MHB Solving a first order differential equation

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the first-order differential equation cos(x)(dy/dx) + ysin(x) = sin(x)cos(x). Participants clarify the process of converting the equation into standard linear form, emphasizing the importance of correctly dividing through by cos(x). The integrating factor is identified as sec(x), leading to the formulation of the equation as sec(x)(dy/dx) + sec(x)tan(x)y = tan(x). The solution is derived, resulting in y(x) = cos(x)(ln|sec(x)| + C). The conversation highlights the steps necessary for proper integration and the significance of maintaining the correct form throughout the solution process.
Logan Land
Messages
83
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:

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

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

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

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

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

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K