Solving Bernoulli's DE: xy'+y+x^4y^4e^x=0

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Great job!In summary, the conversation discusses solving a differential equation using the Bernoulli method. The attempt at a solution involves dividing the original equation by x and using an integrating factor. However, a factor of three is missing in the final answer, and after correcting this error, the final solution is found to be y(x)=(3e^xx^3+cx^3)^{-1/3}=\frac{1}{x \sqrt [3] {3e^x+c}}.
  • #1
fluidistic
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Homework Statement


I must solve [itex]xy'+y+x^4y^4e^x=0[/itex].


Homework Equations


Bernoulli's.


The Attempt at a Solution


I divided the original DE by x to get [itex]y'+y \left ( \frac{1}{x} \right )=-x^3e^xy^4[/itex].
Now let [itex]z=y^{-3} \Rightarrow z'=-3y^{-3}y'[/itex].
I then multiplied the DE by [itex]-3y^{-4}[/itex] to reduces the DE to [itex]z'-\frac{3}{x}z=3x^3e^x[/itex]. This is a first order linear DE so I should be able to solve it via the integrating factor method, however this doesn't work out for me.
The integrating factor is [itex]e^{\int -3 /x dx}=x^{-3}[/itex]. So that the general solution of this DE (the z's one) should be [itex]z=-e^xx^3+Cx^3[/itex].
So that [itex]z'=-e^xx^3-3e^xx^2+3Cx^2[/itex].
But then when I replace z and z' into [itex]z'-\frac{3}{x}z[/itex] I get that it's worth [itex]-e^xx^3[/itex] rather than [itex]3x^3e^x[/itex]. So it seems that I have a "-3" missing factor. I've rechecked all the algebra like 3 times, including now by typing this post and I still don't see where my mistake lies. I'm almost 100% sure it's in the integrating factor method but I really don't see it. I've even reopened Boas' mathematical methods book for the integrating factor method and I feel I've done it right.
Thanks for all help!
 
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  • #2
I would have another look at this bit:
fluidistic said:
The integrating factor is [itex]e^{\int -3 /x dx}=x^{-3}[/itex]. So that the general solution of this DE (the z's one) should be [itex]z=-e^xx^3+Cx^3[/itex].
and in particular, the computation of the integrating factor :wink:
 
  • #3
Hootenanny said:
I would have another look at this bit:

and in particular, the computation of the integrating factor :wink:

I appreciate your help. However I'm afraid I don't see any error for the integrating factor.
 
  • #4
fluidistic said:
I appreciate your help. However I'm afraid I don't see any error for the integrating factor.
It's not the IF itself, but rather what you do with it. After multiplication by the IF, your ODE becomes

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{z}{x^3}\right) = 3e^x[/tex]

Do you see where your factor of three is missing now?
 
  • #5
Hootenanny said:
It's not the IF itself, but rather what you do with it. After multiplication by the IF, your ODE becomes

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{z}{x^3}\right) = 3e^x[/tex]

Do you see where your factor of three is missing now?

Oh nice, yes now, thank you very very very much. :biggrin:
This works. Continuing on, I reach as final answer [itex]y(x)=(3e^xx^3+cx^3)^{-1/3}=\frac{1}{x \sqrt [3] {3e^x+c}}[/itex].
 
  • #6
fluidistic said:
Oh nice, yes now, thank you very very very much. :biggrin:
My pleasure :smile:
fluidistic said:
This works. Continuing on, I reach as final answer [itex]y(x)=(3e^xx^3+cx^3)^{-1/3}=\frac{1}{x \sqrt [3] {3e^x+c}}[/itex].
That is indeed correct (or more accurately, the only real solution for appropriate x).
 

FAQ: Solving Bernoulli's DE: xy'+y+x^4y^4e^x=0

What is Bernoulli's differential equation?

Bernoulli's differential equation is a first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation that can be written in the form y' + P(x)y = Q(x)y^n, where n is a constant. It is named after the Swiss mathematician Jacob Bernoulli who first studied this type of equation in the 17th century.

How do you solve Bernoulli's differential equation?

To solve Bernoulli's differential equation, we can use the substitution method. First, we substitute y = v^(-1) into the equation, which transforms it into a linear differential equation. Then, we can solve the resulting linear equation using standard techniques.

What is the general solution to xy' + y + x^4y^4e^x = 0?

The general solution to xy' + y + x^4y^4e^x = 0 is y(x) = (c + 1/x^3)^(-1/4), where c is a constant.

Can Bernoulli's differential equation be solved using separation of variables?

No, Bernoulli's differential equation cannot be solved using separation of variables. This method only works for first-order linear differential equations, and Bernoulli's equation is nonlinear.

What is the physical significance of Bernoulli's differential equation?

Bernoulli's differential equation has many applications in physics, particularly in fluid dynamics. It is used to describe the flow of fluids in pipes, the motion of air around an airfoil, and the behavior of gases in a container. It is also used in population dynamics and chemical kinetics.

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