ODE Solution (Integrating Factor method)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the integrating factor method. The equation presented is y' + 3y = t + e^{-2t}, and the original poster is attempting to find the solution through integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the integrating factor and applies it to the ODE, leading to a solution that raises questions about the correctness of certain terms, particularly the presence of e^{-2t} and the constant 1/9.
  • Some participants suggest that the integrating factor may not be the most efficient method and propose considering the standard approach of finding the homogeneous and particular solutions instead.
  • There are inquiries about potential mistakes in the integration by parts process, with specific focus on the sign and the resulting terms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and raising questions about specific calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration by parts technique, and alternative methods have been suggested for solving the ODE.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that this is their first differential equation, indicating a learning context and potential gaps in experience with integration techniques.

Angry Citizen
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Homework Statement



[tex]y^{'}+3y=t+e^{-2t}[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex](μy)'=μy'+yμ'[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



First I found the integrating factor: [tex]\frac{dμ}{dt}=3μ[/tex] which becomes [tex]μ=e^{3t}[/tex]

I multiplied through by [tex]e^{3t}[/tex], yielding [tex]y'e^{3t}+3e^{3t}y=te^{3t}+e^{t}[/tex]

I combined the LHS into [tex](ye^{3t})'[/tex], then integrated both sides. The LHS became [tex]ye^{3t}[/tex] and the RHS required integration by parts, with [tex]u=t[/tex] [tex]du=1[/tex] [tex]dv=e^{3t}[/tex] [tex]v=\frac{e^{3t}}{3}[/tex]

The part requiring integration by parts wound up as: [tex]\frac{te^{3t}}{3}+\frac{e^{3t}}{9}[/tex]

The entire RHS becomes: [tex]\frac{te^{3t}}{3}+\frac{e^{3t}}{9}+e^{t}+c[/tex]

The equation is now: [tex]ye^{3t}=\frac{te^{3t}}{3}+\frac{e^{3t}}{9}+e^{t}+c[/tex]

Dividing through by [tex]e^{3t}[/tex] SHOULD yield [tex]y=\frac{t}{3}+\frac{1}{9}+e^{-2t}+ce^{-3t}[/tex]

However, the solution's manual doesn't have the [tex]e^{-2t}[/tex] term, and I'm afraid I may have made a mistake. Can anyone help? This is my first differential equation, and I'm determined to get it right :)
 
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Hi Angry Citizen! :wink:

Must be a misprint … your e-2t is definitely correct. :smile:

(But your 1/9 isn't. :redface:)

However, an integrating factor is not the way we'd normally do this, it's quicker easier and safer to use the standard method of finding the homgeneous solution and a particular solution. :wink:
 
But your 1/9 isn't.

That's interesting. The manual has that one. Could you tell me what's wrong with it? Should it not be there at all? Did I mess up the integration by parts, perhaps?

However, an integrating factor is not the way we'd normally do this, it's quicker easier and safer to use the standard method of finding the homgeneous solution and a particular solution.

Hmm. Well, like I said, this is my very first differential equation :) I started at chapter 2 of the Boyce-Diprima book, and am working my way through it sequentially. First section was integrating factors, so my repertoire of solution-finding is limited :)
 
hi Angry Citizen! :smile:
Angry Citizen said:
That's interesting. The manual has that one. Could you tell me what's wrong with it? Should it not be there at all? Did I mess up the integration by parts, perhaps?

What's wrong is that it doesn't work

(t/3 + 1/9)' + 3(t/3 + 1/9) = 1/3 + t + 1/3 ≠ t :wink:
Hmm. Well, like I said, this is my very first differential equation :) I started at chapter 2 of the Boyce-Diprima book, and am working my way through it sequentially. First section was integrating factors, so my repertoire of solution-finding is limited :)

Fair enough! :biggrin:
 
I did my solution via the homgeneous + particular solution as well, so I'm not sure where your mistake is, but I got a -1/9 in my solution.

EDIT: Also, your mistake is in the integration by parts, the result you need is -integral(v*du), you have integral(v*du). So you should get t/3*exp(3t)-1/9*exp(3t).
 
Last edited:
Also, your mistake is in the integration by parts, the result you need is -integral(v*du), you have integral(v*du). So you should get t/3*exp(3t)-1/9*exp(3t).

Aha! Well, I guess I need to bone up on my integration techniques. I was thinking it was uv+int(vdu). Bloody sign changes!
 

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