MIFE112NSW3e 13differentialequations
MIFE112NSW3e 13differentialequations
MIFE112NSW3e 13differentialequations
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
x1 x2 x
We can find families of functions for specific differential equations by using direction fields.
These are also called slope fields.
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
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
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.
−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
x
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
−2
−3
−4
−5
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
EXAMPLE 8
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.
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
∫y ∫
2
dy = 2x dx
3
y
+ c1 = x2 + c2
3
y3
= x2 + k
3
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
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
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 = ln4x − 1− ln 11
dx 4 x − 1 4 4
1 1
t= ∫
4x −1
dx = [ln4x − 1− ln 11]
4
1 4
= ∫
4 4x −1
dx 1
= ln
4x −1
4 11
1
= ln4x − 1+ C 4x −1
4 4t = ln
When t = 0, x = 3: 11
1 4x −1
0 = ln4 × 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
Shutterstock.com/alanisko
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.
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
= lnT − 26+ C
k
Changing the subject of the equation to T:
1
t − C = lnT − 26
k
k(t − C) = lnT − 26
ek(t – C) = T − 26
ekt × ekC = T − 26
Aekt = T − 26
26 + Aekt = T
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.
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
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 51 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
51 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
5 1 −1
= ∫
− dP
12 P 1000 − P
5
= [lnP− ln1000 − 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
1000
d P=
1 + 3e −2.4 t
As t → ∞, 3e-2.4 t → 0, so P → 1000.
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
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
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
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?