Understanding Initial Value Problems: Solving for y in y' = y-5 with y(0) = y0

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the initial value problem defined by the differential equation y' = y - 5 with the initial condition y(0) = y0. The solution is derived using an integrating factor, resulting in the general solution y(t) = 5 + (y0 - 5)e^t. The constant C is determined by the initial condition, leading to the conclusion that C = y0 - 5. This method effectively illustrates the process of solving first-order linear differential equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with integrating factors in differential equations
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their properties
  • Basic calculus, including integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of integrating factors for solving differential equations
  • Explore the application of initial value problems in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about different types of differential equations, such as separable and exact equations
  • Investigate the behavior of solutions to differential equations as t approaches infinity
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and physics who are working with differential equations and initial value problems.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y'&=y-5\quad y(0)=y_0\tag{given}\\
y'-y&=-5\\
u(x)&=\exp\int-1\, dx = e^{-t}\\
(e^{-t}y)&=-5e^{-t}\\
e^{-t}y&=-5\int e^{-t} dt = -5e^{-t}+c\\
&y=-5\frac{e^{-t}}{e^{-t}}+\frac{c}{e^{-t}}\\
y&=\color{red}{5+(y_0-5)e^t}
\end{align*}$
this is similar to one I posted before but can't seem to get the book answer (red)
the $y_0$ is ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
karush said:
$\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y'&=y-5\quad y(0)=y_0\tag{given}\\
y'-y&=-5\\
u(x)&=\exp\int-1\, dx = e^{-t}\\
(e^{-t}y)&=-5e^{-t}\\
e^{-t}y&=-5\int e^{-t} dt = -5e^{-t}+c\\
&y=-5\frac{e^{-t}}{e^{-t}}+\frac{c}{e^{-t}}\\
y&=\color{red}{5+(y_0-5)e^t}
\end{align*}$
this is similar to one I posted before but can't seem to get the book answer (red)
the $y_0$ is ?

Note that:

$$-5\int e^{-u}\,du=5e^{-u}+C$$

And so after integrating, you should have:

$$e^{-t}y=5e^{-t}+C$$

Hence:

$$y(t)=5+Ce^{t}$$

Now, we are given:

$$y(0)=5+C=y_0\implies C=y_0-5$$

And so:

$$y(t)=5+(y_0-5)e^{t}$$

Does that make sense?
 
Ok

I had the C thing not happeningI noticed we get a lot of views on these!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K