Proving Bounds for f(x) using Differential Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation given by f'(x) = 1/(x^2 + f(x)^2), with the objective of demonstrating that |f(x)| ≤ 5π/4 for x ≥ 1. Participants are exploring the implications of this equation and the conditions under which the property holds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the relationship between the differential equation and trigonometric functions, particularly the arctangent function, as a potential avenue for exploration. There are attempts to integrate the equation and discussions about the necessity of initial conditions. Questions arise regarding the validity of the bounds and the assumptions made about the initial value of f(1).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing various interpretations and approaches to the problem. Some have suggested that the problem does not require solving the differential equation but rather demonstrating a property of its solution. There is a recognition of the need for initial conditions, and some participants are questioning the implications of the given values.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the initial condition, with one participant suggesting f(1) = 1, which may impact the validity of the proposed bounds. The problem's requirements and the nature of the differential equation are also under scrutiny.

singedang2
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differential equation! urgent!

Homework Statement


we have [tex]f'(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 + f(x)^2}[/tex]
and i need to show that [tex]|f(x)| \leq \frac{5 \pi}{4}[/tex] when [tex]x \geq 1[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i know this has something to do with arctan, (by the looks of f'(x), it looks similar to arctan derivative) but i really don't know how to attempt this. help pls thanks!
 
Last edited:
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I don't know how to get a trigonometric funtion in this but if y=f(x), then [tex]dy/dx=f'(x)[/tex]
This implies that [tex]y^2dy=dx/(x^2)[/tex]
Integrating this, you get [tex]y^3/3= -1/x +c[/tex] where c is the constant of integration. Is there some other information given? By derivative of arctan, I guess you mean [tex]d(tan^-1(x))/dx =1/(1+x^2)[/tex]
 
sorry, there was mistake in what was written in latex. it's fixed now.
 
I presume chaoseverlasting's response was to some incorrectly written equation which has been edited since the equation, as now given, is not separable.

I notice that the problem does not ask you to solve the differential equation, just to show that its solution must satisfy some property. But I wonder if there shouldn't be some initial value given? If the problem were to solve
[tex]f'(x)= \frac{1}{x^2+ f^2(x)}[/tex]
with initial condition f(1)= 4, then since the right hand side is defined and differentiable at (1,4), the problem has a solution in some neighborhood of (1, 4) but clearly does not satisfy "[tex]|f(x)| \leq \frac{5 \pi}{4}< 4[/tex]"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
oh right... f(1) = 1 i think this is the given value.
 
then does it mean now [tex]|f(x)| \leq \frac{5 \pi}{4}[/tex] ?
how can i show this using that differential equation?
 
any help?
 

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