Simple 1st order ODE. Need insight

In summary, the conversation is about solving a 1st order linear initial value problem using two different methods. The first method involves integrating and simplifying the equation to find the solution, while the second method leads to a confusing situation involving the natural logarithm. It is recommended to ignore the natural logarithm of 0 and not divide by zero in order to find the correct solution.
  • #1
Samuelb88
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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.
 
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  • #2
Remember, don't divide by zero :)
 

1. What is a first-order differential equation?

A first-order differential equation is an equation that includes a single independent variable and its derivative. It can be represented in the form dy/dx = f(x,y), where y is the dependent variable and x is the independent variable. It is called "first-order" because it involves the first derivative of the dependent variable.

2. How do you solve a first-order differential equation?

The general approach to solving a first-order differential equation is to first separate the variables, then integrate both sides. This involves isolating the dependent variable on one side of the equation and the independent variable and its derivative on the other side. Once the equation is integrated, the constant of integration can be determined using initial conditions or boundary conditions.

3. What are initial conditions and why are they important?

Initial conditions are the values of the dependent and independent variables at a specific point in the domain of the differential equation. They are important because they help determine the particular solution to the differential equation. Without initial conditions, there could be an infinite number of solutions to the equation.

4. What is the order of a differential equation?

The order of a differential equation is the highest derivative that appears in the equation. For example, a first-order differential equation contains only the first derivative, while a second-order differential equation contains the second derivative.

5. Can first-order differential equations model real-world phenomena?

Yes, first-order differential equations can be used to model various real-world phenomena such as population growth, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions. They are also commonly used in physics, engineering, and economics to describe processes that involve rates of change.

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