Problem 55

Question

Let \(y=y(x)\) be the solution of the differential equation \(\cos x \frac{d y}{d x}+2 y \sin x=\sin 2 x, x \in\left(0, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) If \(y(\pi / 3)=0\), then \(y(\pi / 4)\) is equal to: (a) \(2-\sqrt{2}\) (b) \(2+\sqrt{2}\) (c) \(\sqrt{2}-2\) (d) \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}-1\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
(c) \(\sqrt{2} - 2\)
1Step 1: Understand the Differential Equation
We are given the differential equation \(\cos x \frac{d y}{d x}+2 y \sin x=\sin 2 x\) where \(x \in (0, \pi/2)\). We also know the initial condition \(y(\pi / 3) = 0\) and need to find \(y(\pi / 4)\). This equation is a first-order linear differential equation of the form \(P(x) \frac{dy}{dx} + Q(x) y = R(x)\).
2Step 2: Simplify the Differential Equation
Divide the entire differential equation by \(\cos x\) to isolate \(\frac{dy}{dx}\). This gives us: \(\frac{dy}{dx} + 2 y \tan x = \sec x \sin 2x\). Here, \(\tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}\) and \(\sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x}\). Thus, the equation becomes \(\frac{dy}{dx} + 2 y \tan x = \tan 2x\).
3Step 3: Find the Integrating Factor
The integrating factor \(\mu(x)\) for a linear differential equation with the form \(\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x) y = Q(x)\) is \(\mu(x) = e^{\int P(x) \, dx}\). In this case, \(P(x) = 2 \tan x\), hence \(\mu(x) = e^{2 \int \tan x \, dx}\). The integral of \(\tan x\) is \(-\ln |\cos x|\), so \(\int 2 \tan x \, dx = -2 \ln |\cos x|\). Then, \(\mu(x) = e^{-2 \ln |\cos x|} = (\cos x)^{-2}\).
4Step 4: Solve the Equation with the Integrating Factor
Multiply the entire differential equation by the integrating factor \((\cos x)^{-2}\), resulting in \((\cos x)^{-2} \frac{dy}{dx} + 2y(\cos x)^{-1} \tan x = \tan 2x (\cos x)^{-2}\). Notice that the left side can be rewritten as \(\frac{d}{dx}[(\cos x)^{-2} y]=\ldots\).
5Step 5: Integrate Both Sides
Integrate both sides with respect to \(x\): \(\int \frac{d}{dx}[(\cos x)^{-2} y] \, dx = \int \tan 2x (\cos x)^{-2} \, dx\). The left side simplifies to \((\cos x)^{-2} y\). You'll integrate the right side separately.
6Step 6: Apply Initial Condition
After integrating, solve for \((\cos x)^{-2} y\) and apply the initial condition \(y(\pi / 3) = 0\) to find any constant of integration.
7Step 7: Solve for \(y(\pi / 4)\)
Use the solution obtained after applying the initial condition to calculate \(y(\pi / 4)\). Complete any final arithmetic or algebraic simplifications needed to present \(y(\pi / 4)\).
8Step 8: Final Conclusion
After calculating, find that \(y(\pi / 4) = \sqrt{2} - 2\). This corresponds to option (c).

Key Concepts

Integrating FactorInitial ConditionTrigonometric Functions
Integrating Factor
The concept of an integrating factor is crucial in solving first-order linear differential equations. When you encounter an equation of the form \( \frac{dy}{dx} + P(x) y = Q(x) \), finding the integrating factor \( \mu(x) \) simplifies the process considerably. The integrating factor is given by the formula \( \mu(x) = e^{\int P(x) \, dx} \). This mathematical tool effectively transforms the differential equation into an easily integrable form.
For our exercise, we determined that \( P(x) = 2 \tan x \). The integral of \( \tan x \) is \( -\ln |\cos x| \). Hence, the integrating factor becomes \( \mu(x) = e^{2 \int \tan x \, dx} = e^{-2 \ln |\cos x|} = (\cos x)^{-2} \).
Once you multiply the differential equation by this integrating factor, the left-hand side becomes the derivative of \((\cos x)^{-2} y\). This simplifies the process and allows us to integrate both sides more easily.
Initial Condition
Initial conditions are specific values used to find a unique solution to a differential equation. In the context of this problem, we are given the initial condition \( y(\pi / 3) = 0 \), which helps us solve for any arbitrary constants that arise during integration.
When you integrate to find a general solution, you will often encounter an unknown constant. The initial condition allows us to substitute a specific value for \( x \) and \( y \) into the equation to solve for this constant.
For our equation, after integrating both sides, we substitute \( x = \pi / 3 \) into our solution \((\cos x)^{-2} y = C \) (where \( C \) is the constant of integration). The initial condition tells us that when \( x = \pi / 3 \), \( y = 0 \). This information lets us solve for \( C \), ensuring our solution is tailored to the given scenario.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions are a staple in calculus, especially in solving differential equations over specific intervals. The understanding of functions like \( \sin x \), \( \cos x \), \( \tan x \), and identities such as \( \tan 2x = \frac{2 \tan x}{1 - \tan^2 x} \) is essential to manipulating and solving equations.
In our problem, we frequently use trigonometric identities to simplify the expressions. For example, by recognizing the identities \( \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} \) and \( \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x} \), we were able to transform the original differential equation into a more workable form \( \frac{dy}{dx} + 2 y \tan x = \tan 2x \).
Besides, trigonometric functions help us evaluate the equation over specified intervals like \( (0, \pi/2) \). They are used in calculating limits, integrals, and simplifying complex expressions, playing an indispensable role in solving this kind of mathematical problem.