Solving a Linear Equation with Initial Condition: $2xy'+y=6x$, $x>0$, $y(4)=20$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by $2xy'+y=6x$ with the initial condition $y(4)=20$. Participants explore various methods for solving the equation, including transforming it into standard linear form and using integrating factors. The conversation also touches on the implications of the initial condition in the context of finding a particular solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest expressing the ODE in standard linear form and calculating the integrating factor.
  • There is a discussion about the correct form of the integrating factor, with some participants providing calculations and others questioning them.
  • One participant proposes a Cauchy-Euler substitution as an alternative approach to solving the equation.
  • Several participants discuss the use of the initial condition $y(4)=20$ after obtaining the general solution to find the constant of integration.
  • There are corrections regarding the formulation of the integrating factor and the integration process, with some participants pointing out typos or errors in earlier posts.
  • Participants debate the correct application of the integration constant when deriving the particular solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While there is some agreement on the steps to solve the ODE, multiple competing views on the correctness of integrating factors and the handling of the initial condition remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach, as participants present differing interpretations and corrections.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings in the application of integrating factors and the integration constant, as well as unresolved steps in the solution process. The discussion reflects various interpretations of the problem without a definitive resolution.

ineedhelpnow
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Hello (Nod)
Can someone help get me started on this problem? Like a setup or direct on how to set it up.

$2xy'+y=6x$, $x>0$, $y(4)=20$
 
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The first thing I would do is express the ODE in the standard linear form:

$$\d{y}{x}+P(x)y=Q(x)$$

Next, you will want to calculate your integrating factor $\mu(x)$...:D
 
$y'+\frac{1}{2x}y=3$
$I(x)=e^{\int \ \frac{1}{2x}dx}=e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}$
$e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}*y'+\frac{y}{2x}*e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}=3e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}$is that right?
 
I would simplify your integrating factor using the properties of exponents and logs:

$$a^{b\log_a(c)}=a^{\log_a\left(c^b\right)}=c^b$$
 
how do i use the y(4)=20?
 
ineedhelpnow said:
how do i use the y(4)=20?

You use that (the initial conditions) after you have obtained the general solution to the ODE, to solve for the constant of integration.
 
Another way to approach this equation is to recognize that it is Cauchy-Euler. The substitution $x=e^{u}$ makes it linear with constant coefficients.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
$y'+\frac{1}{2x}y=3$
$I(x)=e^{\int \ \frac{1}{2x}dx}=e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}$
$e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}*y'+\frac{y}{2x}*e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}=3e^{\frac{\ln\left({2x}\right)}{2}}$is that right?

Your integrating factor is wrong.

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \int{ \frac{1}{2x} \, \mathrm{d}x } &= \frac{1}{2} \int{ \frac{1}{x} \,\mathrm{d}x} \\ &= \frac{1}{2}\ln{ \left| x \right| } + C \end{align*}$

so that means an acceptable integrating factor is

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \mathrm{e}^{\int{ \frac{1}{2x}\,\mathrm{d}x} } &= \mathrm{e}^{ \frac{1}{2} \ln{ (x) } } \\ &= \mathrm{e}^{ \ln{ \left[ x^{\frac{1}{2}} \right] } } \\ &= x^{\frac{1}{2}} \end{align*}$
 
Linear Equation cont

did i do up to here right?

$2xy'+y=6x$

$y'+\frac{1}{2x}y=3$

$I(x)=e^{\int \ \frac{1}{2x}dx}=e^{\frac{1}{2} \ln\left({x}\right)}=e^{\ln\left({x^{1/2}}\right)}=x^{1/2}$

$y'\sqrt{x}+\frac{\sqrt{x}}{2x}*y=3\sqrt{x}$

$y'\sqrt{x}+\frac{y}{2 \sqrt{x}}*y=3\sqrt{x}$

$(y \sqrt{x})'=3\sqrt{x}$

it looks like i made a mistake but i don't know where :confused:
 
Last edited:
  • #10
ineedhelpnow said:
did i do up to here right?

$2xy'+y=6x$

$y'+\frac{1}{2x}y=3$

$I(x)=e^{\int \ \frac{1}{2x}dx}=e^{\frac{1}{2} \ln\left({x}\right)}=e^{\ln\left({x^{1/2}}\right)}=x^{1/2}$

$y'\sqrt{x}+\frac{\sqrt{x}}{2x}*y=3\sqrt{x}$

$y'\sqrt{x}+\frac{y}{2 \sqrt{x}}*y=3\sqrt{x}$

$(y \sqrt{x})'=3\sqrt{x}$

it looks like i made a mistake but i don't know where :confused:

It's all correct so far :)
 
  • #11
really? :eek: so all i do now is integrate $3\sqrt{x}$ and divide it by $\sqrt{x}$
 
  • #12
ineedhelpnow said:
really? :eek: so all i do now is integrate $3\sqrt{x}$ and divide it by $\sqrt{x}$

Yes, don't forget your integration constant.
 
  • #13
ineedhelpnow said:
$y'\sqrt{x}+\frac{y}{2 \sqrt{x}}*y=3\sqrt{x}$

Actually there is a small error here, it should be $\displaystyle \begin{align*} y' \,\sqrt{x} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}\,y = 3\sqrt{x} \end{align*}$, but since you came to the right conclusion I expect this is just a typo.
 
  • #14
yep, it was a typo. i didnt meant to put the $*y$
 
  • #15
so the original asks to find the solution of the initial value problem and it also gives me y(4)=20.

$y \sqrt{x}=\int \ 3\sqrt{x}dx$

$y \sqrt{x}=2x^{3/2}$

$y=2x+C$

$20=2(4)+C$
$20=8+C$
$C=12$

$y=2x+12$

(Yes), (No), maybe so?
 
  • #16
ineedhelpnow said:
so the original asks to find the solution of the initial value problem and it also gives me y(4)=20.

$y \sqrt{x}=\int \ 3\sqrt{x}dx$

$y \sqrt{x}=2x^{3/2}$

$y=2x+C$

$20=2(4)+C$
$20=8+C$
$C=12$

$y=2x+12$

(Yes), (No), maybe so?

No, the moment you integrate is when you bring in your integration constant!

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} y\,\sqrt{x} &= 2x^{\frac{3}{2}} + C \\ y &= 2x + \frac{C}{\sqrt{x}} \end{align*}$

NOW substitute your point.
 
  • #17
I have merged the two threads pertaining to the same question.

If you have a new question, then you should start a new thread, but if you are continuing your work on an existing question, then you should continue your posts in that thread. This way, we don't have multiple threads dealing with the same question.
 
  • #18
$y=2x+\frac{C}{\sqrt{x}}$

$20=2(4)+\frac{C}{\sqrt{4}}$

$20=8+\frac{C}{2}$

$\frac{C}{2}=12$

$C=24$

$y=2x+\frac{24}{\sqrt{x}}$
 
  • #19
ineedhelpnow said:
$y=2x+\frac{C}{\sqrt{x}}$

$20=2(4)+\frac{C}{\sqrt{4}}$

$20=8+\frac{C}{2}$

$\frac{C}{2}=12$

$C=24$

$y=2x+\frac{24}{\sqrt{x}}$

That is correct, well done :)
 

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