Solve DE: Reviewing Problems Before Classes Start

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order linear differential equation of the form \( e^{5x}\frac{dy}{dx} + 5e^{5x}y = e^{4x} \). Participants explore different methods of solving the equation, reviewing their approaches and solutions in preparation for upcoming classes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution involving the integration of the equation after rewriting it in a separable form, arriving at \( y = \frac{1}{4}e^{-x} + Ce^{-5x} \).
  • Another participant offers an alternative method by dividing through by \( e^{5x} \) to simplify the equation to a standard form, then solving the homogeneous part and finding a particular solution, ultimately arriving at \( y(x) = C'e^{-5x} + \frac{e^{-x}}{4} \).
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their solution and mentions potential typos, seeking confirmation or validation.
  • A later reply acknowledges the second participant's explanation as helpful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the differential equation, as multiple approaches are presented without resolving which is preferable or more accurate.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of possible typos in the first participant's solution, and the discussion does not clarify the assumptions or conditions under which each method is applied.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\tiny [9.1.98]$ solve
123
$\begin{array}{rl}
e^{5x}\,\frac{dy}{dx} + 5e^{5x}y
&= e^{4x} \\
\dfrac{d}{dx}\left( e^{5x}y\right)
&=e^{4x} \\
e^{5x}y&= \int{ e^{4x}dx} \\
e^{5x}y
&= \frac{1}{4}e^{4x} + C \\
y &= \frac{1}{4}\,{e}^{-x} + C\,{e}^{-5\,x}
\end{array}$
just reviewing some problems before Sept classes start up
I think this ok not sure how to check it with W|A
possible typos
Mahalo

https://dl.orangedox.com/wr9JnddSXWGHrASWF2
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
29C91E98-8D54-4BBD-B1FD-AD65F3E3FAC7.jpeg
 
Very good! Here is another way to solve that equation (how I would probably have done it myself):
The equation is $e^{5x}\frac{dy}{dx}+ 5e^{5x}y= e^{4x}$.​
Divide through by $e^{5x}$ to get​
$\frac{dy}{dx}+ 5y= e^{-x}$.​
That is a "linear differential equation with constant coefficients". It's homogeneous part is $\frac{dy}{dx}+ 5y= 0$ which is the same as $\frac{dy}{dx}= -5y$ and then, in "differential" form, $\frac{dy}{y}= -5dx$. Integrating both sides, $ln(y)= -5x+ C$. Taking the expontial of both sides, $y= C'e^{-5x}$ where $C'= e^C$ is just another constant. That is the general solution to the "associated homogeneous equation".​
Now to find a solution to the entire equation, since "$e^{-x}$ is a type of function we get as solution to a "linear differential equation with constant coefficients", we try a solution of the form $y= Ae^{-x}$. Then $y'= -Ae^{-x}$ and the equation becomes $-Ae^{-x}+ 5Ae^{-x}= 4Ae^{-x}= e^{-x}$. Since $e^{-x}$ is never 0 we can divide by it to get 4A=1 so $A= \frac{1}{4}$. $\frac{e^{-x}}{4}$ is a solution to the full equation so the general solution to the full equation is $y(x)= C'e^{-5x}+ \frac{e^{-x}}{4}$.
 
Mahalo
that was very helpful
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K