Chapter 11: Problem 15
Is \(y(x)=e^{3 x}\) the general solution of \(y^{\prime}=3 y ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
No, because it lacks the constant \(C\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Equation
The given differential equation is \(y' = 3y\). This is a first-order linear differential equation where the rate of change of \(y\) with respect to \(x\) is proportional to \(y\) itself.
02
General Solution Form
For a differential equation of the form \(y' = ky\), the general solution is \(y(x) = Ce^{kx}\), where \(C\) is any constant and \(k\) is a constant from the equation.
03
Substitute Values to Verify
In the given function \(y(x) = e^{3x}\), compare with the general solution form \(y(x) = Ce^{3x}\). Here, \(C = 1\) and \(k = 3\). This shows that \(y(x) = e^{3x}\) is a specific solution rather than a general solution.
04
Conclusion
Since \(y(x) = e^{3x}\) corresponds to a specific case with \(C = 1\), it isn't the general solution, which should include any constant \(C\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
First-Order Linear Differential Equations
First-order linear differential equations are equations that describe how a function changes with respect to one variable. These equations take the form \( \frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x) \), where \(P(x)\) and \(Q(x)\) are functions of \(x\). A simpler form of a first-order linear differential equation is \(y' = ky\), where \(k\) is a constant.
- Basic Structure: These equations are called "first-order" because they involve the first derivative of the function \(y\).
- Linear Nature: The term "linear" refers to the fact that the function and its derivative are not multiplied or raised to any power other than one.
- Proportionality: In \(y' = ky\), the change in \(y\) (or its derivative) is directly proportional to the function \(y\) itself, with \(k\) acting as the proportional constant.
General Solutions
A general solution to a differential equation includes all possible solutions. For a first-order linear differential equation like \(y' = ky\), the general solution is \(y(x) = Ce^{kx}\), where \(C\) is a constant close to the solution's initial conditions.
- Role of the Constant \(C\): The constant \(C\) can take any real number value, which means an infinite number of solutions exist for an infinite number of initial conditions.
- Uniqueness: Each value of \(C\) provides a unique solution trajectory that fits a specific initial condition, such as the value of \(y\) at \(x = 0\).
- Importance in Exact Solutions: Finding the general solution is crucial because it offers insight into the complete set of solutions from which a specific solution can be derived.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are mathematical functions of the form \(f(x) = a^x\) or often \(y = e^{kx}\) in the context of differential equations. These functions demonstrate continuous growth or decay, making them prevalent in models of natural phenomena.
- Basic Characteristics: An exponential function involving the mathematical constant \(e\) (approximately 2.718) grows or decays at a rate proportional to its current value. This is why they are frequently paired with differential equations representing growth or decay processes.
- Relation to Differential Equations: For the equation \(y' = ky\), the solution is expressed in terms of exponential functions as \(y = Ce^{kx}\), which naturally fits the model of exponential growth or decay.
- Applications: Exponential functions are used in various fields like biology for population growth, finance for compound interest, and physics for radioactive decay.