Solving a System of Differential Equations: dx/dt = y^2 - x^2, dy/dt = -2xy

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter atomqwerty
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    System
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of differential equations given by dx/dt = y^2 - x^2 and dy/dt = -2xy. Participants explore various methods for solving these equations, including differentiation, polar coordinates, and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to solve the system of differential equations without using LaTex.
  • Another participant differentiates the first equation and suggests eliminating variables using the second equation.
  • A participant derives a second-order equation x'' + 4x'x + 4x^3 + 2x == 0 and seeks further guidance.
  • One participant proposes that solving in polar coordinates is easier and refers to an attached document for main steps.
  • A participant expresses satisfaction after making progress in the solution process.
  • Another participant reiterates the derived equation and discusses a method involving substitution and integration, expressing uncertainty about integrating a specific term.
  • One participant points out a potential mistake in another's method regarding the treatment of the 2x term, suggesting it should involve 2xx'.
  • Another participant agrees with the correction and notes the complexity of the resulting equations, indicating that a solution is still possible.
  • A remark is made about a particular solution being included in the set of solutions under specific conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the methods for solving the equations, with some favoring polar coordinates while others pursue different integration techniques. There is no consensus on the best approach, and several corrections and challenges to methods are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note various assumptions and potential mistakes in the methods discussed, highlighting the complexity of the equations and the need for careful handling of terms during integration.

atomqwerty
Messages
89
Reaction score
0
How can I solve the differential equations system

dx/dt = y^2 - x^2

dy/dt = -2xy


?

Sorry about not using LaTex, I know it looks better.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
x' = y^2 - x^2
y' = -2xy

Differentiate the first equation

x''= 2yy' - 2x

Use the second equation to eliminate y'
Then use the first equation again to eliminate y
 
So I obtain

x'' +4x'x +4x^3 + 2x == 0

and now?

thanks
 
Solving in polar coordinates is easier. The main steps only are shown in the attached document.
 

Attachments

  • 2 ODE.JPG
    2 ODE.JPG
    14 KB · Views: 485
perfect! I got it! Thank you very much :D
 
atomqwerty said:
So I obtain

x'' +4x'x +4x^3 + 2x == 0

and now?

thanks

The standard method to solve that type of equation is

Let x' = p
Then x'' = dp/dt = dp/dx dx/dt = p dp/dx
So you get

p dp/dx + 4px + 4x^3 + 2x = 0

Integrating with respect to x gives

p^2/2 + I can't see how to integrate the 4px term + x^4 + x^2 = C

But I like the polar coordinates method better.

Now we know the answer, my method seems to be heading in right direction, but that's no use unless we can see how to finish it.
 
In Alephzero's method i think there is a mistake, the 2x term should be 2xx' but this doesn't seem to make things easier.
 
In Alephzero's method i think there is a mistake, the 2x term should be 2xx' but this doesn't seem to make things easier.
I agree :
x'' + 6 x x' +4 x^3 = 0
2 y y'' -3 (y')^2 +4 y^4 = 0
OK. far to be easier, but possible, even without knowing the solution.
 
Remark : the obvious particular solution [ x=1/(t+c) ; y=0 ] is included in the set of solutions in the particular case of b=c*a and a=> infinity.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K