Chapter 17: Problem 22
If the solution of \(\frac{d y}{d x}=\frac{a x+3}{2 y+f}\) represents a circle, then the value of \(a\) is (A) 2 \(\begin{array}{lll}\text { (B) }-2 & \text { (C) } 3 & \text { (D) }-4\end{array}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(a\) is -2.
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Equation of the Circle
We know that the general equation of a circle is \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2\), where \((h,k)\) is the center of the circle and \(r\) is the radius. For such a solution, the derivative \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) must be of a specific form.
02
Differentiate and Compare
Start by considering the form of the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{ax + 3}{2y + f}\), which must be derived from a circle's equation. Recognize that for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) to be a consistent circular derivative, the numerator and denominator must imply a constant.
03
Simplify and Examine Constants
The circle equation, when parameterized into derivatives, often translates to terms involving symmetries in \(x\) and \(y\). For this problem, equate the coefficients in such a way as to eliminate dependencies on \(x\), suggesting that \(a\) produces opposing symmetry across \(x\)-intersecting terms.
04
Solve for 'a'
By setting \(a\) such that the transformation recapitulates a known circular symmetry, solve through attempts or patterning to find suitable constancy: this symmetry emerges when \(a = -2\).
05
Confirm and Validate the Calculation
Ensure correctness by substituting \(a = -2\) into the original differential equation, verifying it corresponds correctly to a circle. This ensures uniform interpretation of derivatives yielding resisting terms.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Circle Equation
Understanding the equation of a circle is fundamental when dealing with differential equations that represent circles. A circle's typical equation in the Cartesian coordinate system is given by \[ (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2 \] where:
- \((h, k)\) is the center of the circle.
- \(r\) is the radius of the circle.
Derivative
The derivative, in this context, signifies how the function changes as the variables alter. For the differential equation given \[ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{ax + 3}{2y + f} \] we want it to reflect characteristics of a circle. The term \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) represents the slope of the tangent to the curve at any point \( (x, y)\). For a function to represent a circle, the resultant derivative must reflect a balance that mirrors the geometric symmetry of a circle. This involves:
- Ensuring that the slope remains uniform around the circle.
- Equal contributions from both x and y directions, implying a lack of dependency solely on one variable.
Solution Verification
Verification of a proposed solution is crucial in mathematics to ensure correctness. After hypothesizing that \(a = -2\) yields a circle through the given differential equation, this must be checked through substitution. When substituting \(a = -2\) back into the differential equation:
- Recompute the slope \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) and ensure it logically binds to the known geometry of a circle.
- Check that the slopes derived reflect equidistance and symmetry around a central point, consistent with the expected behavior of a circle.
- Confirm that the resultant equation aligns with the original circle equation's parameters.
Symmetry in Mathematics
Symmetry plays a pivotal role in understanding mathematical functions and equations. For circles, symmetry is their most distinguishing feature, spanning evenly in every direction from a central point. The notion of symmetry is crucial when assessing whether an equation can depict a circle, as was the case with the exercise.
- Symmetry in a circle means the equation must exhibit equal dependencies and geometric balance in all axes involved.
- For the differential equation provided, symmetry would dictate how changes in \(x\) and \(y\) counterbalance.
- This balance ensures consistent radial distance, aligning with the derivative requirements.