Verify that this is the solution to an ordinary differential equation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves verifying a solution to the ordinary differential equation dy/dt - 2yt = 1, with a proposed function y(t) that includes an integral and an exponential term. Participants are exploring the implications of differentiating this function and its relationship to the original differential equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the proposed solution y(t) and its components, questioning the accuracy of the derivative and the setup of the integral. There is also a focus on the implications of initial conditions and the distinction between specific and general solutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the differentiation process and the application of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. There is recognition of the need for clarity in communication regarding mathematical functions and their roles in the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the complexity of the integral involved and the methods used to differentiate the function. There is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the integral of e^(-t^2) and its implications for solving the problem.

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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