Solving differential equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation dy/dx = (1+y^2)/(1+x^2) with the initial condition y(0)=1. The solution involves separating variables and integrating, leading to the equation arctan(y) = arctan(x) + c. By applying the tangent addition formula, the final solution is derived as y = (1+x)/(1-x), confirming the correct application of trigonometric identities in solving the equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, specifically the tangent addition formula
  • Familiarity with integration techniques
  • Basic concepts of initial value problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in differential equations
  • Learn about the tangent addition formula in trigonometry
  • Explore initial value problems and their solutions
  • Investigate advanced integration techniques relevant to differential equations
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on differential equations, as well as educators seeking to clarify methods for solving initial value problems.

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[SOLVED] Solving differential equations

Homework Statement



Find the solution:
dy/dx = (1+y^2)/(1+x^2)
hint: there is a formula tan(a + b) that will simplify your answer.
y(0)=1

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I separated the variables and integrated ending up with

arctan(y)=arctan(x)+c
I do not see how to take this to the answer below. I understand how to use the formula they gave me in the hint but I do not see how it applies here...

the answer is
y=(1+x)/(1-x) this problem is from my exam review we have the solutions but not how to get them...
 
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tan(arctan(y))=y

take the tangent of both sides and then the formula for tan(a+b) goes to work since you have tan(arctan(x)+c), which is also (tan(a)+tan(b))/(1-tan(a)tan(b)) so you get (x+tan(c))/(1-x*tan(c)).

y(0)=1 --> tan(c)=1 --> c= arctan(1)

and you get

y=(x+tan(c))/(1-x*tan(c)) --> (x+1)/(1-x)
 
thanks a lot I was thinking you had to take the tan of both sides but I wasn't sure you cleared it up nicely.
 

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