Solving ODE: Separate x from M-x

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving a differential equation related to population growth, where the rate of growth of the population \( x \) is proportional to the product of \( x \) and \( (M-x) \). The original poster attempts to derive a specific solution given the condition that \( x = M/2 \) at \( t = 50 \).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the equation using partial fractions and question the correctness of the integration steps. There is an exploration of how to separate variables in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on rechecking the integration steps, particularly regarding the signs in the partial fraction decomposition. There is an ongoing examination of the expressions derived from the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that \( x \) is a continuous function of time and are exploring the implications of this assumption on the integration process. There is a focus on ensuring the correct application of mathematical techniques without providing a complete solution.

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The rate of growth of the population x of a country is proportional to the product of x and (M-x), where M is a constant. Assume that x can be regarded as a continuous function of the time t with a continuous derivative at all times and show that if x=M/2 when t=50 then
[tex]x=\frac{M}{1+\exp^{-Mk(t-50)}} \\[/tex].
My attempt:
[tex]\frac{dx}{dt} \propto x(M-x)[/tex] Therefore
[tex]\int\frac{1}{x(M-x)}dx = k\int dt[/tex] Solving the first integral, using partial fractions, we get:
[tex]\int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{m-x} dx \\[/tex]
Solving the 2nd integral on the l.h.s., let u=M-x => -du=dx, therefore [tex]\int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \ln{x} + \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{u}du \\[/tex] =-1/M(ln(x) + ln(m-x)) = -1/M*ln(x(M-x)) = [tex]k\int dt[/tex].
Therefore ln(x(M-x)) = -M*k*t - M*c. => [tex]x(M-x) = \exp{-M(kt+c)}[/tex].
As you can see x is not separated, but I cannot find the mistake/s that gave rise to this. Thanks for helping.
 
Last edited:
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Recheck the integration by partial fractions.
 
I now get x/(M-x) =[tex]\exp{-M(kt+c)[/tex]
 
What you wrote as

[tex]\int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{-1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int\frac{1}{m-x} dx \\[/tex]

should have been...

[tex]\int \frac{1}{x(M-x)} dx = \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{x} dx + \frac{1}{M} \int \frac{1}{M-x} dx \\[/tex]

i.e.No minus signs.After integrating, it should read,

[tex]\frac{1}{M}\left[\ln{x} - \ln{\left(M-x\right)}\right] = k\int{dt}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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