Solving $\dfrac{dy}{dt}=y-5$, $y(0)=y_0$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the initial value problem given by the differential equation $\dfrac{dy}{dt}=y-5$ with the initial condition $y(0)=y_0$. Participants explore different methods of integration and the implications of their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution using an integrating factor approach, arriving at the expression $y=5+(y_0-5)e^t$ and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the scalar 5.
  • Another participant proposes a different method involving separation of variables, leading to the same final expression for $y$, and praises the initial solution as correct.
  • A third participant reiterates the separation of variables method, confirming the final result matches the previous solutions.
  • Discussion includes a note that $E$ is an undetermined constant, with a clarification that while $e^E$ is also a constant, it is always positive, which may not align with the value of $E$ itself.
  • Participants express appreciation for the collaborative nature of the forum and the ongoing exploration of initial value problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the final solution to the differential equation, though they present different methods to arrive at it. There is a minor discussion about the nature of constants involved, but no significant disagreements arise regarding the solution itself.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the distinction between the constants involved in their solutions, particularly regarding the positivity of $e^E$. There is also mention of the ongoing nature of the discussion and the exploration of initial value problems beyond standard textbook solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators interested in differential equations, particularly those looking for various methods of solving initial value problems and engaging in collaborative mathematical reasoning.

karush
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$\tiny{b.1.2.2a}$
$\dfrac{dy}{dt}=y-5, \quad y(0)=y_0$$\begin{array}{rll}\displaystyle
y'&=y-5\\
y'-y&=-5\\
u(x)&=\exp\int-1\, dx&= e^{-t}\\
(e^{-t}y)'&=-5e^{-t}\\
e^{-t}y&=-5\int e^{-t} dt&= -5e^{-t}+c\\
y&=-5\dfrac{e^{-t}}{e^{-t}}+\dfrac{c}{e^{-t}}&=-5e+ce^t\\
y(0)&=5+C=y_0\\
\implies C&=y_0-5\\
y&=5+(y_0-5)e^t
\end{array}$

ok I think this is correct... wasn't sure about the 5 scalar
typo's maybe :unsure:
 
Last edited:
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I would have done this slightly differently:
From $\frac{dy}{dt}= y- 5$, $\frac{dy}{y- 5}= dt$.

To integrate on the left, let u= y- 5 so du= dy.
$\int\frac{dy}{y- 5}= \int \frac{du}{u}= ln(u)+C= ln(y- 5)+ C$.

$ln(y- 5)+ C= t+ D$ so $ln(y- 5)= t+E$ where E= D- C.

Taking the exponential of both sides, $y- 5= e^{t+ E}= Fe^t$ where $F=e^E$.

$y(x)= Fe^t+ 5$. Since $y(0)= F+ 5= y_0$, $F= y_0- 5$ so $y(x)= (y_0- 5)e^t+ 5$,

That is exactly what you have. Well done!
 
Country Boy said:
I would have done this slightly differently:
From $\frac{dy}{dt}= y- 5$, $\frac{dy}{y- 5}= dt$.

To integrate on the left, let u= y- 5 so du= dy.
$\int\frac{dy}{y- 5}= \int \frac{du}{u}= ln(u)+C= ln(y- 5)+ C$.

$ln(y- 5)+ C= t+ D$ so $ln(y- 5)= t+E$ where E= D- C.

Taking the exponential of both sides, $y- 5= e^{t+ E}= Fe^t$ where $F=e^E$.

$y(x)= Fe^t+ 5$. Since $y(0)= F+ 5= y_0$, $F= y_0- 5$ so $y(x)= (y_0- 5)e^t+ 5$,

That is exactly what you have. Well done!

Well yeah that makes more sense... Haven't see the
$Fe^t$ where $F=e^E$. before

I started to make a PDF of the MHB DE replies
thot I would try to get some input ...
my goal is get a 100 problems listed
also I have a counter that adds up the views
I have acknowledged those who reply
Mahalo

https://dl.orangedox.com/wr9JnddSXWGHrASWF2
 
E is just an undetermined constant so $e^E$ is just another undetermined constant.
 
Country Boy said:
E is just an undetermined constant so $e^E$ is just another undetermined constant.
However, notice that we may have [math]E \leq 0[/math] but [math]e^E > 0[/math] for any E. So they aren't quite equivalent.

-Dan
 
well that's what I like about MHB
it continues where the textbook left off

there is still a lot of these IVP i need to do..
 
Get busy!
 

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