Solving Differential Equation: y' = cos(x+y) with u = x+y

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation y' = cos(x+y) by introducing a new variable u = x+y. Participants are exploring the differentiation of the substitution and the subsequent steps needed to manipulate the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiating the equation x+y = u and question the correct form of the derivative. There are attempts to express y in terms of u and x, and participants are considering how to substitute back into the original equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to differentiate the substitution and have noted the need for the new equation to involve u and x. There is an ongoing exploration of methods to solve the resulting differential equation, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the next steps.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the differentiation process and the integration of the resulting equation. Participants are also reflecting on the importance of showing work and understanding the reasoning behind the steps taken.

der.physika
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Solve the following differential equation

[tex]y\prime=\cos(x+y)[/tex]

Here introduce the new variable:

[tex]x+y\equiv{u}[/tex]

Please show steps, or else I won't understand this
 
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What do you get when you differentiate x + y = u with respect to x and plug it in?
 
LCKurtz said:
What do you get when you differentiate x + y = u with respect to x and plug it in?

Okay, but how do I differentiate

[tex] x+y\equiv{u}[/tex] ?

Do I get

[tex] 1+y\equiv{u}[/tex]

or do I have to rewrite it as

[tex] u-x\equiv{y}[/tex]

which then becomes

[tex] u-1\equiv{y\prime}[/tex]

and where do I plug that in?
 
der.physika said:
Okay, but how do I differentiate

[tex] x+y\equiv{u}[/tex] ?

Do I get

[tex] 1+y\equiv{u}[/tex]

or do I have to rewrite it as

[tex] u-x\equiv{y}[/tex]

which then becomes

[tex] u-1\equiv{y\prime}[/tex]

You differentiate an equation by differentiating both sides of it. Every term. Neither of your two attempts to differentiate above are correct.

and where do I plug that in?

Look at your original post. Where do you think you might plug the substitution in?
 
ok how about this

[tex] x+y\equiv{u}[/tex]

comes out to be

[tex] 1+y\prime\equiv{u\prime}[/tex]

and then plug the [tex]y\prime[/tex] into the equation?
 
Yes. Your new equation should involve u and x.
 
LCKurtz said:
Yes. Your new equation should involve u and x.

ok, so I plugged it in and I got the following

[tex]u\prime-1=\cos(u)[/tex]

what do I do now? should I integrate both sides? and then rewrite u into y and x terms?
 
der.physika said:
ok, so I plugged it in and I got the following

[tex]u\prime-1=\cos(u)[/tex]

what do I do now? should I integrate both sides? and then rewrite u into y and x terms?

Well, you have a new differential equation. What methods have you learned to solve differential equations? Have you tried any of these methods? Show us what happens.
 
der.physika said:
Thanks a bunch [tex]shashi_a_n_k_a_m[/tex]

you are awesome!

And he is also violating forum rules by giving a complete solution.
 
  • #10
LCKurtz said:
And he is also violating forum rules by giving a complete solution.

Okay, but I still don't know how to find that integral, which is what I'm going to go find out now. In the end I still learn something, even though I got the answer, I need to show my work completely, what's an answer without an explanation? a meaningless number...
 
  • #11
I figured out how to do that integral, the steps are as followed

(1) [tex]\int\frac{1}{1+\cos(u)}[/tex]

(2) use [tex]\cos(u)\equiv1-\cos^2(\frac{u}{2})[/tex]

and then it simplifies to

(3) [tex]\frac{1}{2}\sec^2(\frac{u}{2})[/tex]

which comes out to

(4) [tex]\frac{1}{2}tan(\frac{x+y}{2})=y[/tex]
 
  • #12
Isn't there a way I can write the equation in terms of only [tex]X[/tex] values?
 

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