Chapter 1: Problem 11
From \(y=e^{-x / 2}\) we obtain \(y^{\prime}=-\frac{1}{2} e^{-x / 2} .\) Then \(2 y^{\prime}+y=-e^{-x / 2}+e^{-x / 2}=0\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation simplifies to 0.
Step by step solution
01
Given Functions
We begin with two functions: the original function, which is given as \( y = e^{-x/2} \), and its derivative, \( y' = -\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2} \).
02
Substituting the Derivative
Substitute the derivative \( y' = -\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2} \) into the given equation \( 2y' + y \). This yields \( 2(-\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2}) + e^{-x/2} \).
03
Simplifying the Expression
Calculate \( 2(-\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2}) = -e^{-x/2} \). Add this to \( e^{-x/2} \) from the original equation, resulting in \( -e^{-x/2} + e^{-x/2} \).
04
Get the Final Result
Realize that \( -e^{-x/2} + e^{-x/2} = 0 \). Thus, the equation simplifies to 0.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are a type of mathematical expressions where a constant base is raised to a variable exponent. In the given problem, the exponential function is expressed as \( y = e^{-x/2} \), where \( e \) is the base and \( -x/2 \) is the exponent. Exponential functions are important in mathematical modeling because they can easily capture phenomena involving growth or decay.
An exponential function has specific properties:
An exponential function has specific properties:
- The rate of change is proportional to the value of the function.
- The graph of an exponential function is a curve that can model rapid increases or decreases.
- In calculus, they are often used to describe continuous growth or decay processes.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a core concept in calculus used to find the rate of change of a function. In the exercise provided, the differentiation of the function \( y = e^{-x/2} \) results in its derivative \( y' = -\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2} \). This derivative tells us how the exponential function changes as \( x \) changes.
Key points to understand about differentiation include:
Key points to understand about differentiation include:
- Derivatives represent the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function.
- For exponential functions of the form \( e^{u(x)} \), the derivative is found using the chain rule: \( d/dx (e^{u(x)}) = e^{u(x)} \, u'(x) \).
- In our problem, the derivative reflects the rate at which the function \( y = e^{-x/2} \) decreases as \( x \) increases.
Equation Simplification
Simplifying equations is an essential algebraic technique, enabling us to solve mathematical problems more easily. In the step-by-step solution provided, the simplification involves combining terms to get a final result of zero.
Here is a breakdown of the simplification process used in the exercise:
Here is a breakdown of the simplification process used in the exercise:
- Substitute the value of the derivative \( y' = -\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2} \) into the expression \( 2y' + y \).
- Calculate \( 2(-\frac{1}{2} e^{-x/2}) = -e^{-x/2} \) which becomes one of our terms.
- Add this to the original term \( e^{-x/2} \), resulting in \( -e^{-x/2} + e^{-x/2} \).
- This simplification showcases the concept of canceling out terms to arrive at \( 0 \).