Undergrad Question about solving linear first order non-homogeneous ODEs

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The discussion focuses on solving linear first-order non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the integrating factor method. The key equation is y' + a(x)y = b(x), where A(x) = ∫a(t)dt is derived without an additional constant because it does not affect the solution's form. An example is provided with the ODE y' + 2xy = 8x, illustrating the integration process and the significance of constants in the solution. The confusion about the necessity of an additional constant is clarified, as it does not impact the final solution. Ultimately, the participant realizes that the constant C1 does not alter the outcome, confirming their understanding of the method.
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?
 
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}
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
So you answered your own question, right?
Yes, :-p
 

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