Verify that this is the solution to an ordinary differential equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) dy/dt - 2yt = 1, with the proposed solution y(t) = e^(t^2)∫(from 0 to t) e^(-s^2) ds + e^(t^2). The participants clarify that the derivative of y(t) involves applying the product rule and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, leading to the conclusion that the specific solution satisfies the ODE with the initial condition y(0) = 1. To derive the general solution, a constant C must be added to account for different initial conditions.

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  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Knowledge of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
  • Familiarity with differentiation techniques, including the product rule
  • Basic integration techniques for functions like e^(-s^2)
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  • Study the application of the product rule in differentiation
  • Learn more about the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and its implications for integration
  • Explore methods for solving ordinary differential equations, particularly linear ODEs
  • Investigate techniques for evaluating integrals involving exponential functions, such as e^(-t^2)
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations, calculus, and integration techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of ODE solutions and their derivations.

NCyellow
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Homework Statement


I am given dy/dt -2yt = 1
and y(t) = (e^(t^2))[e^(-s^2)ds] + e^(t^2)
integrate from t to 0 within the brackets.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the derivative of y(t) would equal e^(t^2)
However I do not know how I am supposed to solve after I plug all the numbers in. It becomes a huge mess with 2t * the whole mess that is y(t)
Please advise
Thank you!
 
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Is this your y(t)?
y(t)~=~\int_0^t e^{t^2}(e^{-s^2})ds~+ e^{t^2}
 
Mark44 said:
Is this your y(t)?
y(t)~=~\int_0^t e^{t^2}(e^{-s^2})ds~+ e^{t^2}

Yes, but the first e^(t^2) is outside and multiplying the integral.
 
NCyellow said:

Homework Statement


I am given dy/dt -2yt = 1
and y(t) = (e^(t^2))[e^(-s^2)ds] + e^(t^2)
integrate from t to 0 within the brackets

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the derivative of y(t) would equal e^(t^2).
So
y(t)= e^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds+ e^{t^2}?
No, the derivative is NOT e^{t^2}.
Differentiating,
y'= 2te^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds- e^{t^2}e^{-t^2}+ 2te^{t^2}
= 2t(e^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds+ e^{t^2})- 1= 2ty- 1.
That's exactly why it satisfies dy/dt- 2ty= 1.
But that is NOT the "general solution". The way you have set it up, when t= 0, the integral is from 0 to 0 and so is 0. y(0)= 0+ e^{0^2}= 1. This is the solution of dy/dx- 2ty= 1 with intial condition y(0)= 1. To get the general solution, add "+ C". Then choose C to give whatever specific value it is supposed to have.

However I do not know how I am supposed to solve after I plug all the numbers in. It becomes a huge mess with 2t * the whole mess that is y(t)
Please advise
Thank you!
Plug what numbers in? I have no idea what you are talking about! Do you mean differentiate it? (As I just did? I used the product rule on e^{2x}\int e^{-2s}ds and the Fundamental theorem of Calculus to differentiate \int e^{-2s}ds itself.)
 
HallsofIvy said:
So
y(t)= e^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds+ e^{t^2}?
No, the derivative is NOT e^{t^2}.
Differentiating,
y'= 2te^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds- e^{t^2}e^{-t^2}+ 2te^{t^2}
= 2t(e^{t^2}\int_t^0 e^{-s^2}ds+ e^{t^2})- 1= 2ty- 1.
That's exactly why it satisfies dy/dt- 2ty= 1.
But that is NOT the "general solution". The way you have set it up, when t= 0, the integral is from 0 to 0 and so is 0. y(0)= 0+ e^{0^2}= 1. This is the solution of dy/dx- 2ty= 1 with intial condition y(0)= 1. To get the general solution, add "+ C". Then choose C to give whatever specific value it is supposed to have.


Plug what numbers in? I have no idea what you are talking about! Do you mean differentiate it? (As I just did? I used the product rule on e^{2x}\int e^{-2s}ds and the Fundamental theorem of Calculus to differentiate \int e^{-2s}ds itself.)

Hi, thank you very much. I guess i misread a rule from the book when I thought that differentiating it would be simple. When i said plugging numbers in I meant plugging the y and y' back into the original equation to make sure it works.
 
y and y' aren't "numbers" to plug in - they are functions. It's very important to communicate clearly, even more so in the context of a forum where you have to use text only, and there is a lag time between a question and an answer.
 
when i do this i have the integral of e^(-t^2). which from my understanding is not a very fun integral. I don't understand the method you guys took to doing this. can someone explain??
 
Mark44 said:
y and y' aren't "numbers" to plug in - they are functions. It's very important to communicate clearly, even more so in the context of a forum where you have to use text only, and there is a lag time between a question and an answer.

Hi, Thank you so much for helping me. I will try to be more clear in the future.
 
The derivative of
\int_0^x e^{-t^2}dt
is just e^{-x^2}- that's the "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus". But \int_0^x e^{x^2}e^{-t^2}dt= e^{x^2}\int_0^t e^{-t^2}dt is a product of functions of x and you have to use the chain rule.
 

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