Initial Value Problem for y: Solving with Calculus | Non-Zero Constant a

In summary, the given initial value problem is to solve for y and the calculus equations provided are used to find the solution. The solution obtained is different from the one provided by Maple and it is likely that there was an error in the integration step.
  • #1
VinnyCee
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Homework Statement



Solve the initial value problem for y.

[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\sqrt{1\,+\,\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2}[/tex]

[tex]y(0)\,=\,a[/tex] & [tex]y\prime(0)\,=\,0[/tex]

a is a non-zero constant.

Homework Equations



The calculus.

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]y\prime\,=\,sinh\,x[/tex] [tex]\longrightarrow[/tex] [tex]dy\prime\,=\,cosh\,x\,dx[/tex]

[tex]1\,+\,sinh^2\,x\,=\,cosh^2\,x[/tex]

[tex]dy\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,\sqrt{cosh^2\,x}\,dx\,=\,\frac{cosh\,x}{a}\,dx[/tex]

[tex]\int dy\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,\int cosh\,x\,dx[/tex]

[tex]y\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,sinh\,x\,+\,C[/tex]

C = 0 from the initial condition [itex]y\prime(0)\,=\,0[/itex]

[tex]\int y\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,\int sinh\,x\,dx[/tex]

[tex]y\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,cosh\,x\,+\,C[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{a}\,(1)\,+\,C\,=\,a[/tex]

[tex]C\,=\,a\,-\,\frac{1}{a}[/tex]

[tex]y\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\left(cosh\,x\,+\,a^2\,-\,1\right)[/tex]

That doesn’t match the answer that maple gives, what did I do wrong?
 
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  • #2
VinnyCee said:

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]y\prime\,=\,sinh\,x[/tex] [tex]\longrightarrow[/tex] [tex]dy\prime\,=\,cosh\,x\,dx[/tex]

[tex]1\,+\,sinh^2\,x\,=\,cosh^2\,x[/tex]

[tex]dy\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,\sqrt{cosh^2\,x}\,dx\,=\,\frac{cosh\,x}{a}\,dx[/tex]

[tex]\int dy\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,\int cosh\,x\,dx[/tex]

[tex]y\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,sinh\,x\,+\,C[/tex]


If
[tex]y\prime\,=\,\frac{1}{a}\,sinh\,x[/tex]
then
[tex]dy\prime\,=\,\sqrt{1+y\prime^2}\, dx \,=\,\sqrt{1+\frac{(sinh\,x)^2}{a^2}}\, dx \,\neq\,\frac{1}{a}\,cosh\,x\,dx[/tex]
 
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FAQ: Initial Value Problem for y: Solving with Calculus | Non-Zero Constant a

What is an initial value problem?

An initial value problem is a type of differential equation that involves finding a function or curve that satisfies both a given differential equation and a specified initial condition. In other words, the problem involves finding the solution to a differential equation that meets a specific starting condition.

What is a non-zero constant a?

In the context of an initial value problem, a non-zero constant a refers to a numerical value that is not equal to zero. This constant is often included in the differential equation and is used to represent a particular rate of change or growth.

How is an initial value problem solved using calculus?

To solve an initial value problem using calculus, you would first need to use the given differential equation to find the general solution. This involves integrating the equation and adding in a constant of integration. Then, you would use the given initial condition to solve for the specific value of the constant. This would give you the particular solution to the initial value problem.

What is the importance of initial value problems in science?

Initial value problems are important in science because they allow us to model and analyze real-world phenomena that involve rates of change. These problems can help us understand how systems or processes evolve over time and can be used to make predictions and solve practical problems.

Can initial value problems be solved using other methods besides calculus?

Yes, initial value problems can be solved using other methods such as numerical methods, series solutions, or Laplace transforms. However, calculus is often the most efficient and accurate method for solving these types of problems.

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