Solving Bernoulli's DE: xy'+y+x^4y^4e^x=0

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the Bernoulli differential equation given by xy' + y + x^4y^4e^x = 0. Participants are exploring methods to transform and solve this equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Bernoulli equation method by dividing the equation and substituting variables. They express confusion regarding the integrating factor and its application.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the steps taken, particularly focusing on the computation of the integrating factor and its subsequent application. Some guidance has been offered regarding where a factor may be missing in the calculations, leading to a realization of an error in the manipulation of the integrating factor.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct application of the integrating factor method, with participants questioning specific steps in the algebraic manipulation. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations despite reviewing their work multiple times.

fluidistic
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Homework Statement


I must solve [itex]xy'+y+x^4y^4e^x=0[/itex].


Homework Equations


Bernoulli's.


The Attempt at a Solution


I divided the original DE by x to get [itex]y'+y \left ( \frac{1}{x} \right )=-x^3e^xy^4[/itex].
Now let [itex]z=y^{-3} \Rightarrow z'=-3y^{-3}y'[/itex].
I then multiplied the DE by [itex]-3y^{-4}[/itex] to reduces the DE to [itex]z'-\frac{3}{x}z=3x^3e^x[/itex]. This is a first order linear DE so I should be able to solve it via the integrating factor method, however this doesn't work out for me.
The integrating factor is [itex]e^{\int -3 /x dx}=x^{-3}[/itex]. So that the general solution of this DE (the z's one) should be [itex]z=-e^xx^3+Cx^3[/itex].
So that [itex]z'=-e^xx^3-3e^xx^2+3Cx^2[/itex].
But then when I replace z and z' into [itex]z'-\frac{3}{x}z[/itex] I get that it's worth [itex]-e^xx^3[/itex] rather than [itex]3x^3e^x[/itex]. So it seems that I have a "-3" missing factor. I've rechecked all the algebra like 3 times, including now by typing this post and I still don't see where my mistake lies. I'm almost 100% sure it's in the integrating factor method but I really don't see it. I've even reopened Boas' mathematical methods book for the integrating factor method and I feel I've done it right.
Thanks for all help!
 
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I would have another look at this bit:
fluidistic said:
The integrating factor is [itex]e^{\int -3 /x dx}=x^{-3}[/itex]. So that the general solution of this DE (the z's one) should be [itex]z=-e^xx^3+Cx^3[/itex].
and in particular, the computation of the integrating factor :wink:
 
Hootenanny said:
I would have another look at this bit:

and in particular, the computation of the integrating factor :wink:

I appreciate your help. However I'm afraid I don't see any error for the integrating factor.
 
fluidistic said:
I appreciate your help. However I'm afraid I don't see any error for the integrating factor.
It's not the IF itself, but rather what you do with it. After multiplication by the IF, your ODE becomes

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{z}{x^3}\right) = 3e^x[/tex]

Do you see where your factor of three is missing now?
 
Hootenanny said:
It's not the IF itself, but rather what you do with it. After multiplication by the IF, your ODE becomes

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{z}{x^3}\right) = 3e^x[/tex]

Do you see where your factor of three is missing now?

Oh nice, yes now, thank you very very very much. :biggrin:
This works. Continuing on, I reach as final answer [itex]y(x)=(3e^xx^3+cx^3)^{-1/3}=\frac{1}{x \sqrt [3] {3e^x+c}}[/itex].
 
fluidistic said:
Oh nice, yes now, thank you very very very much. :biggrin:
My pleasure :smile:
fluidistic said:
This works. Continuing on, I reach as final answer [itex]y(x)=(3e^xx^3+cx^3)^{-1/3}=\frac{1}{x \sqrt [3] {3e^x+c}}[/itex].
That is indeed correct (or more accurately, the only real solution for appropriate x).
 

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