A simple differential equation

In summary, the conversation discusses the depth of water in a tank at any given time, represented by the equation A\frac{dx}{dt}= B-c\sqrt{x}, where A, B, and C are constants. The conversation then introduces a method to solve the equation by setting x = y^2 and using integration by parts. However, the result obtained by this method is different from the original equation. The conversation ends with a request for clarification and a second opinion on the solution.
  • #1
John O' Meara
330
0
The depth of water x at any time t in a tank is given by
[tex] A\frac{dx}{dt}= B-c\sqrt{x}\\ [/tex],
where A, b and C are constants. Initially x=0; show that [tex] C^2t=2AB\ln{\frac{B}{B_C\sqrt{x}}}-2AC\sqrt{x}\\ [/tex]
To solve this let [tex]x= y^2\\ [/tex].
Then [tex] \int \frac{A}{B-C\sqrt{x}} = \int dt = \int \frac{2Ay}{B-Cy}dy \\ [/tex].
Let u=B-Cy, therefore [tex] y=\frac{B-u}{c}\\ [/tex], therefore the integral is
[tex] -2A \int \frac{B-u}{C^2u} du = \frac{-2A}{C^2} \int \frac{B-u}{u} du \\ [/tex].
which [tex] = \frac{-2AB}{C^2} \int \frac{1}{u} du + \frac{2A}{C^2} \int du \\ [/tex].
Therefore we have [tex]\frac{-2AB}{C^2}\ln(u) + \frac{2A}{C^2}u \\[/tex]. We have [tex] \frac{-2AB}{C^2} \ln{B_Cy} + \frac{2A}{C^2}(B-Cy) \\[/tex].
Which implies [tex] C^2t = -AB\ln{\frac{B}{C\sqrt{x}}} + 2A(B-C\sqrt{x})\\ [/tex].
As you can see I get a different answer. I integrated by parts also to get a different result. Please help. Thanks.
 
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  • #3
I tried solving it dextercioby's way I used y instead of his t, and I got the wrong answer, I got the integral [tex] = \frac{ -AB}{2C} \int dy + \frac{AB}{2C} \int y dy \\ [/tex]. Where [tex] \sqrt{x} = \frac{B-y}{C} \\[/tex] and [tex] dx=-dy \frac{B-y}{2C} \\ [/tex]. Thanks for helping.
 
  • #4
Sorry I wrote down the wrong answer to dextercioby's method of solving this. What I actually got was the following: [tex] t = \frac{-AB}{2C} \int \frac{1}{y}dy + \frac{A}{2C} \int dy [/tex]. Which is not the right answer.
 
  • #5
I was thinking someone might have a second opinion on what I did originally, i.e., #1. Thanks for the help.
 

FAQ: A simple differential equation

What is a simple differential equation?

A simple differential equation is an equation that relates a function to its derivatives. It typically involves only one independent variable and one or more derivatives of the dependent variable.

How is a differential equation different from a regular equation?

A regular equation involves only algebraic operations, while a differential equation involves both algebraic operations and derivatives of a function.

Why are differential equations important?

Differential equations are used to model and describe various physical and natural phenomena, making them essential in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

How do you solve a simple differential equation?

The solution to a simple differential equation involves finding a function that satisfies the equation. This can be done using various methods, such as separation of variables, substitution, and integrating factors.

Can differential equations be applied to real-life situations?

Yes, differential equations can be applied to real-life situations to model and predict the behavior of various systems, such as population growth, chemical reactions, and electrical circuits.

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