Solving Diff EQ: y'=2cos^2x-sin^2x+y^2 w/y(0)=2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form dy/dx = (2cos²x - sin²x + y²) / (2cosx) with the initial condition y(0) = 2. The original poster attempts to use the substitution y(x) = sin x + 1/u(x) to transform the equation into one involving u(x), leading to a first-order linear differential equation for u.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the original differential equation using the substitution for y and the subsequent derivation of the equation for u. There are questions about the algebra involved in isolating y and concerns about the correctness of signs in the equations. Some participants suggest methods for rearranging terms and inverting fractions to solve for y.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on algebraic manipulation and substitution. There is recognition of the need to find the constant C using the initial condition, but no consensus has been reached on the correct form of y or the implications of the derived equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints related to homework rules, including the prohibition against providing complete solutions. There is also mention of potential confusion arising from algebraic errors and the importance of careful notation during problem-solving.

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Homework Statement



For the following differential equation:

dy/dx = \frac{2cos^2x-sin^2x+y^2}{2 cosx} , -pi/2 < x < pi/2

show that the substitution y(x)=sin x + 1/u(x) yeilds the differential equation for u(x),

du/dx = -u tan x - \frac{1}{2}sec x

Hence find the solution y(x) to the original differential equation that satisfies the condition y(0)=2
Find the interval on which the solution to the initial value problem is defined.



Homework Equations



I have no idea where to go next to get y(x).


The Attempt at a Solution



using y= sinx + 1/u
dy/dx = cos x - 1/u^2 du/dx

then let this dy/dx = dy/dx in the original equation and solve for du.

cos x \frac{-1}{u^2}du/dx = \frac{2cos^2x-sin^2x+y^2}{2cosx}

cos x\frac{-1}{u^2}du/dx= \frac{2 cos^2x+ (2/u) sinx + 1/u^2}{2cosx}

\frac{-1}{u^2}du/dx = \frac{1}{u}\frac{sinx}{cosx}+\frac{1}{u^2}\frac{1}{2cosx}

times through by -1/u^2

du/dx= -u tan x -1/2 sec x

Now du/dx + u tanx = -1/2 sec x, which is a first order linear equation

so integrating factor is I= sec x

so , sec x dx/du + u tanx sec x = -1/2 sec^2 x

so sec x u= \int -(1/2). sec^2 x

= - 1/2 tan x +C

divide through by sec x

u= -1/2 sin x + C(cos x) [general solution]

now if i sub in u= 1/(y-sin x)

i can't rearrange it to get y by itself. This is where I am stuck.

Sorry for the poor latex use. I have little knowledge of it atm.
 
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You have a solution: ##u(x)=\frac{1}{2}\sin x + C\cos x##
You want to sub in: ##u(x)=1/(y(x)-\sin x)##
... and make y(x) the subject?

I don't see the problem - blind substitution gives you:
$$\frac{1}{y(x)-\sin x} = \frac{1}{2}\sin x + C\cos x$$ ... you got this far right?
Put the RHS under a common denominator then invert both sides.
Note: this is also a LaTeX lesson ;)
 
I don't see how you get y by itself. Maybe my algebra is way off. And i believe the RHS should have a negative before the 1/2 sin x.

Any help would be welcomed.
 
Please note: I am not allowed to do the working for you.
Put the RHS under a common denominator then invert both sides - as suggested in post #2.
If you are still stuck, please write down the working you have done in your reply.

Exercise:
Make y the subject in this example:
$$\frac{1}{y+5}=\frac{x}{2}+2$$
 
1/ (y-sinx) = -sinx/2 + C cosx

= (-sinx +2 C cos x)/2

y-sinx = 2/(-sinx +2 C cos x)

y= 2/(-sinx +2 C cos x) +sin x

y= [2 + sinx ( 2 cosx - sin x)]/ 2 cos x - sin x

y = (2 + 2 C sin x cos x -sin^2 x ) / ( 2 cos x - sin x)

y= 2+ C sin 2x - sin^2x / 2 cos x - sinx

This obviously can't be true because i need to find c and can't do this if i sub y=2 and x=0. But yeah that's my attempt.
 
tylersmith7690 said:
1/ (y-sinx) = -sinx/2 + C cosx

= (-sinx +2 C cos x)/2

y-sinx = 2/(-sinx +2 C cos x)

y= 2/(-sinx +2 C cos x) +sin x
Whew you made it!
Why did you keep going?
y= [2 + sinx ( 2 cosx - sin x)]/ 2 cos x - sin x

y = (2 + 2 C sin x cos x -sin^2 x ) / ( 2 cos x - sin x)

y= 2+ C sin 2x - sin^2x / 2 cos x - sinx

This obviously can't be true because i need to find c and can't do this if i sub y=2 and x=0.
That's because you left out a C in the denominator in the last two lines. You left it out completely in the first line, and you forgot the brackets in the last line. When you are having trouble is the time to be extra careful about what you write down - take your time.

You don't need all that anyway...

Start with the step I put in boldface (above). Here it's formatted for you: $$y=\frac{2}{2C\cos x - \sin x}+\sin x$$ ... now find C given (x,y)=(0,2).
Hint: this is one of those situations where it is better to do the substitution before you do the algebra.
 
Last edited:

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