Solving differential equation involving initial value?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form dy/dt = y - 5 with an initial condition y(0) = y0. Participants are exploring the appropriate methods for solving this equation, including the use of integrating factors and separation of variables.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the rearrangement of the ODE into a standard form and the application of integrating factors. Some express uncertainty about the correctness of their procedures and the form of the equation. Others suggest alternative methods, such as separation of variables, and question the initial setup of the problem.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to solve the ODE, with some participants providing guidance on using separation of variables. While various interpretations of the problem are being discussed, there is no explicit consensus on the best approach at this stage.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention being behind in their coursework, which may affect their understanding of the material. There is also a discussion about the arbitrary constant in the solution process, indicating a need for clarification on initial conditions and constants of integration.

Chandasouk
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dy/dt = y-5 , y(0) = y0

The general form for first ODE has to resemble this

dy/dt + p(t) = g(t)

so I moved the y over to the left side of the equation

dy/dt - y = -5

I think this is where I screw things up. It's not really in this form dy/dt + p(t) = g(t) but rather dy/dt - p(t) = g(t).

Regardless, I went to find an integrating factor \mu(t) = e\intp(t)dt

which gave me e-t as my \mu(t). You then have to multiply that to both sides of this equation

dy/dt - y = -5

Is my procedure correct so far? Because I cannot get the correct answer which is

y=5+(y0-5)et
 
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Chandasouk said:
dy/dt = y-5 , y(0) = y0

The general form for first ODE has to resemble this

dy/dt + p(t) = g(t)

so I moved the y over to the left side of the equation

dy/dt - y = -5

I think this is where I screw things up. It's not really in this form dy/dt + p(t) = g(t) but rather dy/dt - p(t) = g(t).

Regardless, I went to find an integrating factor \mu(t) = e\intp(t)dt


which gave me e-t as my \mu(t). You then have to multiply that to both sides of this equation

dy/dt - y = -5

Is my procedure correct so far? Because I cannot get the correct answer which is

y=5+(y0-5)et

I'm not sure you wrote the problem correctly. You have dy/dt - y = -5 but y is not of the form p(t).

I get y=\frac{5t+y(0)}{1-t}
 
mathstew said:
I'm not sure you wrote the problem correctly. You have dy/dt - y = -5 but y is not of the form p(t).

I get y=\frac{5t+y(0)}{1-t}

Well, that's wrong. The solution is an exponential. You can probably get it with an integrating factor. But it's a lot easier if you just realize the equation is separable.
 
Last edited:
I actually am behind two lectures because I switched into a new math section, so could you show how to do it with integrating factor?
 
There's no need. Just take the initial and divide both sides by (y-5). Then you have something integrable.
 
To elaborate on what Char. Limit said, separate the original equation like this:
\frac{dy}{y - 5} = dt
Now integrate both sides.
 
I took the integral and got

ln(y-5) = t+c

taking e of both sides gives

(y-5) = et+C

I do y(0) = y0 =(y-5) = et+C

How do I get my C term?
 
Chandasouk said:
I took the integral and got

ln(y-5) = t+c

taking e of both sides gives

(y-5) = et+C

I do y(0) = y0 =(y-5) = et+C

How do I get my C term?

You can write e^(t+C) as C*e^t since C is an arbitrary constant. So put t=0 and y=y0 into y-5=C*e^t. What's C?
 
Thanks, Dick. I wasn't aware that you could rewrite it that way. I'll have to keep that in mind. C is then y0-5
 
  • #10
Chandasouk said:
Thanks, Dick. I wasn't aware that you could rewrite it that way. I'll have to keep that in mind. C is then y0-5

e^(x+C)=e^C*e^x. Since C is arbitrary you may as well just call e^C the arbitrary constant and write it C*e^x.
 

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