Solving a Differential Equation: y'/(1+y'^2) = 2y^2 + C

In summary, the conversation discusses how to solve a specific differential equation by separating variables and integrating. The equation is simplified using substitutions and De Moivre's theorem is suggested as a possible method for integration. However, there is a potential complication with the substitution due to the presence of a second power of y in the equation.
  • #1
psid
15
0

Homework Statement



How to solve the following DE:
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+(dy/dx)^{2}}}=\frac{2y^{2}}{2}+C[/tex]?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I suppose solving it for dy/dx might enable you to do a separation of variables...

I.e. (since you are posting this in advanced physics): write
dy/dx = f(y)
for some function f only depending on y; then integrate
dx = dy / f(y)
and invert to find y(x).

Granted, it's probably easier said than done, but you can give it a try.
 
  • #3
It is indeed separable. I get it into the following form, but don't know how to integrate
[tex]dx=\sqrt{\frac{((2/\gamma)y^{2}+C)^{2}}{1-((2/\gamma)y^{2}+C)^{2}}}dy[/tex]
 
  • #4
psid said:
It is indeed separable. I get it into the following form, but don't know how to integrate
[tex]dx=\sqrt{\frac{((2/\gamma)y^{2}+C)^{2}}{1-((2/\gamma)y^{2}+C)^{2}}}dy[/tex]

This is an elegant problem.

Superb.

First: Let's try to make the equation a bit less horrendous.

Take [tex]\sqrt{1-((2/\gamma)y^{2}+C)^{2}} = t [/tex]

Proceed with that. Simplify it well and then take

[tex] t= sin\theta[/tex]

Simplify it and then use De moivre's theorem.
 
  • #5
May i know the name of the book.
 
  • #6
But the problem with this substitution is that there is a second power of y in the square root. Thus there will be a term including y for the expression for dt...
 

FAQ: Solving a Differential Equation: y'/(1+y'^2) = 2y^2 + C

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates one or more unknown functions to their derivatives. It is used to model relationships between quantities that are changing continuously.

What is the process for solving a differential equation?

The process for solving a differential equation involves finding the solution or solutions to the equation that satisfy the given conditions. This typically involves using mathematical techniques such as separation of variables, substitution, or integration.

How do you interpret the given differential equation, y'/(1+y'^2) = 2y^2 + C?

The given differential equation represents a relationship between the first derivative of a function, y', and the function itself, y. The expression on the left side is equal to the expression on the right side, with a constant value, C. This equation can be used to find the solution for y.

What is the significance of the constant C in the given equation?

The constant C in the given equation represents the family of solutions to the differential equation. It is often referred to as the constant of integration and is necessary to include in the solution to account for all possible solutions to the equation.

What are some real-world applications of solving differential equations?

Differential equations are used to model a wide variety of real-world phenomena, such as population growth, heat transfer, and motion of objects under the influence of forces. They are also used in fields such as engineering, physics, biology, and economics to analyze and predict behaviors and patterns in systems.

Back
Top