Chapter 6: Problem 2
Find the solution of the differential equation that satisfies the given boundary condition\((s)\) $$\text { : } x^{\prime}+x=0, x(1)=1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \( x(t) = e^{1-t} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of differential equation
The given differential equation is \( x' + x = 0 \). This is a first-order linear differential equation, recognizable because it is of the form \( x' + P(t)x = Q(t) \), where \( P(t) = 1 \) and \( Q(t) = 0 \).
02
Solve the homogeneous equation
For the equation \( x' + x = 0 \), we first solve the homogeneous part. The standard approach is to separate variables: \( x' = -x \). This gives \( \frac{dx}{x} = -dt \).
03
Integrate both sides
Integrating both sides gives us:\[ \int \frac{1}{x} \, dx = \int -1 \, dt \]which results in \( \ln|x| = -t + C \), where \( C \) is the constant of integration.
04
Solve for the general solution
Exponentiating both sides results in:\[ |x| = e^{-t + C} \]This can be expressed as:\[ x(t) = Ce^{-t} \]since \( C \) can absorb the sign from \( |x| \).
05
Apply the boundary condition
Use the boundary condition \( x(1) = 1 \) to find the constant \( C \). Substitute \( t = 1 \) and \( x = 1 \):\[ 1 = Ce^{-1} \]Solve for \( C \): \( C = e \).
06
Write the particular solution
Substituting \( C = e \) back into the general solution gives:\[ x(t) = e^{-t + 1} \]which simplifies to \( x(t) = e \times e^{-t} = e^{1-t} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
First-Order Differential Equation
A **first-order differential equation** is the simplest type of differential equation. It involves a derivative with respect to one independent variable and is described mathematically as having only the first derivative. For example, the equation \( x' + x = 0 \) is a first-order differential equation. The prime symbol \( x' \) represents the derivative of \( x \) with respect to time \( t \).
This equation is linear because it follows the structure \( x' + P(t)x = Q(t) \), helping us to identify the appropriate method for solving it. Recognizing the nature of a differential equation is crucial in determining the method you will use to solve it.
This equation is linear because it follows the structure \( x' + P(t)x = Q(t) \), helping us to identify the appropriate method for solving it. Recognizing the nature of a differential equation is crucial in determining the method you will use to solve it.
Boundary Condition
A **boundary condition**, like \( x(1) = 1 \) in our problem, provides specific values for the solution at particular points. These conditions help us determine the particular solution from the general solution of a differential equation.
- The boundary condition helps narrow down the infinite possible solutions to just one.
- This step is important because it ensures the solution satisfies real-world constraints or additional conditions.
Separation of Variables
**Separation of variables** is a method used to solve differential equations. When you can separate the independent variable from the dependent variable, solving becomes more straightforward.
- In our equation \( x' = -x \), separating variables gives you \( \frac{dx}{x} = -dt \).
- Each side of the equation involves only one variable (\( x \) or \( t \)), which makes it ready for integration.
Integration
**Integration** is an essential step in solving differential equations that have been simplified by separation of variables. In our example, both sides of the separated equation \( \frac{dx}{x} = -dt \) are integrated:
This integration step transforms the differential form into an equation that can be more easily manipulated. By exponentiating, we further simplify and find the general solution \( x(t) = C e^{-t} \).
Eventually, substituting boundary conditions will give you a specific solution, completing the problem-solving process.
- Integrating \( \int \frac{1}{x} \, dx \) results in \( \ln|x| \).
- Integrating \( \int -1 \, dt \) results in \( -t + C \), where \( C \) is a constant.
This integration step transforms the differential form into an equation that can be more easily manipulated. By exponentiating, we further simplify and find the general solution \( x(t) = C e^{-t} \).
Eventually, substituting boundary conditions will give you a specific solution, completing the problem-solving process.