What is the Correct Way to Use the Integrating Factor Method for Proving an ODE?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of the integrating factor method to solve a specific ordinary differential equation (ODE), specifically the equation q' + 2q = 5sin(t) with the initial condition q(0) = 0. Participants are exploring the steps involved in applying the method and verifying their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in applying the integrating factor method and seeks confirmation of their solution.
  • Another participant confirms the use of the integrating factor e^(2t) and outlines the steps to multiply the original equation and integrate both sides.
  • A participant questions whether integrating 5e^(2t)sin(t) results in the same constant C and expresses confusion about the subsequent steps.
  • Another participant corrects the misunderstanding about differentiation, indicating that the derivative of 5e^(2t)sin(t) involves additional terms.
  • One participant attempts to clarify their calculations and seeks feedback on their work, including the integration and application of the initial condition.
  • There are corrections regarding the placement of constants and terms in the equations, with some participants suggesting that errors exist in the integration results and the handling of constants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the integration steps and the resulting expressions. There are multiple competing views on the proper handling of constants and the integration process, leading to ongoing confusion and debate.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that certain steps in the integration and differentiation process are unclear or incorrect, highlighting the need for careful notation and full expression of each step in the proof.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners seeking to understand the integrating factor method for solving ODEs, particularly those grappling with similar equations and integration techniques.

hurcw
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I am really struggling with proving a ODE by means of using the integrating factor method.
My original problem was a Laplace transform
q'+2q=5sin(t) where q(0)=0
I believe i have got the correct naswer for this as being:- q= e^-2t +2sint-cost
I just need to confirm this i have my integrating factor as e^2x but after that i am not really sure where to go next.
I am surrounded by piles of paper with varying answers on, non of which are the same as the one above.
Please please help someone.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi hurcw! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
hurcw said:
q'+2q=5sin(t) where q(0)=0

i have my integrating factor as e^2x but after that i am not really sure where to go next.

yes, you multiply the orignal equation by e2t, giving:

e2tq' +2qe2t = 5e2tsin(t)​

that's the same as:

(qe2t)' = 5e2tsin(t)​

now you integrate both sides:

qe2t = ∫ 5e2tsin(t) dt​

and finally multiply the RHS (after the integration, and don't forget the constant!) by e-2t, to give you q :smile:
 
Thanks for the reply if i integrate 5e^2t sin(t) do i not just get the same +C, and then if i multiply by e-2t it cancels out the e2ttso i am left with 5sin(t)+ C.
Or am i being completely retarded which is a major possibility
 
hurcw said:
Thanks for the reply if i integrate 5e^2t sin(t) do i not just get the same+C …

nooo :redface:

d/dt(5e2tsint) = 10e2tsint + 5e2tcost :wink:
 
Ahhh i see...i think,
I then multiply this by e(-2t)
Which cancels out the e(2t) am i right?
i still don't see how i end up at my original answer?
 
hurcw said:
… i still don't see how i end up at my original answer?

show us what you've done :smile:
 
Right here it is:-

q'+2q=5sin(t)
IF= e(2t) , Q=5sin(t)
e(2t)q'+2e(2t)q=5e(2t)sin(t)
d/dt2(e(2t)q)=5e(2t)sin(t)

2(e(2t)q)=∫5e(2t)sin(t).dt

= 10e(2t)sin(t)+5e(2t)cos(t)+C

e(2t)q=(5(2e(2t)sin(t)+e(2t)cos(t))+C/2

q=(5(2e(2t)sin(t)+e(2t)cos(t))+C/2e(2t)

I then put in my original boundary condition of q(0)=0 to find C

And end up with C=-5
which kind of tallies up because q = 10e(2t)sin(t)+5e(2t)cos(t)+C

0 = (0x1)+(5x1)-5
Transposed 5 = 5
Hows this look so far ??
 
Last edited:
(just got up :zzz: …)
hurcw said:
q'+2q=5sin(t)
IF= e(2t) , Q=5sin(t)
e(2t)q'+2e(2t)q=5e(2t)sin(t)
d/dt2(e(2t)q)=5e(2t)sin(t)

2(e(2t)q)=∫5e(2t)sin(t).dt

= 10e(2t)sin(t)+5e(2t)cos(t)+C

no, that last line is wrong …

if you differentiate it, you don't get 5e(2t)sin(t) :redface:

(also, that "2" on the far left came from nowhere)
 
The '2' is from the original 2q.
I don't get what you mean about my differentiation at the end, i have not differentiated yet.
Where am i going wrong ?
So is it this line that is wrong? q=(5(2e(2t)sin(t)+e(2t)cos(t))+C/2e(2t)
Should it be q=5(2e(2t)sin(t)+e(2t)cos(t))+C/e(2t)
which would cancel down to q=5(e(2t)sin(t)+cos(t))+C wouldn't it ?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Can anyone offer any more assistance with his please, all the help so far has been greatly appreciated.
 
  • #11
hmm … let's rewrite that so that it's readable …
q=(5(2e2tsin(t)+e2tcos(t))+C/2e2t)
Should it be q=5(2e2tsin(t)+e2tcos(t))+C/e2t
which would cancel down to q=5(e2tsin(t)+cos(t))+C

no your ∫ was wrong (there should be a minus in the first line),

and because you've put your brackets in the wrong place, there are errors in the next two lines also :redface:

you must write these proofs out more carefully and in full (ie without taking short-cuts by missing out lines)​
 

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