Solve the given first order differential equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation using methods such as separation of variables and integrating factors. Participants explore the implications of applying initial conditions to their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using separation of variables and integrating factors to solve the differential equation. There are attempts to apply initial conditions, leading to questions about the validity of the solutions obtained. Some participants express confusion regarding the application of the initial condition and the resulting values for constants.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the methods used, with some participants questioning the correctness of their approaches and the implications of the initial conditions. Guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the results, but no consensus has been reached on the final solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to apply initial conditions and the nature of the differential equation. There is a focus on whether the methods used are acceptable for obtaining partial credit in a homework context.

chwala
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Homework Statement
This is a text question-
Relevant Equations
separation of variables
first order differential equation- integrating factor...
1672610474749.png


My thinking is two-fold, firstly, i noted that we can use separation of variables; i.e

##\dfrac{dy}{y}= \sec^2 x dx##

on integrating both sides we have;

##\ln y = \tan x + k##

##y=e^{\tan x+k} ##

now i got stuck here as we cannot apply the initial condition ##y(\dfrac {π}{4})=-1##

Secondly on using;

##\dfrac{dy}{dx}+ P(x)y=q(x)##

i have

##\dfrac{dy}{dx}-\sec^2 x=0##

i.f= ##e^{-\int sec^2x dx} =e^{-\tan x}##

therefore,

##(e^{-\tanx }⋅y)' =0## on integration, we shall have;

##(e^{-\tan x} ⋅y) =k## now using the initial condition, ##y(\dfrac {π}{4})=-1##

we have, ##k=-\dfrac{1}{e}##

thus,
##y=e^{\tan x} ⋅k=\left[ e^{\tan x} ⋅-\dfrac{1}{e}\right]=-e^{\tan x-1}##

i do not have solution to the problem...your insight is welcome...
 
Last edited:
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I don't see what your problem is. You found that $$y=-e^{\tan(x) -1}$$

Isn't this answer (B)?
 
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chwala said:
on integrating both sides we have;
##\ln y = \tan x + k##

##y=e^{\tan x+k} ##

now i got stuck here as we cannot apply the initial condition ##y(\dfrac {π}{4})=-1##
Your second equation above is equivalent to ##y = e^{\tan(x)}\cdot e^k## or ##y = Ce^{\tan(x)}##, where ##C= e^k##. Simply substitute ##\pi/4## for x and -1 for y to solve for C.
 
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chwala said:
Homework Statement:: This is a text question-
Relevant Equations:: separation of variables
first order differential equation- integrating factor...

View attachment 319644

My thinking is two-fold, firstly i noted that we can use separation of variables; i.e

##\dfrac{dy}{y}= \sec^2 x dx##

on integrating both sides we have;

##\ln y = \tan x + k##

##y=e^{\tan x+k} ##

now i got stuck here as we cannot apply the initial condition ##y(\dfrac {π}{4})=-1##
Keep in mind:

##\displaystyle \int \dfrac{dy}{y} = \ln |y| + C ##
 
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phyzguy said:
I don't see what your problem is. You found that $$y=-e^{\tan(x) -1}$$

Isn't this answer (B)?
Correct...

My question is 'would a student be wrong in attempting to use separation of variables?' ...does he/she get method marks? cheers...
 
Mark44 said:
Your second equation above is equivalent to ##y = e^{\tan(x)}\cdot e^k## or ##y = Ce^{\tan(x)}##, where ##C= e^k##. Simply substitute ##\pi/4## for x and -1 for y to solve for C.
Won't we have ##e^k=-1##?
 
chwala said:
Won't we have ##e^k=-1##?
No. Solve for C in this equation: ##-1 = Ce^1##
 
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chwala said:
My question is 'would a student be wrong in attempting to use separation of variables?' ...does he/she get method marks?
I don't see why the work would be marked as wrong. The question asks only which of the four listed equation is the solution and makes no requirement of which method to use.
 
Thanks @Mark44 ...my interest was on checking if we could use separation of variables. You have clearly shown that to me. Cheers!
 
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