MIFE112NSW3e 13differentialequations

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13.

CALCULUS

DIFFERENTIAL
EQUATIONS
In this Mathematics Extension 1 chapter you will solve first-order differential equations, recognise and
sketch direction fields and look at models that use differential equations.

CHAPTER OUTLINE
dy
13.01 EXT1 Solving = f (x)
dx
dy
13.02 EXT1 Solving = g(y)
dx
dy
13.03 EXT1 Solving = f (x)g(y)
dx
13.04 EXT1 Applications of differential equations
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL:
EXT1 sketch and interpret direction fields
EXT1 solve first-order differential equations using a variety of methods, including separation of
variables
EXT1 examine models using differential equations, including exponential growth, Newton’s law of
cooling and the logistic equation

Shutterstock.com/sakkmesterke
EXT1 TERMINOLOGY
differential equation: An equation involving a first-order differential equation: A differential
derivative that can be solved to find a function. equation involving the first derivative.
direction field: A graph showing the tangents logistic equation: The differential equation
to the family of solutions of a first-order dP
differential equation. Also called a slope field. = kP(N − P).
dt

dy
EXT1 13.01 Solving = f (x)
WS
dx dy
Homework
Simple A differential equation is any equation involving a derivative, such as = 4x3 − 7.
differential dx
equations
You already know how to solve these by finding the integral or anti-derivative.
A first-order differential equation is an equation involving the first derivative.
Remember that the solution of a differential equation involves a constant C because there is a
family of curves that could all give this derivative.

EXAMPLE 1

dy
a Solve = 6x2 − 4x + 3 given that when x = 1, y = 5.
dx
b Sketch the original function given the graph of its derivative function below.

x1 x2 x

Solution

dy When x = 1, y = 5:
a = 6x2 − 4x + 3
dx 5 = 2(1)3 − 2(1)2 + 3(1) + C
6x3 4 x 2
y= − + 3x + C =3+C

3 2
2 = C
= 2x3 − 2x2 + 3x + C
So y = 2x3 − 2x2 + 3x + 2

572 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


b The graph on the previous page shows the gradient of the original function.
When x = x1, x2, the gradient is 0. This means the original function has a stationary
point at these points.
At x1: LHS < 0 (decreasing curve) and RHS > 0 (increasing curve) so x1 is a
minimum turning point.
At x2: LHS > 0 (increasing curve) and RHS < 0 (decreasing curve) so x2 is a
maximum turning point.
Sketching this information gives a family of graphs.

x1 x2 x

We can find families of functions for specific differential equations by using direction fields.
These are also called slope fields.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 573


EXAMPLE 2

dy
a Draw the direction field for = 3x.
dx dy
b Find the graph of the function with = 3x given that it passes through (0, 1).
dx
c Use calculus to find the equation of this function.

Solution
dy
a When x = 0, = 3(0) = 0 (gradient of the function is 0)
dx
We don’t know what the y value of the function is at x = 0 so we have many
possibilities.
y
6
5
4
3
2
1

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

dy
When x = 1, = 3(1) = 3 (gradient of the function is 3)
dx
y
6
5
4
3
2
1

x
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

574 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


dy
When x = −1, = 3(−1) = −3 (gradient of the function is −3)
dx
y
5
4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

We can find the gradient for other values of x and plot them the same way. This
gives a direction field. You can use computer applications such as GeoGebra or
Desmos to draw this for you. (They both use the term ‘slope field’.)
y
5
4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 575


b Plotting the point (0, 1) we follow the shape of the gradients as shown to get an
approximate shape of the graph.
y
5
4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

dy
c = 3x
dx
3x 2
y= +C
2
When x = 0, y = 1
3(0)2
1= +C
2
=C

3x 2
So the equation is y = + 1.
2

We can find the direction field for many different types of functions.

EXAMPLE 3

dy 1
a Draw the direction field for = 2.
dx x
dy 1
b Find the solution to the differential equation = .
dx x 2
c Use an initial point in the direction field to draw the graph of one solution.

576 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


Solution
y
dy
a When x = 0, is undefined 5
dx
4
(vertical gradient)
3
dy 2
When x = ±1, =1
dx 1
dy 1
When x = ±2, = , and so on. x
dx 4 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1
−1
1 2 3 4 5

−2
−3
−4
−5

dy 1
b = 2
dx x
= x–2
x −1
y=
+C
−1
1
=− +C
x
c The direction field has 2 separate parts in the shape of a hyperbola. Choose 2 points
as shown to trace the shape of a hyperbola. (There are many different possible
answers.)
y
5
4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 577


dy
EXT1 Exercise 13.01 Solving = f (x)
dx
1 Solve each first-order differential equation.
dy dy
a = 6x + 1 b = 3x2 − 4x + 5
dx dx
3 dy
c f ′(x) = d = e4x
x dx
1
e f ′(x) = 3 cos 2x f f ′(x) =
1− x2
dy 1
g =
dx 4 + x 2
2 Solve each differential equation.
dy
a = 6x2 − 2x − 3 given y = 4 when x = 0
dx
dy
b = 2e3x given y = 4 when x = 0
dx
c f ′(x) = sin 3x given f (π) = 2
1 π
d f ′(x) = − given f (0) =
9−x 2 2
dy 2
e = given y = 2 when x = 1
dx 3x
3 Draw a direction (slope) field for each differential equation.
dy dy
a = 2x b = x2 c f ′(x) = 4x3
dx dx
dy
d f ′(x) = −3 e = x+2
dx
4 Copy each direction field and sketch an example of a function in each field.
a y
5
4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

578 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


b y c   y

4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1

x −4 −3 −2 −1 x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
−1 −1
−2 −2
−3 −3
−4 −4
−5

d y e y
5
5
4
4 3
3 2
2 1
1
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 x
−1
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 x
−1 −2
−2 −3
−3 −4
−4
−5
−5

dy 1
5 a Draw a direction field for = .
dx x
dy 1
b Solve = given y = 2 when x = 1.
dx x
c Sketch the graph of this solution on the direction field.

6 Given the differential equation f ′(x) = 2x − 1:


a draw a direction field
b solve the equation given f (0) = −3
dy
7 For = ex + 1:
dx
a draw a direction field
dy
b solve = ex + 1 given that y = 1 when x = 0
dx

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 579


8 Copy each direction field and sketch 3 examples of functions in each field.

a y b y

4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x
−1 −1
−2 −2
−3 −3
−4 −4

c y d y
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1

−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x
−1 −1
−2 −2
−3 −3
−4 −4

e y

4
3
2
1

x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3
−1
−2
−3
−4

580 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


dy WS
EXT1 13.02 Solving = g(y)
dx Homework
Differential
equations
We can find the direction field for functions that are solutions of differential equations in the
dy
form = g(y).
dx

EXAMPLE 4

dy
Find the direction field for the differential equation = 8y.
dx
Solution
y
dy
When y = 0, = 8(0) = 0 4
dx
3
dy
When y = 1, = 8(1) = 8 2
dx
1
dy
When y = −1, = 8(−1) = −8 and so on.
dx −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 x
−1
−2
−3
−4

Shutterstock.com/Pichet siritantiwat

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 581


dy
To solve differential equations in the form = g(y) we need to use the following property of
dx
derivatives.

dy dx
and
dx dy
dy dx
× = 1 given that y = f (x) is a differentiable function.
dx dy
dy 1
or =
dx dx
dy

EXAMPLE 5

Solve each first-order differential equation, given y ≠ 0.


dy 1
a =
dx 2 y
dy
b = 8y
dx

Solution
dy 1 We change the subject of the
a =
dx 2 y equation to y.
dx
= 2y x = y2 + C
dy
x − C = y2
x = 2 y dy
∫ ± x − C = y
2
= y + C
dy We change the subject of the
b = 8y where y ≠ 0
dx equation to y.
dx 1 8x = ln | y| + 8C
=
dy 8 y 8x − 8C = ln | y|
1
x=
8y∫dy e8x – 8C = y
See note after example.
8x –8C
1 1
e e =y
=
8 y
dy ∫ Ae = y, where A = e–8C
8x

1 Because C is a constant, we can write


= ln | y| + C A = e–8C as another constant.
8

Note: In the solution to Example 5b, we could write | y| = e8x - 8C and then y = ± e8x - 8C,
but if we follow through we will get y = Ae8x anyway, with the value of A being positive or
negative depending on further information.

582 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


We can solve each differential equation given an initial condition.

EXAMPLE 6

dy  1
a Solve = 5y2 given  0,  lies on the function and y ≠ 0.
dx  5
1
b Solve f ′(x) = given f (4) = 1 and y ≠ 2.
2y − 4

Solution

dy
a = 5y2
dx
dx 1
=
dy 5 y 2
1
= y–2
5
1 −2
x=
5 ∫y dy

1 y −1 1
=
× +C x=− +1
5 −1 5y
1 1
=− +C x+ =1
5y 5y
1
When x = 0, y = 1
5 =1−x
1 5y
0=− +C
 1 1
5  = 5y
 5 1− x
= −1 + C 1
=y
1=C 5(1 − x )

dy 1 So   x = y2 − 4y + 7
b =
dx 2 y − 4 = y2 − 4y + 4 + 3
dx
= 2y − 4 = (y − 2)2 + 3
dy
x = y2 − 4y + C x − 3 = (y − 2)2
f (4) = 1 ± x −3 = y − 2
4 = (1)2 − 4(1) + C ± x −3 + 2 = y
= −3 + C Since f (4) = 1, we must choose the
7=C negative square root.
So the function is f (x) = -  x − 3 + 2.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 583


dy
EXT1 Exercise 13.02 Solving = g(y)
dx
1 Sketch the direction field for each differential equation.
dy
a f ′(x) = 4y + 1 b f ′(x) = y2 c = ey
dx
dy 1 1
d = e f ′(x) =
dx y − 1 y2
2 Copy each direction field and sketch 3 functions in each field.
y
a y b
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5x −1
−1
−2
−2
−3
−3
−4
−4

3 Solve each first-order differential equation (y ≠ 0).


dy 2 dy dy 1
a = 2 b = y c = y
dx y dx dx e
dy
d = y–4 e f ′(x) = y2
dx
4 Solve each differential equation.
dy
a = 1 − y2 b f ′(x) = x2 + 9
dx
dy 1
5 Find solutions to the differential equation = 3.
dx 8 y
dy 1
6 Find the function y = f (x) given = , the function passes through the point (1, 0)
dx 2 y + 6
and the function is:
a increasing b decreasing
dy 1
7 Find 2 possible solutions to the differential equation = given that (−2, 0) lies
dx 4( y − 3)
on each function.
dy 1
8 Solve = using the substitution u = y3 − 1.
dx y 2 ( y3 − 1)4

584 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


dy
EXT1 13.03 Solving = f (x)g(y) WS

dx Homework
dy
Solving

We can find the direction field for functions that solve differential equations in the dx
= f (x)g(y)

dy
form = f (x)g(y).
dx WS

EXAMPLE 7 Homework
Differential
equations and
exponentials

dy
Find the direction field for the differential equation = 3x2y.
dx

Solution

dy
When y = 0, = 3x2(0) = 0 y
dx 5
So all points (x, 0) on the function will
4
have gradient 0.
3
dy
When x = 0, = 3(0)2 = 0 2
dx
So all points (0, y) on the function will 1
have gradient 0. x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

We can check along other vertical lines by y


varying y values for fixed values of x. 5
dy
When x = 1 and y = 1, = 3(1)2(1) = 3 4
dx
3
dy
When x = 1 and y = 2, = 3(1)2(2) = 6 2
dx
dy 1
When x = 1 and y = −1, = 3(1)2(−1) = −3
dx x
and so on. −5 −4 −3 −2 −1
−1
1 2 3 4 5

−2
−3
−4
−5

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 585


Repeat along other vertical lines. y
dy 5
When x = 2 and y = 1, = 3(2)2(1) = 12
dx 4
and so on.
dy 3
When x = −1 and y = 1, = 3(−1)2(1) = 3
dx 2
and so on.
1
Drawing the direction field gives:
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5 x
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

It is easier to use graphing software to sketch these direction (slope) fields.


dy
We can solve differential equations in the form = f (x)g(y) by separating the variables.
dx
This means that we place the x and dx on one side and y and dy on the other.

Separation of variables
dy
To solve = f (x)g(y):
dx
1
separate into dy = f (x) dx and integrate both sides.
g( y)

Shutterstock.com/sydeen

586 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


Not every differential equation is separable.

EXAMPLE 8

Which of the following differential equations are separable?


dy 2x
a =
dx 5 y3
dy
b + sin x = xy
dx
dy
c x − 2y = 0
dx

Solution

dy 2x
a = 3
dx 5 y
dy
5y3 = 2x
dx
5y3 dy = 2x dx
So the equation is separable.
dy
b + sin x = xy
dx
dy
= xy − sin x
dx
This doesn’t allow us to separate out the variables so this is not a separable equation.
dy
c x − 2y = 0
dx
dy
x = 2y
dx
x dy = 2y dx
1 1
dy = dx
2y x
So the equation is separable.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 587


We can solve separable differential equations.

EXAMPLE 9
Differential equations
dy 2x
Solve the first-order differential equation = .
dx y 2
Solution
dy 2x
=
dx y 2
dy
y2 = 2x
dx dy
Note: We could also skip this step, not split , and integrate both sides
y2 dy = 2x dx with respect to x using the chain rule. dx

Integrate both sides:

∫y ∫
2
dy = 2x dx
3
y
+ c1 = x2 + c2
3
y3
= x2 + k
3

We change the subject of the equation to y.


y3 = 3x2 + C
y = 3 3x 2 + C

We can also solve each differential equation given an initial point on the function.

EXAMPLE 10
dy
Solve = 3x2y given the point (0, 1) lies on the function and y ≠ 0.
dx
Solution
dy Substitute (0, 1):
= 3x2y
dx loge |1| = (0)3 + C
dy = 3x2y dx
dy 0=C
= 3x2 dx
y loge | y| = x3
Integrate both sides:
Change the subject to y:
dy
∫y ∫
= 3x 2 dx y = ex
3

loge | y | + c1 = x3 + c2
loge | y| = x3 + C

588 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


EXAMPLE 11

x2
a Find the general solutions of f ′(x) = .
y
b Find the solution given that f (3) = −2.

Solution

x2 y2 x3
a f ′(x) = + c1 = + c2
y 2 3
dy x 2 y2 x3
= = +k
dx y 2 3
2x 3
y dy = x2 dx y2 = +C
3
Integrating both sides: 2x 3
y = f (x) = ± +C
∫ y dy = ∫ x 3
2
dx

b f (3) = −2
2x 3
This satisfies the solution f (x) = − +C
3
Substituting x = 3, f (x) = −2:
2(3)3
−2 = − +C
3
= − 18 + C
Squaring both sides:
(−2)2 = (− 18 + C )2
4 = 18 + C
−14 = C
2x 3
So the solution is f (x) = − − 14 .
3

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 589


dy
EXT1 Exercise 13.03 Solving = f (x)g(y)
dx
1 Sketch the direction field for each differential equation.
dy dy x 2 dy y
a = xy2 b = c =
dx dx y dx x +5
dy y 2 − 1
d = e f ′(x) = x(y + 2)3
dx x
2 Which of these first-order differential equations are separable?
dy xy dy dy y + 1
a = b = x + y2 c =
dx x + 1 dx dx x
dy
d y = xy − cos y e f ′(x) = y2(x − 5)9
dx
3 Solve each differential equation.
dy x dy 1 dy x
a = b = c = 2
dx y dx 2xy dx 6 y
dy dy dy x − 3
d = xy e = 6x2y2 f =
dx dx dx 3 y 2
dy 4 x 2
g = h f ′(x) = 12x3y2
dx y
dy (2x − 1)5
i f ′(x) = 6y(x + 3)2 j =
dx y2
4 Solve each differential equation.
dy
a = 3x2y2 given (3, 1) is part of the solution
dx
x +1
b f ′(x) = given f (0) = 4
y
dy x
c = given that (1, 3) lies on the curve
dx y( x 2 − 2)2
dy π 
d = y sin x given  , 1 lies on the curve
dx 2

e f ′(x) = 6x 4 − y 2 given f (1) = π


dy x + 1
5 Solve = given the initial point:
dx y
a (−2, 4) b (5, −1)

6 a Differentiate loge (sin x).


dy cos x π
b Solve sin x = given y = −1 when x = .
dx y 2

590 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


x 2 ( x 3 + 1)3
7 Given f (1) = 5, solve f ′(x) = .
y
ln x
8 a Use the substitution u = ln x to find
x ∫
dx .
dy ln x
b Solve = given (1, 2) is a point that lies on the curve.
dx xy

EXT1 13.04 Applications of differential equations


We can use first-order differential equations in many applications, some of which you have
seen already.

EXAMPLE 12

dx
The velocity of a particle is given by = 4x − 1 m s–1 where x is the displacement.
dt
Initially the displacement is 3 m.
a Find the equation for displacement in exact form.
b Find the exact displacement after 5 seconds.
c Find the time when displacement is 10 m, correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution
dx Changing the subject of the equation
a = 4x − 1
dt to x:
dt 1 1 1
So = t = ln4x − 1− ln 11
dx 4 x − 1 4 4
1 1
t= ∫
4x −1
dx = [ln4x − 1− ln 11]
4
1 4
= ∫
4 4x −1
dx 1
= ln
4x −1
4 11
1
= ln4x − 1+ C 4x −1
4 4t = ln
When t = 0, x = 3: 11
1 4x −1
0 = ln4 × 3 − 1+ C e4t =
4 11
1 11e4t = 4x − 1
= ln 11 + C
4 11e4t + 1 = 4x
1
− ln 11 = C 11e 4 t + 1
4 =x
4

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 591


b When t = 5:
11e 4 ×5 + 1
x=
4
20
11e + 1
=
4
11e 20 + 1
So displacement is m after 5 s.
4
c When x = 10:  39 
ln   = 4t
4t
11e + 1  11 
10 =
4 39
ln  
4t
40 = 11e + 1  11 
=t
4
39 = 11e4t 0.32 = t
39
= e4t So displacement is 10 m after 0.32 s.
11

Exponential growth and decay


For exponential growth and decay, the rate of change of a quantity is proportional to the
quantity itself.
dQ
= kQ
dt
For exponential growth k > 0.
For exponential decay k < 0.

Shutterstock.com/alanisko

592 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


EXAMPLE 13
The population P of a country town is growing over t years according to the equation
dP
= 0.024P.
dt
a Solve this equation given that the initial population is 35 000.
b Find:
i the population after 10 years
ii the rate at which the population is growing after 10 years

Solution

dP 0.024t + c = loge P
a = 0.024P
dt e0.024t + c = P
dt 1
So = e0.024t × ec = P
dP 0.024 P
1 Ae0.024t = P
t= ∫
0.024 P
dP
When t = 0, P = 35 000:
1 1
=
0.024 P ∫
dP 35 000 = Ae0.024(0)
1 Absolute value symbols =A
= loge P + C not required as P > 0.
0.024
So P = 35 000e0.024t.
Changing the subject of the equation to P:
1
t−C= loge P
0.024
0.024(t − C) = loge P

b i When t = 10:
P = 35 000e0.024(10)
= 44 493.7
So after 10 years the population is 44 494.
dP
ii = 0.024P
dt
After 10 years P = 44 494
dP
So = 0.024 × 44 494
dt
= 1067.8
So after 10 years the population is growing at the rate of 1068 people per year.
We could also have differentiated P = 35 000e0.024t to find this answer.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 593


Newton’s law of cooling
Objects lose heat according to the law:
dT
= k(T − T1)
dt
Since the object is cooling, k < 0.

EXAMPLE 14

An object is heated to 320°C then left to cool. The temperature in the room is 26°C.
a If the temperature of the object is down to 290°C after 10 minutes, find its
temperature after 30 minutes.
b Show that the final temperature of the object is 26°C.

Solution
dT
a = k(T − T1) where T1 = 26
dt
dT
So = k(T − 26)
dt
dt 1
=
dT k(T − 26)
1
t= ∫ k(T − 26)
dT

1 1
= ∫
k T − 26
dT
1
= lnT − 26+ C
k
Changing the subject of the equation to T:
1
t − C = lnT − 26
k
k(t − C) = lnT − 26
ek(t – C) = T − 26
ekt × ekC = T − 26
Aekt = T − 26
26 + Aekt = T

594 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


When t = 0, T = 320:
320 = 26 + Aek(0)
= 26 + A
294 = A
So T = 26 + 294ekt
When t = 10, T = 290:
290 = 26 + 294ek(10)
264 = 294e10k
264
= e10k
294
 264 
ln  = 10k
 294 

 264 
ln 
 294  = k
10
−0.0108 = k Note that k < 0.
–0.0108t
So T = 26 + 294e
When t = 30:
T = 26 + 294e–0.0108(30)
= 238.9
So the temperature is 238.9°C after 30 minutes.
b T = 26 + 294e–0.0108t
As t → ∞, e–0.0108t → 0.
So T → 26.
The temperature will eventually reach 26°C.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 595


There is a more general differential equation called the logistic equation that is used for
modelling and predicting results in biology, economics and other areas.

INVESTIGATION

LOGISTIC EQUATION
Research the logistic equation as a model for population growth. Search for information
on Malthus and Verhulst, who both worked with models of population growth.
In what areas of biology and chemistry is the logistic equation used to predict growth or
decay? Is it used in other areas of study?

Logistic equation
dP
= kP(N − P) where N is the limiting condition or carrying capacity.
dt

dP  P
Sometimes the logistic equation is written in a different form, such as = kP  1 −  ,
dt  K
where K is the limiting condition.
Unlike an exponential curve that increases forever, this equation is a more realistic model
for population growth, since lack of food and other resources can restrict population to a
maximum level.

P
N

596 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


EXAMPLE 15

Josh sets up a new salmon farm with 250 fish. The differential equation for P, the
dP
population of fish, is given by = 0.0024P(1000 − P).
dt
1 51 1 
a Show that =  + .
0.0024 P (1000 − P ) 12  P 1000 − P 
b Use the result in part a to show that the salmon population is given by the equation
1000
P= .
1 + 3e −2.4 t
c Find the population after:
i 2 years
ii 5 years
d What is the maximum possible population of fish for Josh’s salmon farm?

Solution

51 1 
a RHS =  + 
12  P 1000 − P 
5  1[1000 − P ] 1P 
=  + 
12  P [1000 − P ] P [1000 − P ] 

5  1000 − P + P 
=  
12  P [1000 − P ] 

5 1000 
=  
12  P [1000 − P ] 
5000
=
12P (1000 − P )
11 1212
== as as
since = 0.0024
= 0.0024
0.0024 P (P1000
0.0024 (1000
− P− )P ) 5000 5000
= LHS

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 597


dP
b = 0.0024P(1000 − P)
dt
dt 1
So =
dP 0.0024 P (1000 − P )
1
t= ∫ 0.0024 P (1000 − P ) dP
51 1 
= ∫ 12  P + 1000 − P  dP from part a

5 1 −1 
= ∫
 −  dP
12  P 1000 − P 
5
= [lnP− ln1000 − P] + C
12
5 P
= ln +C
12 1000 − P
Changing the subject of the equation to P:
5 P
t−C= ln
12 1000 − P
12 P
(t − C ) = ln
5 1000 − P
P
2.4(t − C) = ln
1000 − P
P
e2.4 (t – C) =
1000 − P
2.4t –2.4C P
e =
1000 − P
P
e2.4t × e–2.4C =
1000 − P
P
Ae =2.4t
where A = e–2.4C
1000 − P

598 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


To find A, note that when t = 0, P = 250.
250
Ae 2.4 × 0 =
1000 − 250
1
A=
3
1 2.4t P
So e =
3 1000 − P
2.4t 3P
e =
1000 − P
(1000 − P)e2.4t = 3P
3P
1000 − P = 2.4 t
e
= 3Pe–2.4t
1000 = P + 3Pe–2.4t
= P(1 + 3e–2.4t)
1000
=P
1 + 3e −2.4 t
c i When t = 2: ii When t = 5:
1000 1000
P= P=
1 + 3e −2.4 × 2 1 + 3e −2.4 × 5
= 975.9056 ... = 999.98
So after 2 years there are 976 fish. So after 5 years there are 1000 fish.

1000
d P=
1 + 3e −2.4 t
As t → ∞, 3e-2.4 t → 0, so P → 1000.

So the maximum number of fish is 1000.


dP dP
Note: = 0.0024P(1000 − P) is in the form = kP(N − P) where N = 1000 is the
dt dt
carrying capacity.

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 599


EXT1 Exercise 13.04 Applications of differential equations
1 Solve each differential equation.
dQ
a = 0.2Q, given that when t = 0, Q = 12
dt
dN
b = 0.05N if N = 500 when t = 0
dt
dT
c = −1.03T, given that T = 450 initially
dt
dT
d = −0.2(T − 28), given that when t = 0, T = 115
dt
dQ
e = −0.65(Q − 150), given that when t = 0, Q = 280
dt
2 The number of cattle N on a property is growing over t years according to the
dN
equation = 0.18N.
dt
a Solve this equation, given that the initial number of cattle is 600.
b Find the number of cattle after:
i 5 years ii 10 years
c Find how long it will take for the number of cattle to reach 2000.
d Find the rate at which the number of cattle is growing after:
i 5 years ii 10 years

3 An element of mass M is decaying over t years according to the formula


dM
= −0.045M.
dt
The initial mass is 100 g.
a Solve the differential equation to find the equation for the mass of the element.
b Find the mass after 20 years.
c What is the rate at which the mass is decaying after 20 years?
d Find the half-life of the element (the time it takes to halve its mass).
dT
4 The temperature of an object T over time t minutes is given by = −0.15(T − 20).
dt
The initial temperature is 150°C.
a Solve the differential equation.
b Find the temperature after:
i 6 minutes ii half an hour

600 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


dP
5 The population of fish in a pond over t months is given by = 0.22(P − 60) and the
dt
initial population is 80.
a Solve the differential equation.
b If the maximum number of fish that can live in the pond is 300, when will the pond
reach capacity?

6 A metal is heated to 250°C and then left to cool, which it does according to the formula
dT
= −0.04(T − 27) where T is the temperature and t is time in minutes.
dt
a Solve the differential equation.
b Find the temperature after:
i 10 minutes ii 20 minutes iii 1 hour
c What is the room temperature?
1 1 1
7 a Show that = − .
x ( x + 1) x x + 1
dx
b Solve = x(x + 1), giving your answer as an equation for t in terms of x.
dt
3 1 1
8 a Show that = − .
( x − 1)( x + 2) x − 1 x + 2
dQ 1
b Solve = (Q − 1)(Q + 2), leaving your solution as t in terms of Q.
dt 3
dN
9 Solve = N(N − 1):
dt
a as a function of t in terms of N
b as a function of N in terms of t, given that when t = 0, N = 10

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 601


13. TEST YOURSELF

For Questions 1 to 4, select the correct answer A, B, C or D.


Qz

1 Which differential equation could have the direction field below?


Practice quiz

y
dy
A = x2
4 dx
3 dy
B = −x
2 dx
1 dy
C = −x2
x dx
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1 dy
D =x
−2 dx
−3
−4

dy
2 Solve = 3y, given y = 20 when x = 0.
dx
A y = 60e0.33x B y = 60e3x
C y = 20e3x D y = 20e0.33x
dT
3 What does the equation = 0.06T(2000 − T ) describe?
dt
A Newton’s law of cooling B A logistic equation
C Exponential growth D Exponential decay
dy 4 x
4 Solve = if (0, 0) is a point on the solution.
dx 3 y 2
A y = 8x3 B y = 23 x 2
C y = 2x3 D y = 3 2x 2

5 Solve each first-order differential equation.


dy
a = 4x − 3, given y = 5 when x = 1
dx
dy 1
b = if (0, −1) lies on the function y = f (x)
dx y
dQ
c = −0.1Q, given that initially Q = 450
dt
dT
d = −0.05(T − 20) if T is initially 300
dt

602 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


6 Draw a direction field for each differential equation.
dy dy dy
a = x2 b = 2x − 1 c = 4y + 3
dx dx dx
dy dy 3y
d = xy2 e =
dx dx ( x + 1)2
7 Solve each differential equation.
dy
a = 2y, given y = 6 when x = 0
dx
dy 6e 2x
b = 2 if y = 3 when x = 0
dx y

c f ′(x) = 1 − y 2 , given f (0) = 0


d f ′(x) = sec 2y, given f (0) = π
dy 1
e = , given when x = 1, y = −3
dx xy
8 A metal element is heated to 500°C and then left to cool, which it does according to the
dT
equation = −0.15(T − 18).
dt
a Solve this differential equation.
b Find the temperature after:
i 5 minutes ii 15 minutes
c What will the final temperature be?
3x − 1 1 2
9 a Show that = + .
( x − 2)( x + 3) x − 2 x + 3
dN ( N − 2)( N + 3)
b Solve = , giving the solution in terms of N.
dt 3N − 1
10 Solve each differential equation.
dy π π
a = cosec y, given y = when x = −
dx 2 3
dy
b = 6x2(4 + y2), given (0, 0) lies on the function.
dx
11 The number N of hectares (ha) of forest in a region of Queensland each year is
dN
changing as forests are cleared according to the formula = −0.17(N − 10 000).
dt
a Solve the differential equation given that there are initially 505 000 hectares
of forest.
b Find the amount of forest after:
i 10 years ii 25 years
c There is a national park that cannot be cleared. How large is it?

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 603


dy 3x 3
12 Given the differential equation = 2:
dx y
a draw a direction field
b solve the equation, given that y = 4 when x = 0
c draw this solution on the direction field

13 A population Q of bandicoots decreases over time t years according to the


dQ
formula = −0.013(Q − 300). The initial population was 3200 bandicoots.
dt
a Solve this equation.
b Find the number of bandicoots after:
i 1 year ii 3 years
c Find the rate at which the bandicoot population is decreasing after:
i 1 year ii 3 years

14 Solve:
dy
a = 3x2y, given (0, 2) lies on the function
dx
dy
b = 2x + 2xy2 if y = 1 when x = π
dx 2
6e3x
c f ′(x) = 4 , given f (0) = 0
5y

604 MATHS IN FOCUS 12. Mathematics Extension 1 ISBN 9780170413367


13. CHALLENGE EXERCISE

dx x ( x 2 + 3)
1 Solve = as an equation with t in terms of x, given x = 1 when t = 0.
dt x2 +1

dy 1− y2
2 Solve = , given y = 0 when x = 1.
dx x
3 A radioactive substance has a half-life of 80 years. Its mass M grams over time t years
dM
is given by the formula = −kM and its initial mass is M0.
dt
a Solve the differential equation.
b Find the percentage of the initial mass left after:
i 10 years ii 50 years iii 100 years
c At what rate is the substance decaying (as a percentage of the initial mass) in
grams/year after:
i 10 years? ii 50 years? iii 100 years?
dy ln x
4 Draw a direction field for the differential equation = .
dx y
dy
5 Solve = 6ey sin 3x, given that when x = 0, y = 0.
dx
dQ
6 The height of a tree after t years is given by = 0.03Q(45 − Q). The tree is 0.3 m high
dt
when it is planted.
1 a b
a Evaluate a and b if = + .
Q(45 − Q ) Q 45 − Q
b Solve the differential equation to find the formula for the height of the tree.
c Find its height after:
i 2 years ii 8 years
d What is its ultimate height?

7 In Woodville, 25 people have the flu. The spread of flu through the town is given
dN
by = 0.00068N(15 000 − N).
dt
a Solve the differential equation to find the number of people with flu over t weeks.
b Find the number of people with flu after 1 week.
c What is the maximum number of people who will have the flu in Woodville?

ISBN 9780170413367 13. Differential equations 605

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