Simple 1st order ODE. Need insight

  • Thread starter Thread starter Samuelb88
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Insight Ode
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the first-order linear initial value problem represented by the equation (1+x^2)dy/dx + 4xy = x, with the initial condition y(1) = 1/4. Two methods were attempted to solve the equation, both leading to the same general solution but differing in handling the integration constants. The confusion arises from the second method's treatment of ln(0), where the user questions whether to ignore it or consider it as infinity. The consensus is to avoid division by zero and focus on valid solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly logarithmic integration
  • Knowledge of initial value problems and boundary conditions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills, especially with logarithmic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors for solving first-order ODEs
  • Learn about the implications of logarithmic functions in calculus, specifically ln(0) and limits
  • Explore alternative methods for solving initial value problems in differential equations
  • Practice solving similar first-order linear ODEs with varying initial conditions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of first-order linear ODEs and initial value problems.

Samuelb88
Messages
160
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Solve the 1st order linear initial value problem.

[tex](1+x^2)\frac{dy}{dx}\right) + 4xy = x[/tex] , [tex]y(1)=\frac{1}{4}\right)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Why can I get the answer solving the equation one way (below), but not they other?

Method 1:
[tex](1+x^2)\frac{dy}{dx}\right) = -x(4y-1)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}\right) * \frac{1}{4y-1}\right) = -\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{4}\right) \int^{}_{} \frac{1}{4y-1}\right) d(4y-1) = -\frac{1}{2}\right) \int^{}_{} \frac{1}{1+x^2}\right d(1+x^2)[/tex]

(multiply by 4)

[tex]ln|4y-1| = -2ln|1+x^2| + C[/tex]

[tex]ln|(4y-1)(1+x^2)^2| = 4C[/tex]

[tex]4y-1 = \frac{e^4^C}{(1+x^2)^2}\right)[/tex]

Satisfying y(0)=1/4, C=0

Therefore: y = 1/4Method 2:

[tex](1+x^2)\frac{dy}{dx}\right) = -x(4y-1)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}\right) * \frac{1}{4y-1}\right) = -\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{4}\right) \int^{y(x)}_{1/4} \frac{1}{4y-1}\right) d(4y-1) = -\frac{1}{2}\right) \int^{x}_{1} \frac{1}{1+x^2}\right d(1+x^2)[/tex]

[tex]( ln|4y-1| - ln|0| ) = -2(ln|1+x^2| - ln|2|)[/tex]

Here's where I'm confused. should I ignore ln0? or should I solve with infinity in my equation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Remember, don't divide by zero :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K