Solve 2.1.5 DE w/ $y(0)=1$ & Find $\mu(x)$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation $$y' - y = 2xe^{2x}$$ with the initial condition $$y(0) = 1$$. Participants explore the method of integrating factors and the implications of the initial value problem (IVP) on the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the integrating factor $$\mu(x) = e^{x}$$ is correct, while another participant corrects this to $$\mu(x) = e^{-x}$$ based on the identification of $$P(x) = -1$$.
  • There is a discussion about distributing the integrating factor and the resulting equation $$e^{-x}y' - e^{-x}y = 2e^x x$$.
  • Participants derive the general solution $$y(x) = 2(x-1)e^{2x} + c_1 e^x$$ and discuss the implications of the initial condition on determining the constant of integration $$c_1$$.
  • One participant suggests that if $$c_1 = 0$$, it may be possible to drop this term from the solution.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the computation of $$c_1$$, indicating a potential disagreement on the value derived.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of the constant of integration $$c_1$$, with differing computations and interpretations of the results. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these computations on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the integration steps and the treatment of the constant of integration, which may depend on the interpretation of the initial condition.

karush
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find y
$$\displaystyle y^\prime - y =2xe^{2x}, \quad y(0)=1$$

obtain u(x)
$$\displaystyle\mu(x)
=\exp\left(\int (1),dx\right)
=e^{x}$$

if ok then proceed to distribute to each term
also, this has $y(0)=1$ so new feature to deal with?
 
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Careful...in this case $P(x)=-1$, and so:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(-\int\,dx\right)=e^{-x}$$

:)

edit: Being given the initial value $y(0)=1$ turns this into an IVP, which will allow you to determine the constant of integration to get a specific solution that both satisfies the ODE and the given initial condition.
 
MarkFL said:
Careful...in this case $P(x)=-1$, and so:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(-\int\,dx\right)=e^{-x}$$

:)

edit: Being given the initial value $y(0)=1$ turns this into an IVP, which will allow you to determine the constant of integration to get a specific solution that both satisfies the ODE and the given initial condition.
distribute $e^{-x}$
$$\displaystyle e^{-x}y^\prime - e^{-x}y =2xe^{2x}e^{-x}=2e^x x$$
$$\frac{dy}{dx}(xy)=2e^x x$$
integrate
$$xy=\int 2e^x x \, dx =2e^x(x-1)+c $$
divide by x
$$y=2e^x-\frac{2e^x}{x}+\frac{c}{x}$$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
distribute $e^{-x}$
$$\displaystyle e^{-x}y^\prime - e^{-x}y =2xe^{2x}e^{-x}=2e^x x$$
$$\frac{dy}{dx}(xy)=2e^x x$$
integrate
$$xy=\int 2e^x x \, dx =2e^x(x-1)+c $$
divide by x
$$y=2e^x-\frac{2e^x}{x}+\frac{c}{x}$$

What you want is:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(e^{-x}y\right)=2xe^x$$

Now you can integrate.

Yous see, after multiplying through by the integrating factor, you should have:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\mu(x)y\right)=\mu(x)Q(x)$$
 
$$\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\left(e^{-x}y\right)=2xe^x$$
$\textit{integrate } $
$$\displaystyle e^{-x}y=\int 2xe^x dx$$
$$\displaystyle e^{-x}y =2e^x(x-1)+c$$
$\textit{divide by $e^{-x}$}$
$$\displaystyle y=2e^{2x}(x-1)+\frac{c}{e^{-x}}$$
$\textit{so if $y(0)=1$ then}$something goofy!
 
I would write the general solution to the ODE as:

$$y(x)=2(x-1)e^{2x}+c_1e^x$$

Now, we can write:

$$y(0)=2(0-1)e^{2\cdot0}+c_1e^0=1$$

Solve this for $c_1$...what do you get?
 
$$c_1= 0$$

$\textit{so does this mean $c_1$ can be dropped}$
 
karush said:
$$c_1= 0$$

$\textit{so does this mean $c_1$ can be dropped}$

Please check your computation...I get a different result. :)
 

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