Separating Variables in Differential Equations: Solving dP/dt = P - P^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differential equation dP/dt = P - P^2, focusing on the separation of variables and the integration process involved in solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separation of variables and the application of partial fractions. There are questions regarding the correctness of the integration steps and the handling of logarithmic identities. Some participants express confusion over potential sign errors in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in the integration steps, and some guidance is offered regarding the correct forms of partial fractions and logarithmic properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide. There is an indication that some assumptions about the integration process may need to be revisited.

bdh2991
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Homework Statement


dP/dt=P-P^2


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know you can separate this and after i did that and did my partial fractions i got

t + C = ln(P) + ln(1-P) but i don't know what to do from here i figure you take the e of both sides at some point but i never ended up with the right andswer please help
 
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bdh2991 said:

Homework Statement


dP/dt=P-P^2


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know you can separate this and after i did that and did my partial fractions i got

t + C = ln(P) + ln(1-P) but i don't know what to do from here i figure you take the e of both sides at some point but i never ended up with the right andswer please help

I think you have a sign error in your solution. You need to fix that and remember the formulas like ln(a)+ln(b) = ln(ab) and ln(a) - ln(b) = ln (a/b).
 
i'm not seeing where the sign error is coming from...for my partial fractions i did

A/P + B/(1-P), then getting rid of the denominators i get A(1-P) + Bp = 1

solving for A and B i get A=1, B=1

so wouldn't it be ln(P) + ln(1-P)??

the only thing i could think is that it should be A(1-P) - BP

but i don't really understand how it could come out as a subtraction
 
bdh2991 said:
i'm not seeing where the sign error is coming from...for my partial fractions i did

A/P + B/(1-P), then getting rid of the denominators i get A(1-P) + Bp = 1

solving for A and B i get A=1, B=1

so wouldn't it be ln(P) + ln(1-P)??

the only thing i could think is that it should be A(1-P) - BP

but i don't really understand how it could come out as a subtraction

Your partial fraction should be 1/P - 1/(P-1).
 
bdh2991 said:
i'm not seeing where the sign error is coming from...for my partial fractions i did

A/P + B/(1-P), then getting rid of the denominators i get A(1-P) + Bp = 1

solving for A and B i get A=1, B=1

so wouldn't it be ln(P) + ln(1-P)??

Your sign is wrong on your integration of$$
\int\frac 1 {1-P}\, dP$$
 
I see i was messing up my U-substitution, it's always the little things lol thanks for the help
 

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