Solving Differential Equation: y' = cos(x+y) with u = x+y

In summary, to solve the differential equation y' = cos(x + y), we can introduce the new variable u = x + y and differentiate the equation with respect to x. This gives us u' - 1 = cos(u). By using a substitution and integrating both sides, we can rewrite the equation in terms of only x values, giving us the solution \frac{1}{2}tan(\frac{x+y}{2})=y.
  • #1
der.physika
38
0
Solve the following differential equation

[tex]y\prime=\cos(x+y)[/tex]

Here introduce the new variable:

[tex]x+y\equiv{u}[/tex]

Please show steps, or else I won't understand this
 
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  • #2
What do you get when you differentiate x + y = u with respect to x and plug it in?
 
  • #3
LCKurtz said:
What do you get when you differentiate x + y = u with respect to x and plug it in?

Okay, but how do I differentiate

[tex]
x+y\equiv{u}
[/tex] ?

Do I get

[tex]
1+y\equiv{u}
[/tex]

or do I have to rewrite it as

[tex]
u-x\equiv{y}
[/tex]

which then becomes

[tex]
u-1\equiv{y\prime}
[/tex]

and where do I plug that in?
 
  • #4
der.physika said:
Okay, but how do I differentiate

[tex]
x+y\equiv{u}
[/tex] ?

Do I get

[tex]
1+y\equiv{u}
[/tex]

or do I have to rewrite it as

[tex]
u-x\equiv{y}
[/tex]

which then becomes

[tex]
u-1\equiv{y\prime}
[/tex]

You differentiate an equation by differentiating both sides of it. Every term. Neither of your two attempts to differentiate above are correct.

and where do I plug that in?

Look at your original post. Where do you think you might plug the substitution in?
 
  • #5
ok how about this

[tex]
x+y\equiv{u}
[/tex]

comes out to be

[tex]
1+y\prime\equiv{u\prime}
[/tex]

and then plug the [tex]y\prime[/tex] into the equation?
 
  • #6
Yes. Your new equation should involve u and x.
 
  • #7
LCKurtz said:
Yes. Your new equation should involve u and x.

ok, so I plugged it in and I got the following

[tex]u\prime-1=\cos(u)[/tex]

what do I do now? should I integrate both sides? and then rewrite u into y and x terms?
 
  • #8
der.physika said:
ok, so I plugged it in and I got the following

[tex]u\prime-1=\cos(u)[/tex]

what do I do now? should I integrate both sides? and then rewrite u into y and x terms?

Well, you have a new differential equation. What methods have you learned to solve differential equations? Have you tried any of these methods? Show us what happens.
 
  • #9
der.physika said:
Thanks a bunch [tex]shashi_a_n_k_a_m[/tex]

you are awesome!

And he is also violating forum rules by giving a complete solution.
 
  • #10
LCKurtz said:
And he is also violating forum rules by giving a complete solution.

Okay, but I still don't know how to find that integral, which is what I'm going to go find out now. In the end I still learn something, even though I got the answer, I need to show my work completely, what's an answer without an explanation? a meaningless number...
 
  • #11
I figured out how to do that integral, the steps are as followed

(1) [tex]\int\frac{1}{1+\cos(u)}[/tex]

(2) use [tex]\cos(u)\equiv1-\cos^2(\frac{u}{2})[/tex]

and then it simplifies to

(3) [tex]\frac{1}{2}\sec^2(\frac{u}{2})[/tex]

which comes out to

(4) [tex]\frac{1}{2}tan(\frac{x+y}{2})=y[/tex]
 
  • #12
Isn't there a way I can write the equation in terms of only [tex]X[/tex] values?
 

FAQ: Solving Differential Equation: y' = cos(x+y) with u = x+y

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function with its derivatives. It involves the use of derivatives to describe the rate of change of a variable over time.

What is the purpose of solving a differential equation?

The main purpose of solving a differential equation is to find the function that satisfies the equation. This allows us to model real-world phenomena and make predictions based on the behavior of the function.

What are the different types of differential equations?

There are several types of differential equations, including ordinary differential equations (ODEs), partial differential equations (PDEs), and stochastic differential equations (SDEs). ODEs involve only one independent variable, while PDEs involve multiple independent variables. SDEs incorporate randomness into the equation.

What are the methods for solving differential equations?

Some common methods for solving differential equations are separation of variables, substitution, and integrating factors. Other methods include power series, Laplace transforms, and numerical methods such as Euler's method.

What are some real-world applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used in many fields, including physics, engineering, economics, and biology. They can be used to model the growth of populations, the spread of diseases, and the behavior of electrical circuits, among other things.

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