Question about solving linear first order non-homogeneous ODEs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving linear first order non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs), specifically addressing the method of integrating factors and the treatment of constants in the solution process. Participants explore the implications of constants when applying the solution technique to a specific example.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the general form of a linear first order non-homogeneous ODE and describes the procedure for solving it using an integrating factor, questioning why an additional constant is not included in the definition of the integrating factor.
  • The same participant provides a specific example, detailing their steps and expressing confusion about the appearance of constants in the solution.
  • Another participant confirms the first participant's realization regarding the unnecessary inclusion of the constant in the integrating factor, suggesting that the mistake was identified.
  • A third participant reiterates the example and provides a simplified solution, affirming the conclusion reached by the first participant.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the initial misunderstanding regarding the integration process and the role of constants in the final solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the resolution of the initial question, with one participant confirming the other's realization. However, the discussion does not explore any competing views or unresolved issues beyond this acknowledgment.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying integration techniques and understanding the role of constants in the context of ODE solutions. There is a specific focus on the implications of the integrating factor method and its application to a concrete example.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners of differential equations, particularly those seeking clarification on the method of integrating factors and the treatment of constants in solutions.

CGandC
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TL;DR
Why solution of ## y'+2xy = 8x ## is ## y=4+C e^{-x^2} ## and not ## y=e^{-C_1}(4+C_2 e^{-x^2}) ##?
A general equation for linear first order non-homogeneous ODE is: ## y' + a(x)y = b(x) ##.
The procedure to solve ( assuming ## a(x) , b(x) ## are continuous so that the fundamental theorem of calculus could be used ) it is to multiply it by ## e^{A(x)} ## ( here ## A'(x) = a(x) ## ) s.t. ## A(x) = \int^x { a(t)dt } ## and we get ## (ye^{A(x)})'=b(x)e^{A(x)} ##.
Hence ## ye^{A(x)}=\int^x {b(t)e^{A(t)}dt + C} ##, hence ## y(x) = e^{-A(x)}(\int^x {b(t)e^{A(t)}dt } + C ) ##.

The question is: why when we consider## A(x) = \int^x { a(t)dt } ## we do not add another constant? , i.e., why are we not writing ## A(x) = \int^x { a(t)dt } + \tilde{C} ## where ## \tilde{C} ## is another constant?.

Example: Consider ## y'+2xy = 8x ##. I tried solving it as follows:
Here ## A'(x) = 2x ## and so ## A(x) = x^2 + C_1 ##. Multiply both sides of ODE by ## e^{A(x)} = e^{x^2 + C_1 } ## and so ## (ye^{x^2 +C_1} )' = 8xe^{x^2 } ##, hence ## ye^{x^2 +C_1} = \int^x 8te^{t^2 }dt = 4e^{x^2} + C_2 ##; from this we have ## y=e^{-C_1}(4+C_2 e^{-x^2}) ##.
However, the "true" solution according to the procedure above is ## y=4+C e^{-x^2} ## ( only one constant ). Why is it so? It seems to me like the constant part ## e^{-C_1} ## cannot be "intermingled" into the other constant ## C_2 ## and that we must have ## y=e^{-C_1}(4+C_2 e^{-x^2}) ##.

Thanks for any help!______________________

Edit: as I was typing this I just noticed that when I multiplied both side and that I've written ## (ye^{x^2 +C_1} )' = 8xe^{x^2 } ## - this is wrong since it must be ## (ye^{x^2 +C_1} )' = 8xe^{x^2 + C_1 } ## , this was my mistake :headbang:🫣 ( and then it turns out the constant ## C_1 ## doesn't come up in the solution so it doesn't matter if we write ## A(x) = \int^{x} a(t)dt ## or ## A(x) = \int^{x} a(t)dt + C_1 ## )
 
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So you answered your own question, right?
 
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Just to confirm your own answer
CGandC said:
Example: Consider y′+2xy=8x. I tried solving it as follows:
\frac{dy}{8-2y}=xdx
\ln |y-4|=-x^2+C_1
y=4+C_2e^{-x^2}
 
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Mark44 said:
So you answered your own question, right?
Yes, :-p
 

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