Differential equations: separating variables

In summary: So, you should be able to find an expression for y in terms of t.In summary, for both questions, playing around with the identitiesln(a) + ln(b) = ln(ab)ln(a) - ln(b) = ln(a/b)may be useful. For #1, there may be a sign error in the final answer given in the book. For #2, there is a sign error when integrating the left side. Use a substitution to solve the integral for y and adjust the constant based on the initial condition.
  • #1
armolinasf
196
0

Homework Statement



So I have two problems that ask me to separate variables:

1: du/dx * x(x+1) = u^2 u(1)=1

2: dy/dt=y(2-y) Initial condition y(0)=1

The Attempt at a Solution



For #1 i get each variable on one side and have integral(u^-2du)=integral(dx/x(x+1)
I use partial fractions to break up the x side, coefficient are 1 and -1. Now I have:
-1/u=ln(x/x+1) +C ==> u=-1/(ln(x)-ln(x+1)) + C. And evaluated at (1,1) C=ln2.

that would give us, u=-1/(ln(x)-ln(x+1)) + ln2, however the answer in my book gives u=-1/((ln2x/x+1)-1) I'm having trouble seeing where the minus one in the denominator comes from can someone show me an explanation?

For #2 i get integral(dy/y(2-y)) = integral(dt) I again use partial fractions to break up the y side, giving coefficients of 1/2. I'm left with 1/2(ln(y) + ln(2-y))=t. I'm having trouble isolating y on one side. I need a point in the right direction.

Thanks for the help!
 
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  • #2
For both questions, playing around with the identities
ln(a) + ln(b) = ln(ab)
ln(a) - ln(b) = ln(a/b)
may be useful.
 
  • #3
u=-1/(ln(x)-ln(x+1)) + C. And evaluated at (1,1) C=ln2.

I don't think this is true... by properties of logarithms we have
u = -1/(ln(x/x+1)) + C.
Evaluated at (1,1) C = 1 + 1/ln(1/2)
 
  • #4
armolinasf said:

Homework Statement



So I have two problems that ask me to separate variables:

1: du/dx * x(x+1) = u^2 u(1)=1

2: dy/dt=y(2-y) Initial condition y(0)=1

The Attempt at a Solution



For #1 i get each variable on one side and have integral(u^-2du)=integral(dx/x(x+1)
I use partial fractions to break up the x side, coefficient are 1 and -1. Now I have:
-1/u=ln(x/x+1) +C ==> u=-1/(ln(x)-ln(x+1)) + C. And evaluated at (1,1) C=ln2.

that would give us, u=-1/(ln(x)-ln(x+1)) + ln2, however the answer in my book gives u=-1/((ln2x/x+1)-1) I'm having trouble seeing where the minus one in the denominator comes from can someone show me an explanation?

For #2 i get integral(dy/y(2-y)) = integral(dt) I again use partial fractions to break up the y side, giving coefficients of 1/2. I'm left with 1/2(ln(y) + ln(2-y))=t. I'm having trouble isolating y on one side. I need a point in the right direction.

Thanks for the help!

I didn't work #1, but maybe my help with #2 will help you with that one.

You have a sign error when you integrated the left side.
[tex]1/2 \int [1/y + 1/(2 - y)] dy = \int dt[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow 1/2 [ ln|y| - ln|2 - y| ]= t + C[/tex]

In the second integral on the left side you have [itex]\int dy/(2 - y)[/itex]. Use an ordinary substitution to evaluate this integral.

Since y(0) = 1, then C = 0.

Now, since y(0) = 1, when t is near 0, y is near 1, so that should tell you something about whether you can get rid of the absolute values for |y| and |2 - y|.
 

FAQ: Differential equations: separating variables

What are differential equations?

Differential equations are mathematical equations that describe how a quantity changes over time. They involve the derivatives of a function and are used to model various physical, biological, and economic phenomena.

What are separating variables in differential equations?

Separating variables is a method used to solve certain types of differential equations. It involves rewriting the equation so that all terms containing the dependent variable are on one side and all terms containing the independent variable are on the other side.

When should separating variables be used to solve a differential equation?

Separating variables is most useful when the differential equation is separable, meaning that it can be rewritten as a product of two functions, one containing the dependent variable and the other containing the independent variable.

What is the general process for solving a differential equation using separating variables?

The general process for solving a differential equation using separating variables is as follows:

1. Rewrite the equation in the form dy/dx = f(x)g(y).

2. Separate the variables by multiplying both sides by dx and dividing by g(y).

3. Integrate both sides with respect to their respective variables.

4. Solve for the dependent variable, if possible.

5. Check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation.

Can all differential equations be solved using separating variables?

No, not all differential equations can be solved using separating variables. This method is only applicable to certain types of equations and may not work for more complex or nonlinear equations. Other methods, such as substitution, may be needed to solve these types of equations.

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