Solve the given first order PDE

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The discussion focuses on solving the first-order partial differential equation (PDE) given by ∂u/∂t + 10∂u/∂x + 9u = 0 with the initial condition u(x,0) = e^{-x}. The solution derived is u(x,t) = e^{t-x}, confirmed by substituting back into the original PDE and checking the initial condition. Participants emphasize the importance of verifying solutions through sanity checks, particularly ensuring that both the PDE and initial conditions are satisfied. The general solution is expressed as u(x,t) = e^{-9t} f(x - 10t), where f(x) is determined to be e^{-x}. The discussion highlights the relationship between the form of the initial condition and the resulting solution.
chwala
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Homework Statement
See attached. This question is set by me.
Relevant Equations
pde
Solve the given PDE for ##u(x,t)##;

##\dfrac{∂u}{∂t} +10 \dfrac{∂u}{∂x} + 9u = 0##

##u(x,0)= e^{-x}##

##-∞ <x<∞ , t>0##


In my lines i have,

##x_t = 10##

##x(t) = 10t+a##

##a = x(t) - 10t##

also,

##u(x(t),t)= u(x(0),0)e^{-9t}##

note this is from, integrating

##u_t[u(x(t),t] = -9u(x(t),t)## by use of separation of variables.

...

Therefore,

##u(x,t) = (e^{10t-x} ⋅e^{-9t})=e^{t-x}##

I hope i am getting the flow right... cheers.
 
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chwala said:
I hope i am getting the flow right... cheers.
The easiest way to check this is to insert your result in the original PDE and initial condition to verify that it is the solution.
 
chwala said:
I hope i am getting the flow right...

Orodruin said:
The easiest way to check this is to insert your result in the original PDE and initial condition to verify that it is the solution.
@chwala, what Orodruin said above is something I've also said at least once. If you're working problems at this level it's both essential and easy to do this sanity check on your work. I usually start by making sure the initial condition is satisfied, since that's easy to do. Then I verify that my solution satisfies the original ODE or PDE.
 
Since the equation is linear with constant coefficients, the solutions will be sums of exponentials. It makes sense, given the boundary condition, to try u(x,t) = T(t)e^{-x} with T(0) = 1. This yields <br /> e^{-x}\left( T&#039; - 10T + 9T\right) = 0 so that T&#039; - T = 0. Hence T(t) = e^{t} and <br /> u(x,t) = e^{t-x}.
 
pasmith said:
Since the equation is linear with constant coefficients, the solutions will be sums of exponentials.
The general solution is
$$
e^{-9t} f(x - 10t)
$$
That the result is a simple exponential is a consequence of the particular initial condition also being an exponential. Had the initial condition been ##u(x,0) = x^3##, then the result would have been
$$
u(x,t) = e^{-9t} (x - 10t)^3
$$
I am not sure I would call that a sum of exponentials.
 
Orodruin said:
The general solution is
$$
e^{-9t} f(x - 10t)
$$
That the result is a simple exponential is a consequence of the particular initial condition also being an exponential. Had the initial condition been ##u(x,0) = x^3##, then the result would have been
$$
u(x,t) = e^{-9t} (x - 10t)^3
$$
I am not sure I would call that a sum of exponentials.
...just looking at your perspective again...thanks

We have, ...

##u(x,t)= f(x-10t) e^{-9t}## as the general solution,

using initial condition, ##u(x,0) = f(x-10(0))⋅1=f(x)##

therefore, ##f(x)=e^{-x}##

##u(x,t)=e^-{x-10t} ⋅ e^{-9t}##

##u(x,t)=e^{-x+10t-9t}##

##u(x,t)=e^{-x+t}##
 

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