Table of Contents
Introduction: Understanding Differential Equations
What is a Differential Equation?
A differential equation is an equation that contains an unknown function and its derivatives. When we write $\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x$, we're saying that the rate of change of $y$ with respect to $x$ equals $2x$.
Key Terminology
- Order: The highest derivative that appears in the equation
- Solution: A function that satisfies the equation when substituted
- General Solution: Contains arbitrary constants (like $C$)
- Particular Solution: Has specific values for all constants
- Initial Condition: A given value at a specific point, like $y(0) = 3$
Types of First-Order Differential Equations
Type 1: Separable Equations
An equation that can be written as:
$$\frac{dy}{dx} = g(x) \cdot h(y)$$where $g(x)$ is a function of $x$ only and $h(y)$ is a function of $y$ only.
- Rearrange to get: $\frac{1}{h(y)}dy = g(x)dx$
- Integrate both sides: $\int \frac{1}{h(y)}dy = \int g(x)dx$
- Solve for $y$ if possible
Example: $\frac{dy}{dx} = xy$ becomes $\frac{dy}{y} = x\,dx$
Type 2: First-Order Linear Equations
Why This Form Matters: When an equation is in this form, we can use a systematic method (integrating factor) to solve it.
The integrating factor is $I(x) = e^{\int P(x)dx}$
Why the Method Works: When we multiply the entire equation by $I(x)$:
$$I(x)\frac{dy}{dx} + I(x)P(x)y = I(x)Q(x)$$The left side becomes exactly $\frac{d}{dx}[I(x)y]$ because:
$$\frac{d}{dx}[I(x)y] = I(x)\frac{dy}{dx} + I'(x)y$$And by our choice of $I(x)$, we have $I'(x) = P(x)I(x)$, making the left side a perfect derivative.
This allows us to write:
$$\frac{d}{dx}[I(x)y] = I(x)Q(x)$$Then integrate both sides:
$$I(x)y = \int I(x)Q(x)dx + C$$Finally, solve for $y$:
$$y = \frac{1}{I(x)}\left[\int I(x)Q(x)dx + C\right]$$Detailed Solutions to Tutorial Problems
Problem 1: Verification
Question: Show that $y = \frac{\ln x + C}{x}$ satisfies $x^2y' + xy = 1$
Solution:
We need to verify that when we substitute $y = \frac{\ln x + C}{x}$ into the equation, we get a true statement.
Step 1: Find $y'$ using the quotient rule.
For $y = \frac{\ln x + C}{x}$:
$$y' = \frac{x \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(\ln x + C) - (\ln x + C) \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(x)}{x^2}$$ $$y' = \frac{x \cdot \frac{1}{x} - (\ln x + C) \cdot 1}{x^2}$$ $$y' = \frac{1 - \ln x - C}{x^2}$$Step 2: Calculate $x^2y'$.
$$x^2y' = x^2 \cdot \frac{1 - \ln x - C}{x^2} = 1 - \ln x - C$$Step 3: Calculate $xy$.
$$xy = x \cdot \frac{\ln x + C}{x} = \ln x + C$$Step 4: Verify $x^2y' + xy = 1$.
$$x^2y' + xy = (1 - \ln x - C) + (\ln x + C) = 1$$The equation is satisfied.
Problem 2: Finding Coefficients
Question: Find $a$ and $b$ such that $y = ax^2\cos x + bx\sin x$ solves $y'' + y = x\sin x$
Solution:
Step 1: Find the first derivative $y'$.
Using the product rule on each term:
For $ax^2\cos x$:
$$\frac{d}{dx}(ax^2\cos x) = a[2x\cos x - x^2\sin x]$$For $bx\sin x$:
$$\frac{d}{dx}(bx\sin x) = b[\sin x + x\cos x]$$Therefore:
$$y' = a(2x\cos x - x^2\sin x) + b(\sin x + x\cos x)$$Step 2: Find the second derivative $y''$.
For the first term $a(2x\cos x - x^2\sin x)$:
$$\frac{d}{dx}[a(2x\cos x - x^2\sin x)] = a[(2\cos x - 2x\sin x) - (2x\sin x + x^2\cos x)]$$ $$= a[2\cos x - 4x\sin x - x^2\cos x]$$For the second term $b(\sin x + x\cos x)$:
$$\frac{d}{dx}[b(\sin x + x\cos x)] = b[\cos x + (\cos x - x\sin x)]$$ $$= b[2\cos x - x\sin x]$$Therefore:
$$y'' = a(2\cos x - 4x\sin x - x^2\cos x) + b(2\cos x - x\sin x)$$Step 3: Calculate $y'' + y$.
Original: $y = ax^2\cos x + bx\sin x$
$$y'' + y = a(2\cos x - 4x\sin x - x^2\cos x) + b(2\cos x - x\sin x) + ax^2\cos x + bx\sin x$$Collecting terms:
- Coefficient of $x^2\cos x$: $-a + a = 0$
- Coefficient of $\cos x$: $2a + 2b$
- Coefficient of $x\sin x$: $-4a - b + b = -4a$
- Coefficient of $\sin x$: $0$
So: $y'' + y = (2a + 2b)\cos x - 4ax\sin x$
Step 4: Match with $x\sin x$.
We need: $(2a + 2b)\cos x - 4ax\sin x = x\sin x$
This gives us:
- Coefficient of $\cos x$: $2a + 2b = 0$
- Coefficient of $x\sin x$: $-4a = 1$
From the second equation: $a = -\frac{1}{4}$
From the first equation: $2(-\frac{1}{4}) + 2b = 0$, so $b = \frac{1}{4}$
Answer: $a = -\frac{1}{4}$, $b = \frac{1}{4}$
Problem 3: Solving Various Differential Equations
3(a): $x^2y' + xy = 1$
Step 1: Convert to standard linear form.
Divide by $x^2$:
$$y' + \frac{1}{x}y = \frac{1}{x^2}$$This is now in the form $y' + P(x)y = Q(x)$ where $P(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ and $Q(x) = \frac{1}{x^2}$.
Step 2: Find the integrating factor.
$$I(x) = e^{\int P(x)dx} = e^{\int \frac{1}{x}dx} = e^{\ln|x|} = |x|$$We take $I(x) = x$ (assuming $x > 0$).
Step 3: Multiply the equation by $I(x) = x$.
$$x \cdot y' + x \cdot \frac{1}{x}y = x \cdot \frac{1}{x^2}$$ $$xy' + y = \frac{1}{x}$$Step 4: Recognize that the left side is $(xy)'$.
By the product rule: $(xy)' = xy' + y$
So our equation becomes:
$$(xy)' = \frac{1}{x}$$Step 5: Integrate both sides.
$$xy = \int \frac{1}{x}dx = \ln|x| + C$$Step 6: Solve for $y$.
$$y = \frac{\ln|x| + C}{x}$$3(b): $y' = y^2 + 1$
Step 1: Recognize this as separable.
We can write: $\frac{dy}{dx} = y^2 + 1$
Step 2: Separate variables.
$$\frac{dy}{y^2 + 1} = dx$$Step 3: Integrate both sides.
$$\int \frac{dy}{y^2 + 1} = \int dx$$The left integral is a standard form:
$$\arctan(y) = x + C$$Step 4: Solve for $y$.
$$y = \tan(x + C)$$3(c): $\frac{dy}{dt} = t^2y - y + t^2 - 1$ with $y(0) = 1$
Step 1: Factor the right side.
$$\frac{dy}{dt} = t^2y - y + t^2 - 1 = y(t^2 - 1) + 1(t^2 - 1) = (t^2 - 1)(y + 1)$$Step 2: Separate variables.
$$\frac{dy}{y + 1} = (t^2 - 1)dt$$Step 3: Integrate both sides.
$$\int \frac{dy}{y + 1} = \int (t^2 - 1)dt$$ $$\ln|y + 1| = \frac{t^3}{3} - t + C$$Step 4: Solve for $y$.
$$|y + 1| = e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t + C}$$We have: $|y + 1| = e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t + C}$
We can rewrite this as: $|y + 1| = e^C \cdot e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t}$
Since $e^C$ is just a positive constant, let's call it $K$ (where $K > 0$).
Now, $|y + 1| = K e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t}$
Removing the absolute value: $y + 1 = \pm K e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t}$
Since $\pm K$ can be any non-zero constant (positive or negative), we write it as a new arbitrary constant $C$:
$$y + 1 = C e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t}$$Therefore:
$$y = C e^{\frac{t^3}{3} - t} - 1$$3(d): $\frac{dy}{dx} = 6x^2 - 3x^2y$
Step 1: Factor the right side.
$$\frac{dy}{dx} = 3x^2(2 - y)$$Step 2: Separate variables.
$$\frac{dy}{2 - y} = 3x^2dx$$Step 3: Integrate both sides.
For the left side, use substitution. Let $u = 2 - y$, then $du = -dy$:
$$\int \frac{dy}{2 - y} = -\int \frac{du}{u} = -\ln|u| = -\ln|2 - y|$$For the right side:
$$\int 3x^2dx = x^3 + C_1$$So: $-\ln|2 - y| = x^3 + C_1$
Step 4: Solve for $y$.
$$\ln|2 - y| = -x^3 - C_1$$ $$|2 - y| = e^{-x^3 - C_1} = e^{-C_1} \cdot e^{-x^3}$$Let $K = e^{-C_1}$ (a positive constant):
$$|2 - y| = K e^{-x^3}$$ $$2 - y = \pm K e^{-x^3}$$Since $\pm K$ can be any non-zero constant, we write it as $C$:
$$2 - y = C e^{-x^3}$$ $$y = 2 - C e^{-x^3}$$Alternatively (changing the sign of $C$):
$$y = 2 + C e^{-x^3}$$3(e): $x^4y' + 4x^3y = \sin^3 x$
Step 1: Convert to standard form.
Divide by $x^4$:
$$y' + \frac{4}{x}y = \frac{\sin^3 x}{x^4}$$Step 2: Find the integrating factor.
$$I(x) = e^{\int \frac{4}{x}dx} = e^{4\ln|x|} = e^{\ln|x|^4} = |x|^4 = x^4$$Step 3: Multiply by the integrating factor.
$$x^4y' + 4x^3y = \sin^3 x$$The left side is $(x^4y)'$, so:
$$(x^4y)' = \sin^3 x$$Step 4: Integrate $\sin^3 x$.
We use the identity: $\sin^3 x = \sin x(1 - \cos^2 x) = \sin x - \sin x\cos^2 x$
First integral: $\int \sin x\, dx = -\cos x$
Second integral: For $\int \sin x\cos^2 x\, dx$, let $u = \cos x$, so $du = -\sin x\, dx$:
$$\int \sin x\cos^2 x\, dx = -\int u^2\, du = -\frac{u^3}{3} = -\frac{\cos^3 x}{3}$$Therefore:
$$\int \sin^3 x\, dx = -\cos x - \left(-\frac{\cos^3 x}{3}\right) = -\cos x + \frac{\cos^3 x}{3}$$Step 5: Complete the solution.
$$x^4y = -\cos x + \frac{\cos^3 x}{3} + C$$ $$y = -x^{-4}\cos x + \frac{1}{3}x^{-4}\cos^3 x + x^{-4}C$$3(f): $y' = y - x$
Step 1: Convert to standard linear form.
$$y' - y = -x$$Here, $P(x) = -1$ and $Q(x) = -x$.
Step 2: Find the integrating factor.
$$I(x) = e^{\int -1\, dx} = e^{-x}$$Step 3: Multiply by the integrating factor.
$$e^{-x}y' - e^{-x}y = -xe^{-x}$$The left side is $(e^{-x}y)'$:
$$(e^{-x}y)' = -xe^{-x}$$Step 4: Integrate the right side using integration by parts.
For $\int -xe^{-x}dx$:
Let $u = -x$ and $dv = e^{-x}dx$
Then $du = -dx$ and $v = -e^{-x}$
$$\int -xe^{-x}dx = (-x)(-e^{-x}) - \int (-e^{-x})(-dx)$$ $$= xe^{-x} - \int e^{-x}dx$$ $$= xe^{-x} + e^{-x} + C$$ $$= (x + 1)e^{-x} + C$$Step 5: Solve for $y$.
$$e^{-x}y = (x + 1)e^{-x} + C$$ $$y = x + 1 + Ce^x$$Problem 4: Initial Value Problems
4(a): $x^2y' + 2xy = \ln x$ with $y(1) = 2$
Step 1: Convert to standard form.
Divide by $x^2$:
$$y' + \frac{2}{x}y = \frac{\ln x}{x^2}$$Step 2: Find the integrating factor.
$$I(x) = e^{\int \frac{2}{x}dx} = e^{2\ln|x|} = e^{\ln|x|^2} = x^2$$Step 3: Multiply by the integrating factor.
$$x^2y' + 2xy = \ln x$$The left side is $(x^2y)'$:
$$(x^2y)' = \ln x$$Step 4: Integrate using integration by parts.
For $\int \ln x\, dx$:
Let $u = \ln x$ and $dv = dx$
Then $du = \frac{1}{x}dx$ and $v = x$
$$\int \ln x\, dx = x\ln x - \int x \cdot \frac{1}{x}dx = x\ln x - \int dx = x\ln x - x + C$$Step 5: Apply the integration result.
$$x^2y = x\ln x - x + C$$Step 6: Apply the initial condition $y(1) = 2$.
$$1^2 \cdot 2 = 1 \cdot \ln 1 - 1 + C$$ $$2 = 0 - 1 + C$$ $$C = 3$$Step 7: Write the final solution.
$$x^2y = x\ln x - x + 3$$ $$y = \frac{\ln x}{x} - \frac{1}{x} + \frac{3}{x^2}$$4(b): $x\ln x = (1 + y^2)yy'$ with $y(1) = 1$
Step 1: Rearrange as a separable equation.
$$x\ln x\, dx = y(1 + y^2)dy$$Step 2: Integrate both sides.
Left side (using integration by parts):
$$\int x\ln x\, dx = \frac{x^2}{2}\ln x - \frac{x^2}{4} + C_1$$Right side:
$$\int y(1 + y^2)dy = \int (y + y^3)dy = \frac{y^2}{2} + \frac{y^4}{4} + C_2$$Step 3: Combine and apply initial condition.
$$\frac{x^2}{2}\ln x - \frac{x^2}{4} = \frac{y^2}{2} + \frac{y^4}{4} + C$$At $x = 1$, $y = 1$:
$$\frac{1}{2}\ln 1 - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4} + C$$ $$0 - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} + C$$ $$C = -1$$The solution is given implicitly by:
$$\frac{x^2}{2}\ln x - \frac{x^2}{4} = \frac{y^2}{2} + \frac{y^4}{4} - 1$$4(c): $\frac{dy}{dx} = x\sin x \cdot y$ with $y(0) = -1$
Step 1: Separate variables.
$$\frac{dy}{y} = x\sin x\, dx$$Step 2: Integrate both sides.
Left side:
$$\int \frac{dy}{y} = \ln|y|$$Right side (using integration by parts):
Let $u = x$ and $dv = \sin x\, dx$
Then $du = dx$ and $v = -\cos x$
$$\int x\sin x\, dx = -x\cos x - \int (-\cos x)dx = -x\cos x + \sin x + C$$Step 3: Combine the results.
$$\ln|y| = -x\cos x + \sin x + C$$Step 4: Apply the initial condition $y(0) = -1$.
$$\ln|-1| = -0 \cdot \cos 0 + \sin 0 + C$$ $$\ln 1 = 0 + 0 + C$$ $$C = 0$$Step 5: Solve for $y$.
$$\ln|y| = -x\cos x + \sin x$$Since $y(0) = -1 < 0$, we have $y < 0$ throughout (solutions don't cross $y = 0$), so:
$$\ln(-y) = -x\cos x + \sin x$$ $$-y = e^{-x\cos x + \sin x}$$ $$y = -e^{-x\cos x + \sin x}$$4(d): $xy' = y + x^2\sin x$ with $y(\pi) = 0$
Step 1: Convert to standard form.
Divide by $x$:
$$y' = \frac{y}{x} + x\sin x$$ $$y' - \frac{1}{x}y = x\sin x$$Step 2: Find the integrating factor.
$$I(x) = e^{\int -\frac{1}{x}dx} = e^{-\ln|x|} = e^{\ln|x|^{-1}} = \frac{1}{|x|} = \frac{1}{x}$$Step 3: Multiply by the integrating factor.
$$\frac{1}{x}y' - \frac{1}{x^2}y = \sin x$$The left side is $\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)'$:
$$\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)' = \sin x$$Step 4: Integrate.
$$\frac{y}{x} = -\cos x + C$$Step 5: Apply the initial condition $y(\pi) = 0$.
$$\frac{0}{\pi} = -\cos \pi + C$$ $$0 = -(-1) + C$$ $$C = -1$$Step 6: Write the final solution.
$$\frac{y}{x} = -\cos x - 1$$ $$y = -x(\cos x + 1)$$Problem 5: CO₂ Room Problem
Given Information:
- Room volume: $V = 180$ m³
- Air flow rate: $Q = 2$ m³/min
- Incoming CO₂ concentration: $c_{in} = 0.0005$ (0.05% as decimal)
- Initial CO₂ concentration: $c(0) = 0.0015$ (0.15% as decimal)
Step 1: Set up the mass balance equation.
The rate of change of CO₂ mass = (CO₂ flowing in) - (CO₂ flowing out)
If $c(t)$ is the concentration at time $t$:
- CO₂ mass in room = $V \cdot c(t) = 180c(t)$
- CO₂ flowing in per minute = $Q \cdot c_{in} = 2 \times 0.0005 = 0.001$ m³/min
- CO₂ flowing out per minute = $Q \cdot c(t) = 2c(t)$ m³/min
Step 2: Simplify the equation.
$$\frac{dc}{dt} = \frac{0.001 - 2c}{180} = \frac{1}{90}(0.0005 - c)$$Step 3: Solve the separable equation.
$$\frac{dc}{0.0005 - c} = -\frac{1}{90}dt$$Integrating:
$$-\ln|0.0005 - c| = -\frac{t}{90} + K$$Step 4: Apply the initial condition $c(0) = 0.0015$.
$$-\ln|0.0005 - 0.0015| = 0 + K$$ $$-\ln(0.001) = K$$ $$K = \ln(1000)$$Step 5: Solve for $c(t)$.
$$-\ln|0.0005 - c| = -\frac{t}{90} + \ln(1000)$$ $$\ln|0.0005 - c| = \frac{t}{90} - \ln(1000)$$Since $c(0) = 0.0015 > 0.0005$, we have $c > 0.0005$ initially, so:
$$c - 0.0005 = 0.001e^{-t/90}$$ $$c(t) = 0.0005 + 0.001e^{-t/90}$$Step 6: Convert to percentage.
$$\text{CO}_2(t) = 100c(t) = 0.05 + 0.10e^{-t/90} \text{ percent}$$As $t \to \infty$, the concentration approaches 0.05%.
Problem 6: Falling Object with Air Resistance
(a) Derive the equation of motion
Forces acting on the object:
- Downward: Weight = $mg$
- Upward: Air resistance = $kv$ (proportional to velocity)
By Newton's Second Law ($F = ma$):
$$m\frac{dv}{dt} = mg - kv$$(b) Solve for velocity as a function of time
Rearranging:
$$\frac{dv}{dt} + \frac{k}{m}v = g$$This is a linear first-order equation with $P = \frac{k}{m}$ and $Q = g$.
Integrating factor: $I = e^{\int \frac{k}{m}dt} = e^{kt/m}$
Multiplying by $I$:
$$(e^{kt/m}v)' = ge^{kt/m}$$Integrating:
$$e^{kt/m}v = g \cdot \frac{m}{k}e^{kt/m} + C$$If $v(0) = 0$ (starts from rest):
$$C = -\frac{mg}{k}$$Therefore:
$$v(t) = \frac{mg}{k}(1 - e^{-kt/m})$$(c) Find the terminal velocity
As $t \to \infty$, $e^{-kt/m} \to 0$, so:
$$v_{\infty} = \frac{mg}{k}$$This is when the drag force equals the weight.
(d) Find the distance fallen
Problem 7: Constructing a Differential Equation
Given: General solution is $y = x^3 + Cx^{-3}$
Find: The differential equation
Step 1: Differentiate the general solution.
$$y' = 3x^2 - 3Cx^{-4}$$Step 2: Eliminate the arbitrary constant $C$.
From the original equation: $Cx^{-3} = y - x^3$
So: $C = x^3(y - x^3) = x^3y - x^6$
Substituting into the derivative:
$$y' = 3x^2 - 3(x^3y - x^6)x^{-4}$$ $$y' = 3x^2 - 3x^{-1}y + 3x^2$$ $$y' = 6x^2 - \frac{3y}{x}$$Multiplying by $x$:
$$xy' = 6x^3 - 3y$$Rearranging:
$$xy' + 3y = 6x^3$$Problem 8: Characterizing the Exponential Function
Given: $f(0) = 1$, $f'(0) = 1$, and $f(a+b) = f(a)f(b)$ for all $a, b$.
Prove: $f(x) = e^x$
Step 1: Find $f'(x)$ for any $x$.
By definition of derivative:
$$f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}$$Using the functional equation $f(x+h) = f(x)f(h)$:
$$f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{f(x)f(h) - f(x)}{h} = f(x) \cdot \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{f(h) - 1}{h}$$Note that $\lim_{h \to 0}\frac{f(h) - 1}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0}\frac{f(0+h) - f(0)}{h} = f'(0) = 1$
Therefore: $f'(x) = f(x)$
Step 2: Solve the differential equation.
We have the initial value problem:
- $f'(x) = f(x)$
- $f(0) = 1$
This is a separable equation:
$$\frac{df}{f} = dx$$Integrating:
$$\ln|f| = x + C$$Since $f(0) = 1$:
$$\ln 1 = 0 + C$$ $$C = 0$$Therefore:
$$\ln|f| = x$$ $$f(x) = e^x$$(We take the positive solution since $f(0) = 1 > 0$)
Practice Problems with Detailed Solutions
Quiz 1: Identifying Equation Types
For each equation, identify if it's Separable (S), Linear (L), or Neither (N).
1. $y' = x^2y$
Can we write this as (function of $x$) times (function of $y$)?
Yes: $y' = x^2 \cdot y$
Answer: Separable
2. $y' + 2y = \sin x$
Is this in the form $y' + P(x)y = Q(x)$?
Yes: $P(x) = 2$, $Q(x) = \sin x$
Answer: Linear
3. $y' = y^2 + xy$
Can we separate? $y' = y(y + x)$ - No, we can't separate $x$ and $y$ completely.
Is it linear? No, because of the $y^2$ term.
Answer: Neither
4. $xy' - y = x^2$
Divide by $x$: $y' - \frac{1}{x}y = x$
This is in linear form.
Answer: Linear
5. $y' = \frac{x}{y}$
Can we separate? Yes: $y\,dy = x\,dx$
Answer: Separable
Quiz 2: Understanding Initial Value Problems
1. An initial value problem always has exactly one solution. (True/False)
True. Under standard conditions (when the functions involved are continuous and satisfy certain conditions), the existence and uniqueness theorem guarantees exactly one solution.
2. The constant $C$ disappears when we apply an initial condition. (True/False)
True. The initial condition allows us to determine the specific value of $C$, converting the general solution to a particular solution.
3. We can apply the initial condition before solving the differential equation. (True/False)
False. We must first find the general solution containing the arbitrary constant, then use the initial condition to find the specific value of that constant.
Quiz 3: Setting Up Word Problems
Problem: A tank initially contains 100 litres of pure water. Salt water containing 0.1 kg/litre flows in at 5 litres/min. The mixture flows out at 5 litres/min. What is the differential equation for salt amount $S(t)$?
Solution Process:
- Identify what's changing: The amount of salt $S(t)$ in the tank.
- Rate in: Salt enters at (flow rate) × (concentration) = $5 \text{ L/min} \times 0.1 \text{ kg/L} = 0.5 \text{ kg/min}$
- Rate out: The concentration in the tank is $\frac{S(t)}{100}$ kg/L (since volume stays at 100 L). Salt leaves at (flow rate) × (concentration) = $5 \times \frac{S(t)}{100} = \frac{S}{20}$ kg/min
- Balance equation: $\frac{dS}{dt} = 0.5 - \frac{S}{20}$
Answer: $\frac{dS}{dt} = 0.5 - \frac{S}{20}$
Summary: Key Methods and Concepts
Method Summary
- Separate: $\frac{1}{h(y)}dy = g(x)dx$
- Integrate both sides
- Solve for $y$ if possible
- Identify $P(x)$ and $Q(x)$
- Find integrating factor: $I = e^{\int P(x)dx}$
- Multiply equation by $I$
- Recognize left side as $(Iy)'$
- Integrate: $Iy = \int IQ\,dx + C$
- Solve for $y$
- Find the general solution first
- Apply the initial condition to find $C$
- Write the particular solution
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting absolute values in logarithms: When integrating $\frac{1}{x}$, write $\ln|x|$, not $\ln x$
- Mishandling constants: Remember that $e^{C}$ is just another constant, which we can rename
- Sign errors in substitution: When using $u$-substitution, track signs carefully
- Forgetting to check solutions: Always verify your answer satisfies the original equation when possible
- Mixing up $\sin^n x$ and $\sin(nx)$: These require completely different integration techniques
Essential Integrals to Memorize
- $\int \frac{1}{x}dx = \ln|x| + C$
- $\int \frac{1}{1 + x^2}dx = \arctan(x) + C$
- $\int e^x dx = e^x + C$
- $\int \sin x\, dx = -\cos x + C$
- $\int \cos x\, dx = \sin x + C$
Final Advice
Differential equations follow systematic methods. Success comes from:
- Correctly identifying the equation type
- Applying the appropriate method carefully
- Handling algebra and integration accurately
- Checking your work when possible
With practice, these methods become routine, and you'll be able to solve increasingly complex problems with confidence.
Practice Quizzes
Test your understanding with these interactive quizzes. Click "Show Answer" to reveal solutions.
Quiz 1: Identifying Equation Types
Explanation: Can be written as $\frac{dy}{y} = x^2dx$
Explanation: Already in standard form $y' + P(x)y = Q(x)$
Explanation: Contains $y^2$ (not linear) and can't separate variables completely
Explanation: Dividing by $x$ gives $y' - \frac{1}{x}y = x$
Explanation: Can be written as $y\,dy = x\,dx$
Quiz 2: Standard Forms
Explanation: This gives $y' + \frac{3}{x}y = \frac{\sin x}{x^2}$
Quiz 3: Integrating Factors
Explanation: $I = e^{\int 3\,dx} = e^{3x}$
Explanation: $I = e^{\int -\frac{1}{x}dx} = e^{-\ln|x|} = \frac{1}{x}$
Explanation: Integrating factor is $e^{\int 2x\,dx} = e^{x^2}$
Quiz 4: Separable Equations
Explanation: Separating gives $\ln|y| = \ln|x| + \ln|C|$
Quiz 5: Initial Value Problems
Quiz 6: Word Problem Setup
Explanation: Salt out = $2 \times \frac{S}{50} = \frac{S}{25}$, salt in = 0
Quiz 7: Integration Techniques
Quiz 8: Solution Verification
Explanation: $4 = C(1)^2$ gives $C = 4$
Quiz 9: Common Errors
Explanation: Use substitution $u = 2-y$, $du = -dy$
Explanation: $\pm e^C$ represents any non-zero constant