Problem 58
Question
We have \(\frac{d y}{d x}=1-\frac{1}{x^{2}}\) or \(y=x+\frac{1}{x}+C\)
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
The proposed solution satisfies the differential equation.
1Step 1: Understand the Problem
We are given a differential equation \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{1}{x^2} \) and a proposed solution \( y = x + \frac{1}{x} + C \), where \( C \) is a constant. We need to verify if the proposed solution satisfies the differential equation.
2Step 2: Differentiate the Proposed Solution
Differentiate the given solution \( y = x + \frac{1}{x} + C \) with respect to \( x \). The derivative of \( x \) is 1, the derivative of \( \frac{1}{x} \) is \( -\frac{1}{x^2} \), and \( C \) being a constant has a derivative of 0. Therefore, \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{1}{x^2} \).
3Step 3: Verify the Solution
Compare the computed derivative \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{1}{x^2} \) from Step 2 to the original differential equation \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{1}{x^2} \). Since both expressions are identical, the proposed solution \( y = x + \frac{1}{x} + C \) satisfies the differential equation.
Key Concepts
Solution VerificationConstant of IntegrationDerivative Calculation
Solution Verification
Verification of a solution in differential equations is a vital step to ensure correctness. When you have a proposed solution, like the function \( y = x + \frac{1}{x} + C \), to a given differential equation, such as \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{1}{x^2} \), the process of verification involves checking whether the solution satisfies the equation. This is done by differentiating the solution and comparing it to the original differential expression. If both expressions match, it confirms that the solution is correct. This provides a logical closure that builds confidence in solving such equations accurately.
Constant of Integration
In calculus, the constant of integration \( C \) is crucial when working with indefinite integrals. Whenever you integrate a function, this constant appears because integration is the reverse of differentiation, which loses constant values during computation. Things to remember about the constant of integration:
- It represents an infinite number of possible vertical shifts of the function along the y-axis.
- Each possible value of \( C \) provides a unique solution, making it essential when solving real-world problems involving initial conditions.
Derivative Calculation
Calculating derivatives correctly is central to solving differential equations. In the given problem, differentiating the solution \( y = x + \frac{1}{x} + C \) involves applying simple differentiation rules.Key points in derivative calculation:
- The derivative of a constant \( C \) is zero.
- The derivative of \( x \) with respect to \( x \) is 1.
- The derivative of \( \frac{1}{x} \) can be derived using the power rule, resulting in \(-\frac{1}{x^2}\).