Math Problem Statement

Solve the initial value problem: y' + 6y = 1, y(0) = 1.

Solution

The given problem is an initial value problem, which can be solved by solving the first-order linear differential equation:

y+6y=1y' + 6y = 1 with the initial condition: y(0)=1.y(0) = 1.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Rewrite the equation: y+6y=1.y' + 6y = 1. This is a linear differential equation in standard form y+p(t)y=g(t)y' + p(t)y = g(t), where p(t)=6p(t) = 6 and g(t)=1g(t) = 1.

  2. Find the integrating factor: The integrating factor μ(t)\mu(t) is given by: μ(t)=ep(t)dt=e6dt=e6t.\mu(t) = e^{\int p(t) \, dt} = e^{\int 6 \, dt} = e^{6t}.

  3. Multiply the equation by the integrating factor: e6ty+6e6ty=e6t.e^{6t}y' + 6e^{6t}y = e^{6t}. The left-hand side is the derivative of e6tye^{6t}y: ddt(e6ty)=e6t.\frac{d}{dt}(e^{6t}y) = e^{6t}.

  4. Integrate both sides: Integrating both sides with respect to tt: e6ty=e6tdt=16e6t+C,e^{6t}y = \int e^{6t} \, dt = \frac{1}{6}e^{6t} + C, where CC is the constant of integration.

  5. Solve for y(t)y(t): y(t)=16+Ce6t.y(t) = \frac{1}{6} + Ce^{-6t}.

  6. Apply the initial condition y(0)=1y(0) = 1: 1=16+Ce0=16+C.1 = \frac{1}{6} + C e^{0} = \frac{1}{6} + C. Solving for CC: C=116=56.C = 1 - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{5}{6}.

  7. Final solution: y(t)=16+56e6t.y(t) = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{5}{6}e^{-6t}.

Thus, the solution to the initial value problem is:

y(t)=16+56e6t.y(t) = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{5}{6}e^{-6t}.

Would you like further clarification or details? Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would you solve a similar initial value problem with a different initial condition?
  2. Can you explain how the integrating factor helps in solving linear differential equations?
  3. How would the solution change if the equation were non-homogeneous, i.e., y+6y=f(t)y' + 6y = f(t) for some function f(t)f(t)?
  4. What are the properties of the solution y(t)y(t) as tt \to \infty?
  5. How can you verify the solution by substituting it back into the original differential equation?

Tip: When solving differential equations, always check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation to ensure it satisfies both the equation and initial condition.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differential Equations
Linear First-Order Equations
Initial Value Problems

Formulas

y' + p(t)y = g(t) - Standard form of a first-order linear differential equation
Integrating Factor: e^{∫p(t) dt}

Theorems

Integrating Factor Method

Suitable Grade Level

College Level