Sine Integral Function in differential equation

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The discussion revolves around solving the initial value problem x^3y' + 2x^2y = 10sinx with the condition y(0) = 0, expressing the solution in terms of the Sine Integral function, Si(x). The transformation of the equation leads to the form (x^2y)' = 10sin(x)/x, which simplifies to x^2y = 10Si(x). However, participants note the need for clarity in showing how the integral is applied and addressing the initial condition. There is also mention of an arithmetic mistake that needs correction for proper integration. The final expression for y is given as y = 10x^(-2)Si(x).
kathrynag
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Homework Statement



Si(x)=\int(sint/t)dt from 0 to x
integrand is 1 at t=0

express the solutiony(x) of the initial value problem x^3y'+2x^2y=10sinx, y(0)=0 in terms of Si(x)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


y'+2/xy=10x^-3sinx
multiply by x^2
x^2y'+2xy=10x^-2sinx
(x^2y)'=10x^-2sinx
Now I get stuck because I feel like this can't be integrated and I don't think i can just insert Si(x) because I need to account for 10x^-2.
 
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kathrynag said:

Homework Statement



Si(x)=\int(sint/t)dt from 0 to x
integrand is 1 at t=0

express the solutiony(x) of the initial value problem x^3y'+2x^2y=10sinx, y(0)=0 in terms of Si(x)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


y'+2/xy=10x^-3sinx
multiply by x^2
x^2y'+2xy=10x^-2sinx
(x^2y)'=10x^-2sinx
Now I get stuck because I feel like this can't be integrated and I don't think i can just insert Si(x) because I need to account for 10x^-2.

Divide your original equation by x:

x^2y'' + 2xy' = 10 \frac {\sin x}{x}

which will work for you. You just have an arithmetic mistake.
 
So I have x^2y'+2xy=10sinx/x
(x^2y)'=10sinx/x
x^2y=10Si(x)
y=10x^(-2)Si(x)
 
kathrynag said:
So I have x^2y'+2xy=10sinx/x
(x^2y)'=10sinx/x
x^2y=10Si(x)
y=10x^(-2)Si(x)

Your answer may be correct, but you need to show more explicitly the integral and how you used the initial condition y(0) = 1. Your second step isn't clear because the Si function is a definite integral.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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