Problem with linear differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a linear differential equation of the form $(dy/dx) + P(x)y = Q(x)$. Participants explore the use of an integrating factor to simplify the equation and discuss the steps involved in isolating the variable and integrating both sides.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies the equation as $$(dy/dx)+(2/x)y=3x-5$$ and correctly identifies $P(x)$ as $(2/x)$, leading to the integrating factor $x^2$.
  • Another participant suggests that the left-hand side can be expressed as $$\frac{d}{dx} \left ( x^2 y \right )$$, indicating a method to simplify the equation.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the next steps after applying the integrating factor and seeks clarification on how to proceed.
  • One participant proposes integrating both sides after rewriting the equation, leading to $$x^2y=\int (3x^3-5x^2)dx$$.
  • There is a discussion about formatting commands for mathematical expressions, indicating some participants are still learning how to properly format their posts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of using the integrating factor and the subsequent steps to isolate and integrate, but there is no consensus on the final form of the solution or the exact commands for formatting mathematical expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific formatting commands for mathematical notation, which may affect the clarity of their contributions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning about differential equations, individuals seeking help with mathematical formatting in online discussions, and those interested in collaborative problem-solving in mathematics.

stripedcat
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Still learning the formatting commands, sorry!

I'm aware of the $(dy/dx) + P(x)y=Q(x)$ formula, as well as the $e^{\int P(x) dx}$ formula needed to get the "I" factor.

Here's the equation.

$$(dy/dx)+(2/x)y=3x-5$$

The "$P(x)$" would be $(2/x), \int 2/x\ dx = 2 \ln(x), e^{2 \ln(x)} = x^2$, so $x^2$ is the "I factor", and I know this gets multiplied by both sides
$$x^2((dy/dx)+(2/x)y=x^2(3x-5)$$

$3x^3+5x^2$ simplification on the right.

I'm not sure what to do with the left side. I know I need to get that dx out of there so it can go over to the right.

I think I need to start isolating the dy/dx expression...
$$x^2((dy/dx) = (3x^3+5x^2)-((2/x)y)$$
$$dy/dx = ((3x^3+5x^2)-((2/x)y))/x^2$$

This doesn't seem right at all.
 
Last edited:
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stripedcat said:
Still learning the formatting commands, sorry!

I'm aware of the $(dy/dx) + P(x)y=Q(x)$ formula, as well as the $e^{\int P(x) dx}$ formula needed to get the "I" factor.

Here's the equation.

$$(dy/dx)+(2/x)y=3x-5$$

The "$P(x)$" would be $(2/x), \int 2/x\ dx = 2 \ln(x), e^{2 \ln(x)} = x^2$, so $x^2$ is the "I factor", and I know this gets multiplied by both sides
$$x^2((dy/dx)+(2/x)y=x^2(3x-5)$$

$3x^3+5x^2$ simplification on the right.

I'm not sure what to do with the left side. I know I need to get that dx out of there so it can go over to the right.

I think I need to start isolating the dy/dx expression...
$$x^2((dy/dx) = (3x^3+5x^2)-((2/x)y)$$
$$dy/dx = ((3x^3+5x^2)-((2/x)y))/x^2$$

This doesn't seem right at all.
The x^2 is an integrating factor. So the left hand side is now in a form that you can write:
[math]\frac{d}{dx} \left ( x^2 y \right ) = 2x y + x^2 \frac{dy}{dx}[/math]

Thus your original equation is now
[math]\frac{d}{dx} \left ( x^2 y \right ) = x^2 (3x - 5)[/math]

How do you finish this?

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
The x^2 is an integrating factor. So the left hand side is now in a form that you can write:
[math]\frac{d}{dx} \left ( x^2 y \right ) = 2x y + x^2 \frac{dy}{dx}[/math]

Thus your original equation is now
[math]\frac{d}{dx} \left ( x^2 y \right ) = x^2 (3x - 5)[/math]

How do you finish this?

-Dan

Yes, I was just looking at this. I didn't know about making it into d/dx and yanking the y out to multiply by the I factor. Give me a minute and I will edit this post with what I come up with.

EDIT: And here's what I came up with

Integrate both sides will cancel the d/dx.

$$x^2y=\int 3x^3-5x^2$$

I don't know the command for 'something over something', I was guessing on the integral symbol

$$x^2y=(3x^4/4)-(5x^3/3)+C$$

How's that?

EDIT: Yes I know, it keeps going after that in order to get just the y
 
Last edited:
\frac{}{} gives the fraction template. You type whatever you want in the numerator in the first set of curly brackets, and whatever you want in the denominator in the second set of curly brackets.
 
stripedcat said:
Yes, I was just looking at this. I didn't know about making it into d/dx and yanking the y out to multiply by the I factor. Give me a minute and I will edit this post with what I come up with.

EDIT: And here's what I came up with

Integrate both sides will cancel the d/dx.

$$x^2y=\int 3x^3-5x^2$$

I don't know the command for 'something over something', I was guessing on the integral symbol

$$x^2y=(3x^4/4)-(5x^3/3)+C$$

How's that?

EDIT: Yes I know, it keeps going after that in order to get just the y
Looks good to me. :)

-Dan
 

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