Solving a first order differential equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the first-order linear differential equation given by the expression cos(x)(dy/dx) + ysin(x) = sin(x)cos(x). Participants clarify the steps to rewrite the equation in standard linear form, specifically as dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x). The correct integrating factor is identified as sec(x), leading to the solution y(x) = cos(x)(ln|sec(x)| + C). Key mathematical manipulations and integration techniques are emphasized throughout the conversation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with integrating factors and their application
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly secant and tangent functions
  • Ability to perform integration of basic functions, including ln and trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors for linear differential equations
  • Learn about trigonometric identities and their applications in calculus
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Practice solving various first-order differential equations to solidify understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in calculus and differential equations.

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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