Seperable Differential Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a separable differential equation of the form dy/dx = e^(3x - 3y). Participants are exploring the integration of both sides and the implications of the constant of integration in their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to separate variables and integrate both sides, questioning the validity of taking logarithms at certain steps. There is discussion about the placement of the constant of integration and its effect on the solution form.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to integrating the equation, with some participants providing guidance on the importance of the constant of integration. Multiple interpretations of the solution are being discussed, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion arising from the constants of integration and the need to clarify their roles in the solutions presented.

mathor345
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Homework Statement



\frac{dy}{dx} = e^{3x-3y}

Homework Equations



\int e^{u}du = e^u + C

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{e^{3x}}{e^{3y}}

e^{3y} dy = e^{3x} dx

ln (e^{3y}) dy = ln (e^{3x}) dx

3y dy = 3x dx

Integrate...

As you can see I'm doomed to get x = y
 
Last edited:
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mathor345 said:

Homework Statement



\frac{dy}{dx} = e^{3x-3y}

Homework Equations



\int e^{u}du = e^u + C

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{e^{3x}}{e^{3y}}

e^{3y} dy = e^{3x} dx
OK to here. When you integrate, don't forget the constant of integration.

mathor345 said:
ln (e^{3y}) dy = ln (e^{3x}) dx
 
mathor345 said:
e^{3y} dy = e^{3x} dx

ln (e^{3y}) dy = ln (e^{3x}) dx

This last step doesn't work. If you tried to take the log of both sides you would get:
\ln{(e^{3y} dy)} = \ln{(e^{3x} dx)}
which doesn't make sense. Try integrating both sides instead.
 
Look at the last but one line. d/dy of what gives you e3y ?
 
LeonhardEuler said:
This last step doesn't work. If you tried to take the log of both sides you would get:
\ln{(e^{3y} dy)} = \ln{(e^{3x} dx)}
which doesn't make sense. Try integrating both sides instead.

\int e^{3y} dy = \int e^{3x} dx

\frac{e^{3x}}{3} = \frac{e^{3y}}{3}

e^{3x} + C = e^{3y} + C

e^{3x} + C = e^{3y}

ln (e^{3x} + C) = ln (e^{3y})

ln (e^{3x} + C) = 3y

\frac{1}{3} ln (e^{3x} + C) = y... I think this is the right answer, but it could very well be

\frac{1}{3} ln (e^{3y} + C) = x

Depending on where you put the constant of integration?
 
Last edited:
You forgot the constant of integration...
 
Both answers are correct. Changing where you put the 'C' just changes the value of 'C', not the form of the solution, but the first form is preferable because it gives an explicit function for y.

(If you ever want to know whether your answer is right, just plug it back into the original differential equation and see if it works)
 
Thanks for the help everyone.
 
mathor345 said:
\int e^{3y} dy = \int e^{3x} dx

\frac{e^{3x}}{3} = \frac{e^{3y}}{3}
The above should be
\frac{e^{3x}}{3} = \frac{e^{3y}}{3} + C

mathor345 said:
e^{3x} + C = e^{3y} + C
You're not going to have the same constant on both sides. The best way around having to work with two different constants is to use a single constant on one side, usually the right side.
e^{3x} = e^{3y} + C


mathor345 said:
e^{3x} + C = e^{3y}
Or you could do it like you did above. That's fine, too.
mathor345 said:
ln (e^{3x} + C) = ln (e^{3y})

ln (e^{3x} + C) = 3y

\frac{1}{3} ln (e^{3x} + C) = y


... I think this is the right answer, but it could very well be

\frac{1}{3} ln (e^{3y} + C) = x

Depending on where you put the constant of integration?
 

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