What is the solution set for dy/dx = 3y?

  • Thread starter Thread starter intenzxboi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The solution set for the differential equation dy/dx = 3y is expressed as y = Ce^(3x), where C is an arbitrary constant. This result is derived using the method of separation of variables, which involves rearranging the equation to isolate y and integrating both sides. The discussion emphasizes that the function y = Ce^(αx) satisfies the equation for any constant C, confirming the uniqueness of the solution form. Additionally, the correct terminology for the logarithmic function is clarified as "ln," derived from the Latin term "logarithmus naturalis."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically first-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with the method of separation of variables.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly with exponential functions.
  • Basic understanding of logarithmic functions and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in greater detail.
  • Learn about first-order linear differential equations and their general solutions.
  • Explore the properties of exponential functions and their applications in differential equations.
  • Investigate the relationship between logarithmic and exponential functions, focusing on natural logarithms.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and differential equations, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to solution sets of differential equations.

intenzxboi
Messages
98
Reaction score
0
can some one explain to me how the set of all solutions for dy/dx = 3y
is.
y= Ce^3x
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Simply separate the variables.
<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \frac{dy}{dx} &amp; = 3y \\<br /> \frac 1 y \frac dy dx &amp; = 3 \\<br /> \int \left(\frac 1 y\right) \left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) \, dx &amp; =\int 3 \, dx<br /> \end{align*}<br />

You should be able to finish from here.
 
Try rearranging your equation to get it in the form f(y)dy=g(x) dx. Then integrate both sides.

This type of differential equation technique is called 'separation of variables'
 
i got y= e^3x + e^c

how does that become y= Ce^3x
 
Instead of e3x + eC, you should have gotten e3x + C = e3xeC = C' e3x

(Here, C' = eC. After all, eC is just a constant.)
 
o ok thanks got it.
 
this is variable separable. c is constant, then you can make it In c so that when using the e function, In c become only c.
 
darkmagic said:
this is variable separable. c is constant, then you can make it In c so that when using the e function, In c become only c.
The function is LN, not IN. The letters come from Latin: logarithmus naturalis.
 
Here's a proof of the general case that I got from Courant's Introduction to Calculus and Analysis. This is one of my favourite proofs:

"If a function y = f(x) satisfies an equation of the form y&#039; = \alpha y where \alpha is a constant, then y has the form y = f(x) = ce^{\alpha x} where c is also a consant; conversely, every function of the form ce^{\alpha x} satisfies the equation y&#039; = \alpha y.


It is clear that y = ce^{\alpha x} satisfies this equation for any arbitrary constant c. Conversely, no other function satisfies the differential equation y&#039; - \alpha y = =. For if y is such a function, we consider the function u = ye^{-\alpha x}. We then have



u&#039; = y&#039;e^{-\alpha x} - \alpha y e^{-\alpha x} = e^{-\alpha x}(y&#039; - \alpha y}) .

However, the right-hand side vanishes, since we have assumed that y&#039; = \alpha y; hence u&#039; = 0 so that u is a constant c and y = ce^{\alpha x} as we wished to prove."
 
  • #10
yes its ln but I type In. Sorry.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K