Solving for C and Y(x) in differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a separable differential equation with an initial condition. The equation presented is \(7x - 3y\sqrt{x^{2}+1}\frac{dy}{dx} = 0\), and the initial condition is \(y(0) = -10\). Participants are exploring the implications of their manipulations and the resulting expressions for \(y(x)\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for \(C\) and \(y(x)\) but encounters difficulties with the resulting equation. They express confusion about handling square roots in their solution. Other participants suggest rearranging the equation for clarity and offer alternative methods for checking the solution.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different approaches to manipulate the equation and clarify the role of constants in their solutions. There is no explicit consensus yet, but suggestions for simplifying the problem and checking the solution through differentiation have been provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the complexity of the equation and the implications of the initial condition. There is mention of repeated attempts leading to confusion, indicating a challenging problem setup.

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Homework Statement


Solve the separable differential equation Subject to the initial condition y(0) = -10:

7x-3y[tex]\sqrt{x^{2}+1}[/tex][tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] = 0


Homework Equations


Differential Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I got up to the point where:
-[tex]\frac{3}{2}[/tex]y[tex]^{2}[/tex]=-7[tex]\sqrt{x^{2}+1}[/tex]+C

I solved for c=-143

but when I plug it back in, I get a mess of an equation in solving for y(x) and each time I plug it into check my answer, it comes up as wrong. Can anyone show me the mistake I am making? (My answer ends up being (-2/3(-7(x^2+1)^(1/2)-143))^(1/2) or some variation of that).

Thanks!
 
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In your solution equation, solve for y so that you have y = {whatever} + C. That will make it easier to differentiate and to substitute in your DE.
 
Ok, that sounds like a good idea. But I'm having trouble wrapping my head conceptually around the two square roots, since y^2 equals a term with a square root already in it. And does c go under the root? This may seem kind of trivial but I think this is why I've gotten this problem wrong 10 times already haha
 
How about multiplying both sides of the equation you ended up with by -2/3? Then you would have y^2 = some stuff + C', where C' = (-2/3) * (-143).

If you want to check your solution, you could take the derivative with respect to x implicitly (i.e., d/dx(y^2) = 2y dy/dx = d/dx(the stuff on the right side)). Then you could solve for dy/dx algebraically and substitute it back into the original equation. Might be a little simpler than a square root of a square root plus a constant. And yes, the constant would have to go under the outer radical. And you would have to consider positive and negative roots.
 

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