Solving for y in an ODE with Initial Conditions

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific ordinary differential equation (ODE) involving initial conditions and the interpretation of functions within the equation. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and implications of the ODE, which includes functions A and B that are suggested to be probability density functions (PDFs), and y as a cumulative distribution function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the formulation of the ODE, noting that A(y,x) suggests A is a function of both x and y, which complicates the interpretation of dy/dx.
  • One participant proposes a reformulation of the ODE into a linear first-order differential equation, suggesting specific forms for α(x) and β(x) based on A and B.
  • Another participant clarifies that dy/dx can be viewed as an implicit derivative, which may address concerns about the formulation.
  • Initial conditions are specified, including dy/dx = 0 with y = 0 and dy/dx = δ(x - x₀) with y = 1, but the implications of these conditions remain under discussion.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the context of the question, with some seeking clarification on whether it is related to schoolwork or a term paper.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of the ODE or the validity of the proposed solutions. Participants express differing views on the formulation and implications of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the functions A and B are considered to be probability density functions, but the relationship between these functions and the ODE remains complex and unresolved. The initial conditions and their impact on the solution are also not fully explored.

mmzaj
Messages
107
Reaction score
0
what is the solution for y in this peculiar ODE ?

[tex]A\left(y,x\right)=\frac{dy}{dx}+B(x)(1-y)[/tex]

with initial conditions :

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\left0 \ldots , y=0[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\delta(x-x_{0})\ldots,y=1[/tex]

moreover

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}Adx=\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}Bdx=1[/tex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mmzaj said:
what is the solution for y in this peculiar ODE ?

[tex]A\left(y,x\right)=\frac{dy}{dx}+B(x)(1-y)[/tex]

with initial conditions :

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\left0 \ldots , y=0[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\delta(x-x_{0})\ldots,y=1[/tex]

moreover

[tex]\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}Adx=\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}Bdx=1[/tex]

What is the context of your question? Is this schoolwork?
 
"A(x,y)" implies that A is a function of the independent variables x and y but then dy/dx makes no sense.
 
berkeman said:
What is the context of your question? Is this schoolwork?

yes and no , it's not a homework , it's for a term paper . the functions A&B are PDFs of some kind , and y is a cumulative distribution function .
 
ok , here is a trial :

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \alpha(x)\cdot y + \beta (x)[/tex] (1)

where ...

[tex]\alpha(x)= B(x)[/tex]

[tex]\beta(x)= A(x) - B(x)[/tex]

(1) is a linear first order DE and its general solution is...

[tex]\ y(x)= e^{\int \alpha(x)\cdot dx} (\int \beta(x)\cdot e^{-\int \alpha(x)\cdot dx}\cdot dx + c)[/tex]

The constant c is derived [if possible...] from the initial conditions
 
HallsofIvy said:
"A(x,y)" implies that A is a function of the independent variables x and y but then dy/dx makes no sense.

you can think of [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] as an implicit derivative rather than explicit
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K