Solving Differential Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving differential equations, specifically focusing on the integration of equations involving variables x and y. Participants are exploring methods to rearrange and integrate these equations while addressing common pitfalls in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integrating both sides of differential equations and the implications of rearranging terms. Questions arise regarding the validity of different approaches and the necessity of including constants of integration.

Discussion Status

Guidance has been offered regarding the integration process and the importance of keeping variables organized. Participants are actively questioning their methods and clarifying their understanding of the integration steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the results obtained from rearranging equations and integrating, highlighting the complexities of handling dependent variables in differential equations.

mrmonkah
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Homework Statement


Solve the following: xdx = y[tex]^{2}[/tex]dy

Homework Equations


Fundamental theorem of calculus - thanks gabbagabbahey

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{x}{y^{2}}[/tex]

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] = [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{x}{y^{2}}[/tex]

=[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{2y^{2}}[/tex]

So with the question, I've integrated both sides to find y^2 on the bottom, so should i rearrange to find y on the LHS and the x on the RHS?
 
Last edited:
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mrmonkah said:

Homework Equations


NA

Unless NA is your abbreviation for the fundamental theorem of calculus, you are mistaken :wink:


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\stackrel{dy}{dx}[/tex] = [tex]\stackrel{y^{2}}{x}[/tex]

What happens if you integrate both sides of the equation [itex]x=y^2\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] with respect to [itex]x[/itex]?
 
Hi gabbagabbahey,

Sorry, i am just getting to grips with the funky math features on the site, so my translation from paper to web isn't vry good. First of all i put in a monster mistake on the web, working on correcting this now.
 
Okay, more or less fixed now... thanks again Gabb
 
Right, so carrying on from my first post,

if i rearrange for y, i get:

y = [tex]\sqrt{\frac{x^{2}}{2}}[/tex]
 
Your starting point is

[tex]x dx = y^2 dy[/tex]

Right?

You can just integrate both sides right there. Start with that.
 
Ok, so if i integrate both sides i get:

[tex]\frac{x^{2}}{2}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{y^{3}}{3}[/tex]

and y = [tex]\sqrt[3]{\frac{3x^{2}}{2}}[/tex]

Surely this isn't right is it? I don't recall coming across cubic roots in 'this particular' module. (I am simply looking for familiarity with the rest of the course)
 
You forgot the plus C.
 
Ahh okay fair enough Char.Limit, i am confused as to why re-arranging the initial equation (as i did earlier) yields such a different result?
 
  • #10
It's mainly because you can't integrate x/y^2 dx, because y also depends on x.

So you can see why you couldn't integrate...

[tex]\int \frac{x}{y^2(x)} dx[/tex]
 
  • #11
Oh i see now. So with questions like these, i should generally keep all the y's on one side and the x's on the other? Ill attempt another question and post it to see if i have my head in the right place. Thank you Char.Limit, and as ever, you make a good point.
 
  • #12
No problem. Glad I could help.
 
  • #13

Homework Statement



Solve the following: [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{1 + y}{1 + x}[/tex]

Homework Equations


Fundamental theorem of calculus - thanks gabbagabbahey


The Attempt at a Solution



Re-arranging to get y terms and x terms on opposite sides:

[tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dy}{1 + y}[/tex] = [tex]\int[/tex][tex]\frac{dx}{1 + x}[/tex]

Which gives:

ln(x + 1) = ln(y + 1)

and so:

y = x

Does this work out?
 
  • #14
Close, but you still need to remember the +C.
 
  • #15
Damn, every time. A habit i need to get used to.
 
  • #16
No real problem. You just have to make sure you do it.
 

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