Solve Calculus Question: dx/dt = -(2x)/(50+t)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation given by dx/dt = -(2x)/(50+t). Participants are exploring methods to solve for x in terms of t, focusing on the rearrangement and separation of variables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the difficulty in rearranging the equation to make it separable. Some suggest showing attempts at rearrangement for clarity, while others mention the possibility of cross-multiplying as a potential step.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There are indications of different interpretations of the steps involved, and some participants are reflecting on their own initial mistakes in presenting their attempts.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of homework guidelines that require participants to show their work and attempts, which may influence the nature of the discussion.

geowills
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What is dx/dt = -(2x)/(50+t) if you solve for x solely in terms of t? I tried to rearrange to make it separable but keep getting stuck.
 
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Homework questions are supposed to follow some guidelines: what have you done, give an example of your rearrangements that get stuck. That seems like an easy DE to solve since you can put the x's (and dx) on one side and the t's (and dt) on the other.
 
geowills said:
What is dx/dt = -(2x)/(50+t) if you solve for x solely in terms of t? I tried to rearrange to make it separable but keep getting stuck.

You did the same mistake I did when I started asking questions here and initially didn't show my attempt for a solution. As I did notice it myself later on...it actually helps if you show at least one of your attempts - even for self-reflection about the problem. Have you tried to cross-multiply?
 
Surely you know how to multiply, so obtaining this expression should be trivial:

\frac{dx}{dt} = - \frac{2x}{50+t} \implies \frac{dx}{2x}=- \frac{dt}{50+t}

Now, integrate both sides and then solve for x.
 

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