Chapter 7: Problem 28
Multiply both sides of the equation \(\frac{d y}{d x}+P(x) y=Q(x)\) by the factor \(e^{\int P(x) d x+C}\). (a) Show that \(e^{\int P(x) d x+C}\) is an integrating factor for every value of \(C\). (b) Solve the resulting equation for \(y\), and show that it agrees with the general solution given before Example 1 .
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Integrating Factor
Multiply the Equation
Simplify Using a Constant Property
Recognize the Derivative
Integrate Both Sides
Solve for \( y \)
Compare with General Solution
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integrating Factor
For a first-order linear differential equation such as \( \frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x) \), the integrating factor is typically of the form \( e^{\int P(x) \,dx} \). This factor helps simplify the appearance of the equation by ensuring that the left-hand side becomes the derivative of a product.
For example:
- The integrating factor, when used, transforms the left side into the derivative \( \frac{d}{dx} \left( e^{\int P(x) \,dx} y \right) \).
- By multiplying through by \( e^{\int P(x) \,dx+C} \), the equation becomes easier to integrate, regardless of the constant \( C \), due to the properties of exponents.
First-Order Linear Differential Equation
This kind of equation is linear in both the function \( y \) and its first derivative \( \frac{dy}{dx} \). The primary goal in solving these equations is to find the function \( y \) that satisfies this relationship for all \( x \) within a given domain.
Why is this important?
- Linear differential equations often model real-world phenomena, making their solutions crucial in fields like physics, engineering, and economics.
- Once the equation is expressed in its standard form, techniques like spotting the integrating factor can be employed to find the solution.
General Solution
For the given first-order linear differential equation: \[ y = \frac{1}{e^{\int P(x)\,dx}} \left( \int e^{\int P(x)\,dx} Q(x) \,dx + C_1 \right) \]
This formula represents the general solution, as it includes the arbitrary constant \( C_1 \). This constant reflects the initial conditions or any particular solution.
Why is a general solution useful?
- It represents a broad solution set, allowing us to choose specific solutions by setting the constant based on boundary or initial conditions.
- This adaptability makes general solutions highly valuable in various scientific computations and modeling scenarios.
Indefinite Integral
Expressed as \( \int f(x) \, dx \), an indefinite integral includes a constant of integration, \( C \), reflecting the infinite number of antiderivatives of a function.
How does it fit into solving differential equations?
- In first-order linear differential equations, an indefinite integral is used to find the integrating factor, \( e^{\int P(x) \,dx} \).
- Also employed in finding the general solution, it provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate the constant of integration.