What is the issue with the last term in the conversion from v(t) to y(t)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion from velocity function v(t) to position function y(t) in the context of a differential equation. Participants are examining the implications of an arbitrary constant C in the expression for y(t), particularly when applying initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how to handle the constant C when transitioning from v(t) to y(t), especially regarding the term C / t^2 and its behavior at t = 0. Some assert that C / 0 is undefined rather than indeterminate. Others discuss the correct form of the differential equation and the implications of coefficients being undefined at t = 0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring various interpretations of the mathematical expressions involved. Some participants are providing clarifications on the correct form of the differential equation and the integrating factor, while others are seeking ways to address the undefined expression that arises at t = 0.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern regarding the behavior of the differential equation's coefficients at t = 0, which complicates the application of initial conditions. The participants are navigating the implications of these constraints in their reasoning.

Shackleford
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For #3, when going from the v(t) to y(t), I wasn't sure what to do with the
C. When you get to the y(t), the last term is C / t^2. When you put in the
initial condition y(0), you get an indeterminate expression C / 0.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/3.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Shackleford said:
For #3, when going from the v(t) to y(t), I wasn't sure what to do with the
C. When you get to the y(t), the last term is C / t^2. When you put in the
initial condition y(0), you get an indeterminate expression C / 0.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/3.jpg

There isn't much you can do. However, C/0 is not indeterminate! It's simply undefined. "Indeterminate" only has meaning when the expression is inside the argument of a limit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You have y'= a(t)y+ f(t) and assert that the integrating factor is
[tex]e^{\int a(t)dt}[/itex]<br /> That is incorrect. The formula is for a d.e. of the form y'+ a(t)y= f(t) so you have the sign wrong. The equation y'= -(2/t)y+ t-1 is equivalent to y'+ (2/t)y= t- 1. The integrating factor is <br /> [tex]e^{\int 2/t dt}= e^{2 ln|t|}= t^2[/tex].<br /> <br /> Of course, you are still going to have a problem at t= 0 because one of the coefficients of your d.e. is not defined at t= 0.[/tex]
 
HallsofIvy said:
You have y'= a(t)y+ f(t) and assert that the integrating factor is
[tex]e^{\int a(t)dt}[/itex]<br /> That is incorrect. The formula is for a d.e. of the form y'+ a(t)y= f(t) so you have the sign wrong. The equation y'= -(2/t)y+ t-1 is equivalent to y'+ (2/t)y= t- 1. The integrating factor is <br /> [tex]e^{\int 2/t dt}= e^{2 ln|t|}= t^2[/tex].<br /> <br /> Of course, you are still going to have a problem at t= 0 because one of the coefficients of your d.e. is not defined at t= 0.[/tex]
[tex] <br /> Hm. I thought it didn't have to be in standard form.<br /> <br /> How do you get around the undetermined expression?[/tex]
 

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