Explain what is the difference between implicit and explicit solutions for differential equation initial value problems.

Cheyanne Leigh

Cheyanne Leigh

Answered question

2021-09-07

Explain what is the difference between implicit and explicit solutions for differential equation initial value problems.

Answer & Explanation

Nathaniel Kramer

Nathaniel Kramer

Skilled2021-09-08Added 78 answers

You are attempting to solve for the function y=f when resolving a differential equation (x). An equation of the kind would be a clear answer. If you discover an equation with only two variables, x and y, but you are unsure of how to solve for y, then you have found an implicit answer. After doing your study, you could discover that y=sin(y)+x or a similar equation. However, there isn't an instantly apparent method to reduce this to y=f(x) form. Once there are no more derivatives, this does uniquely define a solution to the IVP.

user_27qwe

user_27qwe

Skilled2023-05-14Added 375 answers

Step 1:
An initial value problem (IVP) for a differential equation involves finding a solution that satisfies both the differential equation and a set of initial conditions. There are two types of solutions for IVPs: implicit solutions and explicit solutions.
Implicit Solution:
An implicit solution is represented by an equation in which the dependent variable and its derivatives are related in a non-explicit form. In other words, the dependent variable is not expressed explicitly as a function of the independent variable. Instead, the equation may involve the dependent variable and its derivatives on both sides, without isolating the dependent variable on one side.
For example, consider the first-order ordinary differential equation:
dydx=f(x,y)
An implicit solution to this equation would be an equation of the form:
F(x,y)=C
where F is a function involving x, y, and their derivatives, and C is a constant determined by the initial conditions. The implicit solution does not explicitly provide the functional relationship between x and y.
Explicit Solution:
Step 2:
In contrast, an explicit solution expresses the dependent variable explicitly as a function of the independent variable. It provides a direct relationship between x and y, without involving derivatives of y on the left-hand side of the equation.
Using the same example of a first-order ordinary differential equation:
dydx=f(x,y)
An explicit solution would be of the form:
y=g(x)
where g is a function that directly expresses y in terms of x. This type of solution allows for a clear and straightforward understanding of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
RizerMix

RizerMix

Expert2023-05-14Added 656 answers

An implicit solution for a differential equation is expressed in terms of an equation that relates the dependent variable y and the independent variable x, without explicitly solving for y as a function of x. In other words, the relationship between x and y is not explicitly given. Instead, the equation typically involves both x and y, and it can be difficult or even impossible to isolate y on one side of the equation. Implicit solutions are commonly represented as equations in the form F(x,y)=0, where F is a function that incorporates both x and y.
On the other hand, an explicit solution for a differential equation explicitly expresses y as a function of x. It provides a clear relationship between x and y, allowing us to determine the value of y for any given x. Explicit solutions are typically represented in the form y=f(x), where f is a function that directly relates x to y.
To summarize, the main distinction between implicit and explicit solutions lies in the way the relationship between x and y is presented. Implicit solutions involve an equation that relates x and y without explicitly isolating y, while explicit solutions express y as a function of x.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?