Solving the ODE 4(dy/dx)=4-y^2 using separation of variables method

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SUMMARY

The ordinary differential equation (ODE) 4(dy/dx) = 4 - y² is solved using the separation of variables method. The solution involves separating variables to obtain dy/(4 - y²) = dx/4, followed by integration leading to (1/4) ln((2 - y)/(2 + y)) = x/4 + c. The constant can be represented by different variables, such as c' or A, as it remains arbitrary. The discussion clarifies the nature of arbitrary constants in indefinite integrals.

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thereddevils
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Homework Statement



Solve the ODE, 4(dy/dx)=4-y^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



separating the variables,

dy/(4-y^2)=dx/4

then integrating both sides

(1/4) ln((2-y)/(2+y))=x/4+c

Multiply by 4, so now the constant is different, so must i use a different variable for the constant?

ie ln((2-y)/(2+y))=x+c'

(2-y)/(2+y)=(e^x)(e^c')

y=(2-2(e^x)(e^c'))/((e^x)(e^c')+1)

then here, 2(e^c') is another constant, do i have to use another variable to represent it?

And also what's the definition of arbitrary constant?
 
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thereddevils said:

Homework Statement



Solve the ODE, 4(dy/dx)=4-y^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



separating the variables,

dy/(4-y^2)=dx/4

then integrating both sides

(1/4) ln((2-y)/(2+y))=x/4+c

Multiply by 4, so now the constant is different, so must i use a different variable for the constant?
Yes.
thereddevils said:
ie ln((2-y)/(2+y))=x+c'

(2-y)/(2+y)=(e^x)(e^c')
Above, e^c' is just a constant, so you can replace it by, say A.
thereddevils said:
y=(2-2(e^x)(e^c'))/((e^x)(e^c')+1)

then here, 2(e^c') is another constant, do i have to use another variable to represent it?
That's a good idea.
thereddevils said:
And also what's the definition of arbitrary constant?
When you evaluate an indefinite integral such as this --
[tex]\int x~dx = \frac{1}{2}x^2 + C[/tex]
-- the constant C can be any number, so can't be determined, hence is arbitrary.
 

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