What is the difference between these types of differential equations?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Jhenrique
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ode Terms
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between various types of differential equations, specifically focusing on first-order linear differential equations and their classifications. Participants explore the characteristics of specific equations and their solutions, delving into the definitions and implications of linearity in differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the difference between equations of the form \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \exp(x)\) and \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 1/x\) compared to \(\frac{dy}{dx} = y\) and \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\exp(y)}\).
  • Another participant asserts that there is no difference, suggesting that the variables can be named differently and encourages solving the equations to see the results.
  • A participant defines a general linear first-order differential equation and notes that the first three equations fit this definition, while the last does not, raising a question about a potential contradiction.
  • Some participants argue about the linearity of the last equation, with one stating it is not linear due to the presence of \(e^{-y}\) on the right side, while others insist it is linear.
  • There is a discussion about the solutions to the equations, with one participant claiming that both \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{x}\) and \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\exp(y)}\) yield the same antiderivative solution, while another counters that the solutions are different.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the need to specify the independent variable when solving differential equations, with some participants asserting that \(x\) is the independent variable and \(y\) is dependent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the linearity of the last equation and the nature of the solutions to the differential equations discussed. There is no consensus on whether the last equation is linear or whether the solutions of the two equations are the same.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of definitions in determining the linearity of differential equations and the implications of the right-hand side of the equations. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the solutions and their relevance to the classification of the equations.

Jhenrique
Messages
676
Reaction score
4
Which the difference between diff equations of kind: [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \exp(x)[/tex] [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = 1/x[/tex]
and diff equations of kind:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = y[/tex] [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\exp(y)}[/tex] ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nothing.
Well... apart from the obvious.

You can call the variables anything you like.
Try solving them and see what you get.
 
A general linear diff equation of 1st order have a form: [tex]f(x)y'(x)+g(x)y(x)=h(x)[/tex] The 3 first equations fits into this definition, but the last no. However, the last equation is linear too. This is a contradiction?
 
Nothing,
As already mentioned both are the same.
What do you mean by that?
 
Jhenrique said:
A general linear diff equation of 1st order have a form: [tex]f(x)y'(x)+g(x)y(x)=h(x)[/tex] The 3 first equations fits into this definition, but the last no. However, the last equation is linear too. This is a contradiction?

Note that when you want solve an equation you must specify the independent variable , first tell us what variable your are assuming as independent one,
 
Last edited:
Jhenrique said:
A general linear diff equation of 1st order have a form: [tex]f(x)y'(x)+g(x)y(x)=h(x)[/tex] The 3 first equations fits into this definition, but the last no. However, the last equation is linear too. This is a contradiction?
No, the last equation is not linear. In a linear differential equation y, y', y'', ... occur to the first power only, but can be multiplied by functions of the independent variable. With the right side being e-y, the equation is not linear.
 
Jhenrique said:
A general linear diff equation of 1st order have a form: [tex]f(x)y'(x)+g(x)y(x)=h(x)[/tex] The 3 first equations fits into this definition, but the last no. However, the last equation is linear too. This is a contradiction?

justawebuser said:
Note that when you want solve an equation you must specify the independent variable , first tell us what variable your are assuming as independent one,
I'm assuming that the independent variable is x, and y is the dependent variable. That seems fairly clear from what Jhenrique wrote.
 
Mark44 said:
No, the last equation is not linear. In a linear differential equation y, y', y'', ... occur to the first power only, but can be multiplied by functions of the independent variable. With the right side being e-y, the equation is not linear.

But the antiderivative's solution of ##\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{x}## is log(x) and the antiderivative's solution of ##\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\exp(y)}## is log(x) too. So why the first is linear and the second no?
 
Jhenrique said:
But the antiderivative's solution of ##\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{x}## is log(x) and the antiderivative's solution of ##\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\exp(y)}## is log(x) too. So why the first is linear and the second no?
Two things:
1. The solution of a differential equation has nothing to do with whether the equation is linear or not.
2. The two equations do NOT have the same solution.

## \frac{dy}{dx} = e^{-y}##
##\Rightarrow e^y dy = dx##
##\Rightarrow \int e^y dy = \int dx##
##\Rightarrow e^y = x + C##
##\Rightarrow y = ln(x + C)##
This solution is different from the one for dy/dx = 1/x.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K