Separable differential equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a separable differential equation given by the expression 4x - 2y(x^2 + 1)^(1/2)(dy/dx) = 0, along with the initial condition y(0) = -3. Participants are exploring the implications of this equation and the initial condition on the solution for y^2 as a function of x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separation of variables and integration steps, questioning the validity of their results. There is an exploration of different constants of integration and how they relate to the initial condition provided.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the integration constant and how to apply the initial condition. Some participants offer guidance on the correct approach to find the constant, while others express confusion about their attempts and the results obtained.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern regarding the initial condition y(0) = -3 and its application in determining the constant of integration. Participants are also questioning the correctness of their derived expressions for y^2.

beanryu
Messages
90
Reaction score
0
okay... i got this problem
sovle the separable differential equation
4x-2y(x^2+1)^(1/2)(dy/dx)=0
using the following intial condition: y(0) = -3
y^2 = ? (function of x)

I guess that means the constant is -3

so i put all the x on 1 side and all the y on one side

4x = 2y(x^2+1)^(1/2)(dy/dx)
(4x)(dx) = 2y(x^2+1)^(1/2)(dy)
(4xdx)/(x^2+1)^(1/2) = 2ydy

integral both sides I got
4(x^2+1)^(1/2) = y^2

i tried the following answers
y^2 = 4(x^2+1)^(1/2)
y^2 = 4(x^2+1)^(1/2)+9
y^2 = 4(x^2+1)^(1/2)-3

they are all wrong!

WHAT IS WRONG?! IS MY WAY OF DOING IT TATALLY WRONG?!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is correct. [tex]y^2=4\sqrt{x^2+1}+C[/tex]

Now plug in your initial condition to solve for C.
 
well you got most of it but i don't know why you are trying 9 and -3 as c.

it says y(0) = -3

y = +-4*(x^2+1) + c

so y(0) = +-(0^2+1) + c = -3

can you figure it out from here
 
if
y^2 = 4(x^2+1)^(1/2)+c
y = sqrt(4(x^2+1)^(1/2)+c)
c = 5 is the correct answer.

THANX!
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K