Integrating Factor Method for Solving Linear First Order Equations

In summary, I am using an integrating factor, rho(x), to solve an equation of the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x). I need to find the particular solution. y' = 1 + x + y + xy; y(0) = 0 y' - y - xy = 1 + x dy/dx + y(-1-x) = 1 + x P(x) = (-1-x), Q(x) = (1 + x), rho(x) = e^(-x-1/2x^2) (Multiply both sides by rho(x)) e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(
  • #1
Zem
33
0
I'm using an integrating factor, rho(x), to solve an equation of the form
dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x)

I need to find the particular solution.
y' = 1 + x + y + xy; y(0) = 0
y' - y - xy = 1 + x
dy/dx + y(-1-x) = 1 + x
P(x) = (-1-x), Q(x) = (1 + x),
rho(x) = e^(-x-1/2x^2)
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)

Dx[y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)] = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

(Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of rho(x))
y(x) = e^(x + 1/2x^2) * int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

(U substitution) This is where I get stuck. It seems that I need u substitution to find the integral on the right side
u = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)
du = (-x - 1) * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)
dv = 1
v = (1+x)

When I set that up in uv - int_v du it looks just as bad as the original integral.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I don't have a clue what you did, that is some of the messiest math I have seen, I can't follow your steps at all. You do know how to find an integrating factor right? Just e raised to the integral of p(x), you multiply everything in the original equation by that and you should get a function that is the derivative of a product of y and some function of x. It kind of looks like you tried to raise e to the integral of the function you were supposed to be integrating.
 
  • #3
I don't have a clue what you did, that is some of the messiest math I have seen,
I have cleaned it up. I attempted to use LaTeX notation for e and the integral sign, but made typos and my edits didn't appear.
You do know how to find an integrating factor right?
Yes, that was a mistake I made in the post that I didn't make in writing it out. This is my integrating factor...
P(x) = (-1-x), Q(x) = (1 + x),
rho(x) = e^(-x-1/2x^2)
Just e raised to the integral of p(x), you multiply everything in the original equation by that and you should get a function that is the derivative of a product of y and some function of x.
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
(Which is the product rule of...)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

I'll fix the original post.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Zem said:
(Multiply both sides by rho(x))
e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(dy/dx) + e(-x - 1/2x^2)(1-x) = e(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)
(Which is the product rule of...)
y * e^(-x - 1/2x^2) = int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx

I'll fix the original post.

Ok It looks like you did it right then, and the right hand integral is just the integral of -eudu
 
  • #5
By -e^udu, do you mean this?
int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2) * (-x - 1) * e^(-x - 1/2x^2)

I am certain my ti-89 would just give me 2 integrals if I punch that integral into it. Is there a way I could make a less complex integral for Q(x) for my calculator?
 
  • #6
You had this right int_e^(-x - 1/2x^2)(1+x)dx?

Let u = -x - 1/2x2 then du = -(1+x) so you have -eudu
 
  • #7
Beautiful. Thanks again!
 

FAQ: Integrating Factor Method for Solving Linear First Order Equations

What is a linear first order equation?

A linear first order equation is a type of mathematical equation that describes a relationship between two variables, where one variable is a function of the other and the equation is of the form y = mx +b. It is known as a first order equation because it involves only first derivatives of the dependent variable.

How do you solve a linear first order equation?

To solve a linear first order equation, one can use the method of separation of variables. This involves isolating the dependent variable on one side of the equation and the independent variable on the other side. Then, integrating both sides of the equation to find the general solution. The initial conditions can be used to find the particular solution.

What are some real-life applications of linear first order equations?

Linear first order equations have many real-life applications, including modeling population growth, chemical reactions, and electrical circuits. They can also be used in economics to model supply and demand, and in physics to describe the motion of objects under constant acceleration.

What is the difference between a linear and a non-linear first order equation?

A linear first order equation has a constant rate of change and can be represented by a straight line on a graph. In contrast, a non-linear first order equation has a varying rate of change and cannot be represented by a straight line. Instead, it may be a curve or a series of disconnected points on a graph.

How do you determine if a first order equation is linear or non-linear?

A first order equation is linear if it can be written in the form y = mx + b, where m and b are constants. It is non-linear if it cannot be written in this form. Another way to determine linearity is by graphing the equation and seeing if it forms a straight line. If it does, it is linear, and if it doesn't, it is non-linear.

Back
Top