Verifying and ploting D.E. solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation modeling the cooling of a cup of coffee, described by the equation dT/dt = 0.17(36-T). The original poster seeks to verify a proposed solution and plot the temperature over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separability of the differential equation and suggest algebraic manipulation to facilitate integration. There are inquiries about numerical solutions versus analytical integration methods.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on integrating the equation and verifying the proposed solution without needing to integrate. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, including numerical versus analytical methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the original poster's request for clarification on integration and verification, as well as the insistence on numerical solutions despite suggestions for analytical approaches. There are also references to specific values and substitutions that may affect the interpretation of the equation.

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Homework Statement



A cup of coffee cools according to;

dT/dt = .17(36-T)
At t=0 T= 85 deg centigrade
Two questions : how to verify the solution below and to plot a continuous curve of T/t

Homework Equations



the solution is T(t) = 36 + Ce^-.17t, = 36+49e^-.17t


b]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b]

I solved for two (t)'s numerically ;
T= 74 , 1.29 deg=e^.17t , t= 1.5 s
T= 80 ,.108=.17t . t=.64 s
So could someone explain how to integrate this and get the curve?

Homework Statement

 
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This equation is separable. Manipulate it algebraically so that you get the form f(T) dT/dt = g(t), then integrate both sides dt: [tex]\int f(T) \frac{dT}{dt} dt = \int g(t) dt[/tex]. Note that either f or g may be a constant function, and that some people are more comfortable writing [itex]\frac{dT}{dt} dt[/itex] as just dT.
 
slider142 said:
This equation is separable. Manipulate it algebraically so that you get the form f(T) dT/dt = g(t), then integrate both sides dt: [tex]\int f(T) \frac{dT}{dt} dt = \int g(t) dt[/tex]. Note that either f or g may be a constant function, and that some people are more comfortable writing [itex]\frac{dT}{dt} dt[/itex] as just dT.

Thanks.
Just for my edification would you or someone else complete the numerical integration on this problem. ( it is not a homework problem )
 
Why do you keep insisting on numerical solutions? It is easy to integrate both sides of
[tex]\int\frac{dT}{36- T}= \int .17 dt[/tex]
(On the left use the substitution u= 36- T.)

Of course, to verify that [itex]T= 36+49e^{-.17t}[/itex] is the solution to the problem you don't even need to integrate. [tex]dT/dt= (-.17)(49)e^{-.17t}[/tex] while [tex]36- .17T= (-.17)(49)e^{-.17t}[/tex] so this T clearly satifies the equation and, of course, taking t= 0 gives T(0)= 36+ 49= 85.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks that is what I was looking for
 
HallsofIvy said:
Why do you keep insisting on numerical solutions? It is easy to integrate both sides of
[tex]\int\frac{dT}{36- T}= \int .17 dt[/tex]
(On the left use the substitution u= 36- T.)

Of course, to verify that [itex]T= 36+49e^{-.17t}[/itex] is the solution to the problem you don't even need to integrate. [tex]dT/dt= (-.17)(49)e^{-.17t}[/tex] while [tex]36- .17T= (-.17)(49)e^{-.17t}[/tex] so this T clearly satifies the equation and, of course, taking t= 0 gives T(0)= 36+ 49= 85.

referring to : 36-.17T = (-.17)(49)e^-.17t
It looks likes the left side above should be (36-T)(.17) since at (t)=1.5 T=74
and the right side ,dT/dt= 6.45
 
Last edited:

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