Solving a first order differential equation

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to write an equation in standard linear form and the process of dividing through by a function to achieve this form. It also mentions the concept of an integrating factor and provides an example of using it to solve an equation.
  • #1
Logan Land
84
0
cosx(dy/dx) + ysinx = sinx cosx

(dy/dx) + y/cosx = 1

e^integral (1/cosx) ?

I feel like this has to do with ln again but not sure
 
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  • #2
In your attempt to write the equation in standard linear form, you have made a few errors when dividing through by $\cos(x)$. Try it again and see what you get. :D
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
In your attempt to write the equation in standard linear form, you have made a few errors when dividing through by $\cos(x)$. Try it again and see what you get. :D
dy/dx + ysinx/cosx = (sinx cosx)/cosx

dy/dx + ytanx = tanx ?

Or would I divide sinx first and move it over the other side before I divide cosx
 
  • #4
You have the left side correct as \(\displaystyle \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}=\tan(x)\), but the right side would simply have \(\displaystyle \cos(x)\) cancelling, leaving \(\displaystyle \sin(x)\).

Your goal in arranging the equation in standard linear form is to get it in the form:

\(\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x)\)

and since this equation was given in the form:

\(\displaystyle f(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+g(x)y=h(x)\)

you simply need to divide through by $f(x)$ to get in the the standard form.
 
  • #5
MarkFL said:
You have the left side correct as \(\displaystyle \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}=\tan(x)\), but the right side would simply have \(\displaystyle \cos(x)\) cancelling, leaving \(\displaystyle \sin(x)\).

Your goal in arranging the equation in standard linear form is to get it in the form:

\(\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x)\)

and since this equation was given in the form:

\(\displaystyle f(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+g(x)y=h(x)\)

you simply need to divide through by $f(x)$ to get in the the standard form.

So is my integrating factor 1/cosx ?

So it becomes (dy/dx)(1/cosx) + (ytanx)(1/cosx) = tanx

Integral (ytanx)(1/cosx) = integral tanx

y(1/cosx) = ln|secx| + C
y= cosx ln|secx| + Ccosx ?
 
  • #6
Yes, I would write:

\(\displaystyle \mu(x)=e^{\int\tan(x)\,dx}=\sec(x)\) and so we have:

\(\displaystyle \sec(x)\frac{dy}{dx}+\sec(x)\tan(x)y=\tan(x)\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}\left(\sec(x)y \right)=\tan(x)\)

\(\displaystyle \int\,d\left(\sec(x)y \right)=\int\tan(x)\,dx\)

\(\displaystyle \sec(x)y=\ln|\sec(x)|+C\)

\(\displaystyle y(x)=\cos(x)\left(\ln|\sec(x)|+C \right)\)
 

FAQ: Solving a first order differential equation

What is a first order differential equation?

A first order differential equation is an equation that involves an unknown function and its derivative with respect to a single independent variable. It is typically expressed in the form of dy/dx = f(x), where y is the unknown function and x is the independent variable.

How do you solve a first order differential equation?

The most common method for solving a first order differential equation is by separation of variables. This involves isolating the variables on opposite sides of the equation and then integrating both sides with respect to their respective variables. Other methods include using substitution or the method of integrating factors.

What are initial conditions in a first order differential equation?

Initial conditions refer to the values of the unknown function and its derivative at a specific point in the domain. These conditions are necessary to solve a first order differential equation and typically take the form of y(x0) = y0 and y'(x0) = y'0, where x0 is the initial point and y0 and y'0 are the given values.

Can all first order differential equations be solved analytically?

No, not all first order differential equations can be solved analytically. Some equations may have no closed-form solution and require numerical methods to approximate the solution. Additionally, some equations may have singularities or non-continuous solutions that make them impossible to solve analytically.

How are first order differential equations used in science?

First order differential equations are used in many scientific fields to model the behavior of physical systems. They are commonly used in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to describe the rate of change of a variable over time. They can also be used to make predictions and analyze the behavior of complex systems.

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