The problem involves solving a first-order differential equation of the form y' = (1/2)(y - 1)² with the initial condition y(0) = 2. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their attempts to solve the equation, particularly after applying variable separation.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the integration process and encouraging the original poster to revisit their work. There is acknowledgment of a typo in the original equation, which may have contributed to the confusion.
The original poster mentions the late timing of their homework as a potential factor in their difficulties. There is an indication that the algebraic manipulation after integration may be a point of error, but specifics are not yet resolved.
erok81 said:Oh yes, that was a typo - thank you
I'll give it another go. For some reason after integrating it didn't look right so I gave up too soon. I am pretty sure my error is in the algebra at the end.