Solving a system in polar coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of differential equations in polar coordinates, specifically focusing on the equations r' = r(1-r) and θ' = 1. Participants seek clarification on the method to derive the solutions for r(t) and θ(t) given initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the system of equations and the expected solutions for r(t) and θ(t), asking for help in understanding the calculation process.
  • Another participant suggests that the equations can be solved separately, providing a method for integrating θ' = 1 to find θ(t) = t.
  • A different participant elaborates on the integration of r' = r(1-r), proposing the use of partial fractions and showing steps to derive the solution, but expresses confusion about arriving at the correct answer.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the integration steps, with a focus on combining constants and manipulating the equation to express r in terms of t.
  • Ultimately, one participant expresses satisfaction with the explanation received, indicating they now understand the solution process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of solving the equations separately, but there is some confusion regarding the integration steps and the constants involved. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct final form of the solution for r(t).

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various integration techniques and manipulations of constants, which may depend on participants' interpretations of the integration process. Some steps remain unresolved or unclear, particularly regarding the constants used in the solutions.

Somefantastik
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Hey Everybody.

for the system:

[tex]r' = r(1-r)[/tex]
[tex]\theta' = 1[/tex]

with

[tex]r(0) = x; \theta(0) = 0[/tex];

the answer is

[tex]r(t) = \frac{xe^{t}}{1-x+xe^{t}}[/tex]

[tex]\theta(t) = t[/tex]

This answer was given in class as part of a process, and I can't remember how that answer is calculated. Can someone help me?
 
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Somefantastik said:
Hey Everybody.

for the system:

[tex]r' = r(1-r)[/tex]
[tex]\theta' = 1[/tex]

with

[tex]r(0) = x; \theta(0) = 0[/tex];

the answer is

[tex]r(t) = \frac{xe^{t}}{1-x+xe^{t}}[/tex]

[tex]\theta(t) = t[/tex]

This answer was given in class as part of a process, and I can't remember how that answer is calculated. Can someone help me?
Pretty basic. You have two completely separate equations- just solve each one separately. [itex]\theta'= 1[/itex] so, integrating, [itex]\theta= t+ C[/itex]. Since [itex]\theta(0)= 0+ C= 0[/itex], C= 0 and [itex]\theta(t)= t[/itex]. [itex]r'= r(1- x)[/itex] is only slightly harder:[itex]dr/dt= r(1-r)[/itex] can be rewritten as
[tex]\frac{dr}{r(1- r)}= dt[/tex]
and that can be integrated by "partial fractions".
 
HallsofIvy said:
Pretty basic. You have two completely separate equations- just solve each one separately. [itex]\theta'= 1[/itex] so, integrating, [itex]\theta= t+ C[/itex]. Since [itex]\theta(0)= 0+ C= 0[/itex], C= 0 and [itex]\theta(t)= t[/itex]. [itex]r'= r(1- x)[/itex] is only slightly harder:[itex]dr/dt= r(1-r)[/itex] can be rewritten as
[tex]\frac{dr}{r(1- r)}= dt[/tex]
and that can be integrated by "partial fractions".

[tex]\int\frac{dr}{r(1-r)} \ = \ \int dt[/tex]

where [tex]\int\frac{dr}{r(1-r)} \ = \ \int\left(\frac{1}{r} \ + \ \frac{1}{1-r} \right)dr \ = \ ln(r) \ - \ ln(1-r) + C_{1}[/tex]

so [tex]ln(r) \ - \ ln(1-r) + C_{1} = t + C_{2}[/tex]

[tex]2r -1 + C_{3} = e^{t} + C_{4}[/tex]

[tex]r = \frac{e^{t} + C + 1}{2}[/tex]

[tex]r(0) = \frac{e^{0} + C + 1}{2} = x[/tex]

[tex]C = x-1[/tex];

[tex]r = \frac{e^{t} + x}{2}[/tex];

I'm still not getting the right answer.
 
Last edited:
Somefantastik said:
[tex]\int\frac{dr}{r(1-r)} \ = \ \int dt[/tex]

where [tex]\int\frac{dr}{r(1-r)} \ = \ \int\left(\frac{1}{r} \ + \ \frac{1}{1-r} \right)dr \ = \ ln(r) \ - \ ln(1-r) + C_{1}[/tex]

so [tex]ln(r) \ - \ ln(1-r) + C_{1} = t + C_{2}[/tex]

[tex]2r -1 + C_{3} = e^{t} + C_{4}[/tex]
No. ln(r/(1-r))= t+ C' (I've combined your C1 and C2).

Now r/(1-r)= Cet. (C is eC')
So r= Cet- rCet, (1- Cet)r= Cet, and
[tex]r(t)= \frac{Ce^{t}}{1- Ce^{t}}[/tex]
Since r(0)= x,
[tex]r(0)= \frac{C}{1- C}= x[/tex]
so C= (1- C)x, C= x- Cx, C+ Cx= C(1+ x)= x so
[tex]C= \frac{x}{1+x}[/tex]

[tex]r = \frac{e^{t} + C + 1}{2}[/tex]

[tex]r(0) = \frac{e^{0} + C + 1}{2} = x[/tex]

[tex]C = x-1[/tex];

[tex]r = \frac{e^{t} + x}{2}[/tex];

I'm still not getting the right answer.
 
Thanks so much, I get it now.
 

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