Solving a first order differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order differential equation, specifically transforming it into standard linear form and finding the integrating factor. Participants explore various approaches to manipulate the equation and clarify steps involved in the solution process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the differential equation and attempts to rewrite it in standard linear form, expressing uncertainty about the integration process.
  • Another participant points out errors in the manipulation of the equation when dividing by $\cos(x)$ and suggests re-evaluating the steps.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the correct form of the equation after division, with emphasis on achieving the standard linear form.
  • There is a discussion about the integrating factor, with one participant questioning whether it is $1/\cos(x)$ and another confirming that the integrating factor is $\sec(x)$.
  • Participants detail the integration steps leading to the final expression for $y(x)$, with one participant providing a complete derivation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to transform the equation into standard linear form and the use of the integrating factor. However, there are differing views on the initial manipulation of the equation, indicating some unresolved aspects of the approach.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential errors in the initial steps of manipulation and the dependence on correct interpretations of the integrating factor and integration process.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals learning about first-order differential equations, particularly those interested in the methods of solving such equations and the importance of standard forms and integrating factors.

Logan Land
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cosx(dy/dx) + ysinx = sinx cosx

(dy/dx) + y/cosx = 1

e^integral (1/cosx) ?

I feel like this has to do with ln again but not sure
 
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In your attempt to write the equation in standard linear form, you have made a few errors when dividing through by $\cos(x)$. Try it again and see what you get. :D
 
MarkFL said:
In your attempt to write the equation in standard linear form, you have made a few errors when dividing through by $\cos(x)$. Try it again and see what you get. :D
dy/dx + ysinx/cosx = (sinx cosx)/cosx

dy/dx + ytanx = tanx ?

Or would I divide sinx first and move it over the other side before I divide cosx
 
You have the left side correct as $$\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}=\tan(x)$$, but the right side would simply have $$\cos(x)$$ cancelling, leaving $$\sin(x)$$.

Your goal in arranging the equation in standard linear form is to get it in the form:

$$\frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x)$$

and since this equation was given in the form:

$$f(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+g(x)y=h(x)$$

you simply need to divide through by $f(x)$ to get in the the standard form.
 
MarkFL said:
You have the left side correct as $$\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}=\tan(x)$$, but the right side would simply have $$\cos(x)$$ cancelling, leaving $$\sin(x)$$.

Your goal in arranging the equation in standard linear form is to get it in the form:

$$\frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x)$$

and since this equation was given in the form:

$$f(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+g(x)y=h(x)$$

you simply need to divide through by $f(x)$ to get in the the standard form.

So is my integrating factor 1/cosx ?

So it becomes (dy/dx)(1/cosx) + (ytanx)(1/cosx) = tanx

Integral (ytanx)(1/cosx) = integral tanx

y(1/cosx) = ln|secx| + C
y= cosx ln|secx| + Ccosx ?
 
Yes, I would write:

$$\mu(x)=e^{\int\tan(x)\,dx}=\sec(x)$$ and so we have:

$$\sec(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+\sec(x)\tan(x)y=\tan(x)$$

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\sec(x)y \right)=\tan(x)$$

$$\int\,d\left(\sec(x)y \right)=\int\tan(x)\,dx$$

$$\sec(x)y=\ln|\sec(x)|+C$$

$$y(x)=\cos(x)\left(\ln|\sec(x)|+C \right)$$
 

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