Separable differential equation: Particular solutions given initial conditions. If given initial conditions for a separable differential equation, finding them is easy enough, for example if y(0)=0. But how do I know that these are the only solutions? Or that this solution even exists at all before I start calculating it?

Joyce Sharp

Joyce Sharp

Answered question

2022-09-26

Separable differential equation: Particular solutions given initial conditions.
If given initial conditions for a separable differential equation, finding them is easy enough, for example if y ( 0 ) = 0
But how do I know that these are the only solutions? Or that this solution even exists at all before I start calculating it?

Answer & Explanation

Simeon Hester

Simeon Hester

Beginner2022-09-27Added 16 answers

Let your equation be
f ( y )   d y = g ( x )   d x .
Taking the definite integrals from the initial point to the current one, you have
F ( y ) F ( y 0 ) = G ( x ) G ( x 0 ) .
This identity leaves no room for other solutions.
If y 0 and x 0 belong to the domain of F and G, there is at least one solution point. So the question of existence relates to the integrability of f and g around the initial point.

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