Understanding Differential Equations and their Solutions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding differential equations (DEs) and their solutions, specifically focusing on two examples: one involving a polynomial function and another involving a trigonometric function. The participants are exploring the methods used to derive the general solutions for these DEs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the technique of separation of variables as a method for solving the differential equations presented. There is a question regarding the derivation of the solution for the second equation, y' = 1 + y^2, and how it leads to y = tan(x + C).

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants recalling the separation of variables technique and clarifying their understanding of the integration process involved in solving the equations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the integration steps, but there is still exploration of the reasoning behind the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of their lecture notes and are attempting to reconcile their understanding of the methods used to solve the differential equations presented. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the application of integration in the context of the second example.

beetle2
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Homework Statement



Hi Guys,
I've got a couple of examples of de's in my lecture notes. one is:
[itex]y'=1+x^2[/itex]
which has a general solution of [itex]y= x+\frac{x^3}{3} + c[/itex]
which i I understand they have taken the integral wrt [itex]x[/itex]


the second is

[itex]y'=1+y^2[/itex] which has a general solution of [itex]y=[/itex]tan[itex](x+c)[/itex]

Can some one please explain to me how that got the second solution?
 
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beetle2 said:

Homework Statement



Hi Guys,
I've got a couple of examples of de's in my lecture notes. one is:
[itex]y'=1+x^2[/itex]
which has a general solution of [itex]y= x+\frac{x^3}{3} + c[/itex]
which i I understand they have taken the integral wrt [itex]x[/itex]


the second is

[itex]y'=1+y^2[/itex] which has a general solution of [itex]y=[/itex]tan[itex](x+c)[/itex]

Can some one please explain to me how that got the second solution?
Both problems can be done by the technique of separation of variables.

For the first, you have
dy/dx = 1 + x^2
==> dy = (1 + x^2)dx
Integrate both sides to get what you already have shown.

For the second, you have
dy/dx = 1 + y^2
==> dy/(1 + y^2) = dx
Now integrate both sides to get
arctan(y) = x + C ==> y = tan(x + C).
 
Thanks mate I had forgoten about separation of variables.
I was integrating both sides wrt x in the second example.
 
beetle2 said:
Thanks mate I had forgoten about separation of variables.
I was integrating both sides wrt x in the second example.
And good luck with that!:biggrin:
 

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