Solving a differential Eq. by separation of variables

In summary, after solving the equation y'=y^2-y using partial fraction decomposition and integrating, the solutions for y are y=1/(1-ce^t) and y=0, where c is any real number.
  • #1
Duderonimous
63
1

Homework Statement


Find all solutions. Solve explicitly for y.

y[itex]^{'}[/itex]=y[itex]^{2}[/itex]-y

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Case where y'=0

0=y(y-1) y=0,1 when y(t)=0

Case where y'[itex]\neq[/itex]0

y'=y[itex]^{2}[/itex]-y

[itex]\frac{1}{y^{2}-y}[/itex]y'=1

[itex]\int\frac{1}{y^{2}-y}[/itex]y'dt=∫1dt

[itex]\int\frac{1}{y^{2}-y}[/itex]dy=t+c

Cant figure our where to go from here.
 
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  • #2
##\displaystyle\frac{1}{y^2 - y} = \frac{1}{y(y-1)}##

Use partial fraction decomposition to split the above into the form ##\displaystyle\frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y - 1}##. Then, integrating will be a breeze.
 
  • #3
\displaystyle\frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y - 1}

1=A(y-1)+By
1=Ay-A+By
A=-1
B=1

[itex]\int\frac{1}{y(y-1)}[/itex]=[itex]\int\frac{-1}{y}+\frac{1}{y-1}[/itex]

[itex]\int\frac{-1}{y}+\frac{1}{y-1}[/itex]=t+c

-ln|y|+ln|y-1|=t+c

ln([itex]\frac{y-1}{y}[/itex])=t+c

ln(1-[itex]\frac{1}{y}[/itex])=t+c

1-[itex]\frac{1}{y}[/itex]=e[itex]^{t+c}[/itex]

y=[itex]\frac{1}{1-e^{t+c}}[/itex]

I don't think this is right, wolfram alpha says it is y=[itex]\frac{1}{1+e^{t+c}}[/itex]

How does the plus sign pop up into the denominator?
 
  • #4
You've assumed |y-1| = y-1. Is this consistent with the range of y you get when you push on to the solution? The absolute value matters, you can't just drop it and move on.
 
  • #5
I believe it's due to the fact that the ##|y - 1|## can also be written as ##|1 - y|##, perhaps that is what Wolfram used. In any case, note that ##e^{t+c} = e^ce^t = ce^t## because ##e^c## is still a constant. So ##\displaystyle y = \frac{1}{1 - ce^t}## would be the best way to write the answer, since if ##c## is indeed negative, it would look like what Wolfram has.
 
  • #6
If 0 < y < 1 , then [itex]\displaystyle 1-\frac{1}{y}<0\,,\ [/itex] so that [itex]\displaystyle \left|1-\frac{1}{y}\right|=-\left(1-\frac{1}{y}\right)\ .[/itex]

That will give [itex]\displaystyle 1-\frac{1}{y}=-e^{t+C}\ . [/itex]

...
 
  • #7
You were asked to find all solutions. Your formula, once you have solved for y, will give all except one solution. What is the solution you are missing?
 
  • #8
It won't give the y solution where y(t)=0 so all solutions for y are

y=[itex]\frac{1}{1 - ce^t}[/itex],0

where c is any real number

Right?
 
  • #9
Yes, that is correct.
 

FAQ: Solving a differential Eq. by separation of variables

1. What is the separation of variables method for solving a differential equation?

The separation of variables method is a technique used to solve a differential equation by separating the variables on each side of the equation and integrating them separately. This method is commonly used for first-order ordinary differential equations.

2. How do you solve a differential equation using separation of variables?

To solve a differential equation using separation of variables, you must first rearrange the equation so that the dependent variable is on one side and the independent variable is on the other. Then, you can integrate both sides with respect to their respective variables and solve for the dependent variable.

3. What types of differential equations can be solved using separation of variables?

The separation of variables method is most commonly used for first-order ordinary differential equations, but it can also be used for some second-order equations and partial differential equations with certain boundary conditions.

4. What are some advantages of using the separation of variables method?

One advantage of using this method is that it is relatively simple and straightforward, making it a good option for beginners learning to solve differential equations. It also allows for a step-by-step approach to solving the equation, making it easier to understand the process.

5. Are there any limitations to using separation of variables for solving differential equations?

Yes, there are some limitations to this method. It is not applicable to all types of differential equations and may not always produce a general solution. It also requires some algebraic manipulation, which can be time-consuming for more complex equations.

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