First order differential equation help

In summary, the author is trying to learn how to solve first order differential equations and he has a problem with integrating 1/T. He found the solution in a different way and expressed the equation as \frac{dT}{dP} - C_{1} \ = C_{2}T^{-1}.
  • #1
rppearso
204
3
I have a problem solving a first order differential equation:

dT/dP - C2/T = C1 Where C2 and C1 are just constants, the differential equations book I have does not address the situation of 1/T. I am trying to develop my own integrating factor but it would be nice for a little guidance.
 
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  • #2
[tex]\frac{1}{T}=T^{-1}[/tex]

You can then express the above as:

[tex]\frac{dT}{dP} - C_{1} \ = C_{2}T^{-1}[/tex]

which would then be in the form of a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli_differential_equation" .
 
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  • #3
Defennnder said:
[tex]\frac{1}{T}=T^{-1}[/tex]

You can then express the above as:

[tex]\frac{dT}{dP} - C_{1} \ = C_{2}T^{-1}[/tex]

which would then be in the form of a

Awesome thank you, I don't know how I missed this in both my differential equations text and advanced engineering math text. Bernoulli was a smart guy, and he developed this method several hundred years ago, I think I need to take a few more math classes. I would like to take a PDE class but I think I still have plenty to learn in just first order and second order differential equations, I just need to find a class that gets deep down into the trenches on how some of these methods were thought up, understanding the thought process to solve these equations can help you solve more complex problems later on. My goal is to be able to think of engineering in math so I can readily apply concepts into usable equations for problems that don't nessicarily have a textbook canned equation.
 
  • #4
I need to learn how to use the little equation editor that everyone else uses it makes equations way easier to read.
 
  • #5
The equation editor I use here is in-built into the forums. It's called LaTeX. You can learn to use it rather easily. Click on the equations and download the latex reference PDF files. If you want to learn how to input a particular maths expression you see, just click on it to see how it's done.
 

FAQ: First order differential equation help

What is a first order differential equation?

A first order differential equation is a mathematical equation that involves an unknown function and its derivative. It represents the relationship between a function and its rate of change.

Why do we need to solve first order differential equations?

First order differential equations are used to model various physical phenomena and are essential in understanding many natural and scientific processes. They can also be used to predict future behavior of a system.

How do you solve a first order differential equation?

The most common method for solving first order differential equations is by separation of variables, where the equation is rewritten in a form where all the variables are on one side and the differentials are on the other side. Other methods include the use of integrating factors and substitution techniques.

Can first order differential equations have multiple solutions?

Yes, first order differential equations can have multiple solutions. This is because they are a family of curves, and each solution represents a different member of that family. The general solution of a first order differential equation will have a constant of integration, which can result in infinitely many solutions.

How are first order differential equations used in real life?

First order differential equations are used in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and biology to model and understand real-life situations. They can be used to predict population growth, chemical reactions, and the motion of objects, among many other applications.

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