Solving separable differential equations and using them in modeling - AP Calculus AB

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Question

Solve the separable, first-order differential equation for :

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Answer

Solve the separable, first-order differential equation for :

First collect all the terms with the derivative to one side of the equation.

Important Conceptual Note: often in texts on differential equations differentials often appear to have been rearranged algebraically as if is a "fraction," making it appear as if we "multiplied both sides" by to get: . This is not the case. The derivative is a limit by definition and, when the limit exists, can take on any real number which includes irrational numbers i.e. numbers which cannot be written as a ratio of two integers.

For instance, we cannot represent as a ratio, but some functions may have a derivative at a point such that the derivative is equal to , or a funciton may simply have an irrational number like as a derivative. For instance, if we write the derivative . Claiming that and are representative of a "numerator" and "denominator" respectively, we would essentially be claiming to have found a way to write an irrational number, such as as a ratio, which is preposterous. The expression is simply notation.

Here is what we are really doing.

Note that the constants of integration can just be combined into one constant by defining .

Solve for :

Applying the initial condition:

Here we have two possible solutions. However, because of the initial condition, we can easily rule out the negative solution. must be equal to positive .

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