Solving a first order differential equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the first-order differential equation \(\frac{dP}{dx} = \frac{gP}{1 + \frac{P}{P_{sat}}}\). The user successfully manipulates the equation to derive \(\ln(P) + \frac{P}{P_{sat}} = gx + e\). The analytic solution requires the Lambert W function, where \(P/P_{sat} = W(X)\) and \(X = \frac{e^{gx + e}}{P_{sat}}\). Numerical methods are suggested for practical solutions.

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zak8000
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hi

the differential equation i am attempting to solve is:

\frac {dP} {dx} = \frac {gP} {1+P/Psat}

here is what I have done:

\frac {dP} {dx} = \frac {gP*Psat} {Psat+P}

divide both sides by \frac {Psat+P} {gP*Psat}

to get:
\frac {Psat+P} {P*Psat} \frac {dP} {dx} =g

\int \frac {Psat+P} {P*Psat} dp = \int gdx

\int \frac {dp} {P}+ \int \frac {dp} {Psat} =gx+c
ln(P)+ \frac {P} {Psat} =gx+c

now how do i rearrange P on one side with everything else on the other side
 
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By realizing, P = ln(eP)
 
Hi zak8000 !

In practice, the equation ln(P)+P/Psat = gx+e is solved thanks to numerical methods.
The analytic solution requieres a special function W(X), namely the Lambert W function.
P/Psat = W(X) with X=exp(gx+e)/Psat
 

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