex]
Multiply this equation with 1/x; what do you get?
 
sorry, I see it now... I'm just really bad at these things...
 

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