-s1.2.4 Find the equilibrium solution y_e

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding the equilibrium solution \(y_e\) for the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dt}=ay-b\). Participants explore the derivation of \(y_e\) and the subsequent implications for the deviation from this equilibrium solution, \(Y(t)\).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the equilibrium solution can be found by setting the derivative to zero, leading to the equation \(ay-b=0\), which gives \(y_e=\frac{b}{a}\).
  • There is a discussion about the transformation to \(Y(t)=y-y_e\) and its implications for the differential equation, with some participants deriving \(Y' = aY\).
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the transition from \(y\) to \(y_e\) in the context of the equilibrium solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method to find the equilibrium solution \(y_e\) as \(y_e=\frac{b}{a}\). However, there is some confusion and lack of clarity regarding the derivation steps and the notation used, indicating that not all participants fully understand the transition to \(Y(t)\).

Contextual Notes

Some participants question how \(y\) becomes \(y_e\) in the derivation process, suggesting potential misunderstandings or missing explanations in the steps taken to arrive at the equilibrium solution.

karush
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$\textsf{Consider the differential equation
$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt}=ay-b$}$

(a) Find the equilibrium solution $y_e$
rewrite as
$y'-ay=b$
$\displaystyle -\exp\int a \, da=e^{a^{2}/2}$
$\color{red}{y_e=b/a}$

(b) Let $Y(t)=y-y_e$; thus $Y(t)$ is the deviation from the equilibrium solution.
Find the differential equation satisfied by $Y(t)$.
?
$\color{red}{Y' = aY}$
ok stopped in my tracks.. red is book answer
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
$\textsf{Consider the differential equation
$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dt}=ay-b$}$

(a) Find the equilibrium solution $y_e$
rewrite as
$y'-ay=b$
$\displaystyle -\exp\int a \, da=e^{a^{2}/2}$
$\color{red}{y_e=b/a}$

(b) Let $Y(t)=y-y_e$; thus $Y(t)$ is the deviation from the equilibrium solution.
Find the differential equation satisfied by $Y(t)$.
?
$\color{red}{Y' = aY}$
ok stopped in my tracks.. red is book answer

Okay, we are given:

$$\d{y}{t}=ay-b$$

Any equilibrium solutions are found from:

$$\d{y}{t}=0$$

$$ay-b=0\implies y_e=\frac{b}{a}\quad\checkmark$$

Next, we are given:

$$Y(t)=y-y_e$$

This implies:

$$\d{Y}{t}=\d{y}{t}\implies \d{Y}{t}=ay-b=a(Y+y_e)-b=aY+a\frac{b}{a}-b=aY$$

Make sense?
 
$\displaystyle ay-b=0\implies y_e=\frac{b}{a}$

uhmm how did $y$ become $y_e$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
$\displaystyle ay-b=0\implies y_e=\frac{b}{a}$

uhmm how did $y$ become $y_e$

The solution we are finding in this case is \(y_e\), since we have set the derivative to zero.
 

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