Solving the Diff. Equation: P(t) = (MP_{0}) / (P_{0} + (M - P_{0})e^{-kMt})

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation dP/dt = k(M - P)P, with the goal of demonstrating that the solution takes the form P(t) = (MP_{0}) / (P_{0} + (M - P_{0})e^{-kMt}).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to integrate the equation and manipulate the resulting expressions. Questions arise regarding the validity of certain steps, particularly the treatment of constants and the initial condition P_{0}.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on differentiating P and substituting it back into the differential equation. Others express uncertainty about their methods and seek clarification on specific steps in their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of imposed homework rules that restrict the use of certain methods, as well as a reference to challenges faced by both the original poster and a teaching assistant in solving the problem.

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Homework Statement



Solve the euqation dP/dt = k(M - P)P to show that it equals: P(t) = (MP_{0}) /( P_{0} + (M - P_{0})e^{-kMt})

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


\[ \int \frac {dP} {P(M - P)}\] = k \int dt \

\frac {1} {M}\ \ln( \frac {P} {M - P}) + C = Kt + C

I combine the constants of integration... i can do this right?
Then i get rid of the log by taking the exponent of both sides.

P/(M - P) = e^{mkt + c}

I then turn e^{c} into P_{0}

Next i divide through by (M - P)

P = (M - P)P_{0}e^{mkt}

next i combine the P then divide through by the remainder.

P = (mP_{0}e^{mkt})/(1 + P_{0}e^{mkt})

and i end up with:
P = (mP_{0})/(e^{-mkt} + P_{0})

In the equation i am suppose to get i don't see how there could possibly be three terms in the denominator.
 
Last edited:
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You could just differentiate P and substitute it into the differential equation.
 
thanks for the reply cristo.

I was in the process of editing my post (i am still getting use to LaTex) when you replied. i could do that but my teacher want us to just solve it. Also this has been bugging me for a while, i have been working on it for the past few hours and cannot get it. My teacher... well a grad student TA for my DE lab couldn't solve it either.

I also would like to know what is wrong with my method... it seems like it should work but... its not.

one thing think might be wrong with my method is the P_{0} initial condition.
 
dionysian said:

Homework Statement



Solve the euqation dP/dt = k(M - P)P to show that it equals: P(t) = (MP_{0}) /( P_{0} + (M - P_{0})e^{-kMt})

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


\[ \int \frac {dP} {P(M - P)}\] = k \int dt \

\frac {1} {M}\ \ln( \frac {P} {M - P}) + C = Kt + C

I combine the constants of integration... i can do this right?
Then i get rid of the log by taking the exponent of both sides.

P/(M - P) = e^{mkt + c}

I then turn e^{c} into P_{0}
HOW did you "turn e^{c}[/tex] into P_0&quot;? <br /> <br /> When t= 0, You have P_0/(M-P_0)= e^c<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Next i divide through by (M - P)<br /> <br /> P = (M - P)P_{0}e^{mkt} <br /> <br /> next i combine the P then divide through by the remainder. <br /> <br /> P = (mP_{0}e^{mkt})/(1 + P_{0}e^{mkt})<br /> <br /> and i end up with:<br /> P = (mP_{0})/(e^{-mkt} + P_{0})<br /> <br /> In the equation i am suppose to get i don&#039;t see how there could possibly be three terms in the denominator. </div> </div> </blockquote>
 
Thanks a million. works out fine after that.
 

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