Ordinary differentiation equations (ODE)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an initial value problem involving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The specific equation presented is 2yy’ = x / √(x^2 – 16) with the initial condition y(5) = 2. Participants are exploring the implications of the initial condition and the integration process involved in finding the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to integrate both sides of the equation and are questioning the absence of a constant of integration in the original setup. There is also discussion about the correct handling of constants when integrating and how they affect the final solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the integration process and the use of the initial condition to determine the constant. Multiple interpretations of the integration constants are being explored, and there is an ongoing examination of how to correctly apply the initial condition to find the specific solution.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the correct form of the solution and the role of the initial condition y(5) = 2 in determining the constant of integration. Participants are also discussing the implications of constants in the integration process.

naspek
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hey there..
i've got unsolved question here..

Question:
Solve the initial value problem.
2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16 ; y(5) = 2

2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16
2y dy/dx = x / √x^2 – 16
∫2y dy = ∫ x / √x^2 – 16 dx
y^2 = √x^2 – 16
y = (√x^2 – 16)^1/2

my answer was wrong. the answer is y = ((√x^2 – 16) + 1)^1/2
how am i going to get the correct answer..?
and.. what is the use of y(5) = 2?
 
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naspek said:
hey there..
i've got unsolved question here..

Question:
Solve the initial value problem.
2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16 ; y(5) = 2

2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16
2y dy/dx = x / √x^2 – 16
∫2y dy = ∫ x / √x^2 – 16 dx
y^2 = √x^2 – 16
In the step above, where's your constant of integration?
naspek said:
y = (√x^2 – 16)^1/2

my answer was wrong. the answer is y = ((√x^2 – 16) + 1)^1/2
how am i going to get the correct answer..?
and.. what is the use of y(5) = 2?
 
ok...
2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16
2y dy/dx = x / √x^2 – 16
∫2y dy = ∫ x / √x^2 – 16 dx
y^2 + C = √x^2 – 16 + C
 
naspek said:
ok...
2yy’ = x / √x^2 – 16
2y dy/dx = x / √x^2 – 16
∫2y dy = ∫ x / √x^2 – 16 dx
y^2 + C = √x^2 – 16 + C
It wouldn't be the same constant on both sides. If it were, you could subtract C from both sides to get back to what you had.
You could do this:
y^2 + A = √(x^2 – 16) + B

Note that I added parentheses, which are necessary here.
Or you could just put the constant on one side as

y^2 = √(x^2 – 16) + C, where C = B - A. This is how it's usually done.

Now use your initial condition, y(5) = 2, to find C.
 

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