ODE with Substitution: Solving for y' = (2x+3y-5)/(x+4y) using z = b/a method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by y' = (2x + 3y - 5) / (x + 4y) using a substitution method involving z = b/a, where a and b are transformations of x and y.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of variables and the subsequent algebraic manipulation required to solve the ODE. There are inquiries about the correctness of the final form of the solution and whether different forms of the answer are equivalent.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance regarding the equivalence of the answers, noting that differences may arise from algebraic simplifications. There is an ongoing exploration of how to reconcile the two forms of the solution, with some participants questioning specific algebraic steps taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential algebraic errors in their manipulations, particularly regarding the handling of constants and signs during the transformation process.

manenbu
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Homework Statement



y' = \frac{2x+3y-5}{x+4y}

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



First of all, I switched it to another coordinates, a and b, giving:

b' = \frac{2a+3b}{a+4b}
where a = x-4 and b = y+1.
Then using the substitution z = \frac{b}{a} and some algebra I get:
z' = \frac{2z+2-4z^2}{a(1+4z)}
the integral is:
\frac{1}{2} \int \frac{(1+4z)dz}{2+1-2z^2} = \int \frac{da}{a}
solving the integral (using partial fractions) gives me:
5\ln{|z-1|} + \ln{|z+\frac{1}{2}|} = 6\ln{|a|}+C
getting rid of the logarithm, and putting back a and b inside:
\left(\frac{b-a}{a}\right)^5 \left(\frac{2b+a}{2a}\right)=C(a)^6
making it back in x and y:
\left(\frac{y-x+5}{x-4}\right)^5 \left(\frac{2y+x-2}{2x-8}\right)=C(x-4)^6

Which should be the final answer, but when I look at the answers, it's different, being:
(y-x+5)^5(2y+x-2)=C

And my question is - where did I go wrong?
I had a similar problem where I got similar results, me having denominators which didn't appear in the given answer. Am I doing something wrong in my technique, or both of the answers are equal (and I'm missing some algebra here)?

Thanks!
 
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manenbu said:
… Which should be the final answer, but when I look at the answers, it's different …

Hi manenbu! :smile:

No, it's the same (if you keep cancelling) …

except that their C is twice your C (which of course doesn't matter). :wink:
 
Ok thanks, but how is it the same?
I'm ok with solving the ODE but then I guess that the algebra part is a bit hard for me.
I tried getting from one form to another but no success.
 
manenbu said:
Ok thanks, but how is it the same?

Hi manenbu! :smile:

Because on the bottom left, you have (x - 4)5(2x - 8), which is 2(x- 4)6, and on the right …

ohhh … you need a minus there (i didn't notice that before) …

you missed out a "minus" on the LHS when you changed to partial fractions. :wink:
 
Oh so assuming I get the minus right that's -6 and -6 powers on both sides. Ok got it!
Thanks. :)
 

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