MATH168 - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS I

1
applications of first order odes 1
This is the first part of lecture five
- A series of lecture notes primarily
Lecturer: Dr. Peter Amoako-Yirenkyi taken from the text book (Elementary
differential Equation and boundary
Recommended Textbook:Elementary differential Equation2 value problems by Boyce and Diprima.
After going through this lecture notes,
The laws of the universe are written largely in the language of math- you should be able to have a good
ematics. Algebra is sufficient to solve many static problems, but the appreciation for some applications of
most interesting naturally phenomena involve change and are best de- first Order Differential Equations:
scribed by equations that relate changing quantities. Many important
2
W.W. Boyce & R.C. DiPrima. Elemen-
and significant problems in engineering, the physical sciences, and the tary Differential Equations and Boundary
Value Problems. John Wiley & Sons,
social sciences such as economics and business when formulated in Inc., tenth edition, March 2012. ISBN
mathematical terms require the determination of a function satisfying 978-0-470-45832-7
an equation containing the derivatives of unknown function. Such
equations are called differential equation.

Applications of First-Order Differential Equation (Modeling)

We now move into one of the main applications of differential equations. Modeling is the process of writing
a differential equation to describe a physical situation. Almost all of the differential equations that you will
use in your job (as an engineer) are there because somebody, at some time, modeled a situation to come up
with the differential equation that you are using.

This session is not intended to teach you how to go about modeling physical situations. A whole course
could be devoted to the subject of modeling and still not cover everything! This session is designed to intro-
duce you to the process of modeling and show you what is involved in modeling.

In all of these situations we will be forced to make assumptions that do not accurately depict reality in
most cases, but without them the problems would be very difficult and beyond the scope of this discussion
(and the course in most cases to be honest).

We will look at different situations in this session: Law of exponential change-that deals with growth and
decay problems-Temperature problems, Falling Bodies, Mixing Problems and Electrical Circuits.

Law of Exponential Change (Growth and Decay Problems)

Suppose that we are interested in a quantity y (population, radioac-
tive element, money,whatever) that increases or decreases at a rate
dy
proportional to the amount present-that is: αy. If we also know the
dt
amount present at time t = 0, say y0 , we can find y as a function of t
by solving the following initial value problem.

dy
Differential Equation: = ky (1)
dt

Initial condition:y = y0 , when t = 0

math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 2

If y is positive and increasing, then k is negative and the rate of

growth is proportional to what has already been accumulated. If y
is positive and decreasing, then k is negative and the rate of decay is
proportional to the amount still left.
The constant function y = 0 is a solution of the differential equation
but we usually are not interested in that solution. To find nonzero
solutions, we separate the variables and integrate.

dy dy
= ky ⇒ = kdt
dt y
⇒ ln |y| = kt + c integrate
⇒ eln |y| = ekt+c exponential
⇒ |y| = ec ėkt eln u = u, e a+b = e a ėb
⇒ y = ±ec ekt | y | = r ⇒ y = ±r

⇒ y = Aekt Let A = ±ec (2)

By allowing A to take on the value 0 in addition to all the possible

values of ±ec , we can include the solution y = 0 . This solves the
differential equation.
To solve the initial value problem, we set t = 0 and y = y0 and solve
for A.

y0 = Ae(k)(0) = A

The solution of the initial value problem is: y = y0 ekt

In other words, we change to the variables (from y to N). That is:
If N changes at a rate proportional to the amount present:

dN
= kN (3)
dt
and N = N0 when t = 0, then:

N = N0 ekt (4)

where k > 0 represents growth and k < 0 represents decay. The

number k is the rate constant or the equation

Continuously Compounded Interest

Suppose that A0 cedis are invested at a fixed annual interest rate r

(expressed as a decimal). If interest is added to the account n times a
year, the amount of money present after t years is:
 nt
r
A ( t ) = A0 1+ (5)
n
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 3

The interest rate might be added(“compounded”, bankers say)

monthly(n = 12), weekly(n = 52), daily(n = 365), or even more
frequently, by the hour or by the minute.
If, instead of being added at discrete intervals, the interest is added
continuously at a rate proportional to the amount in the account, we
can model the growth of the account with the initial value problem.

dA
Differential equation: = rA
dt
Initial condition: A(0) = A0

The amount of money in the account after t years is then:

A(t) = A0 ert (6)

Interest paid according to this formula is said to be compound con-

tinuously. The number r is the continuous interest rate.
 nt
rt r
Now what is the relationship between e and 1 + ? One is
n
continous and the other discrete respectively.
 nt
r
lim 1+ = ert
k→∞ n

Example 1. Suppose that you deposit 800 cedis in an account that pays
6.3% annual interest. How much will you have 8 years later if the interest
is:

a) A(8) = 800e(0.063)(8) = 1324.26

 (4)(8)
0.063
b) A(8) = 800 1 + = 1319.07
4

Population and Radioactivity

Let N (t) denote the amount of substance (or population) that is either de-
dN
caying or growing. If we assume that , the time rate of change of this
dt
amount of substance, is proportional to the amount of substance present,
then:
dN
= kN (7)
dt
where k is the constant of proportionality.
We are assuming that N (t) is a differentiable, hence continuous, function of
time. For population problems, where N (t) is actually discrete and integer-
valued, this assumption is incorrect. Nonetheless (7) still provides a good
approximation to the physical laws governing such a system.
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 4

Example 2.13
1. The population of a certain country is known to increase at a rate
proportional to the number of people presently living in the coun-
try. If after two years the population has doubled, and after three
years the population is 50,000 , estimate the number of people
initially living in the country.
Solution:
Model
Let N denote the number of people living in the country at any
time t , and let N0 denote the number of people initially living in
the country. Then from (7):

dN
= kN, which has a solution:
dt

N = cekt (8)

Solve Algebraically
At t = 0, N = N0 ; hence, it follows from (8) that N0 = cek(0) , or
that c = N0 . Thus

N = N0 ekt (9)

If after two years the population has doubled, then we can find the
rate k. That is;
At t = 2, N = 2N0 . SUbstituting these values into (9), we have:

1
2N0 = N0 e2k ⇒ 2 = e2k ⇒ k = ln 2 = 0.347
2
Subtituting this value give:

N = N0 e0.347t (10)

At t = 3, N = 50000. Substituting these values into (10), we obtain:

50, 000 = N0 e0.347(3) = N0 (2.832)

N0 = 17655

Interpret
The initial population is 17655

2. Scientists who do carbon-14 dating use 5700 years for its half-life.
Find the age of a sample in which 10% of the radioactive nuclei
originally present have decayed.
Solution:
(ln 2)
Because hal f − li f e = 5700 = (ln 2)/k, we have k =
5700
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 5

Model
We need to find the value of t for which:

N0 e−kt = 0.9N0
⇒ e−kt = 0.9
where k = (ln 2)/5700.
Solve Algebraically

e−kt = 0.9 ⇒ −kt = ln 0.9 in both sides

1 5700
t = − ln 0.9 = − ln 0.9 ≈ 866
k ln 2
Interpret
The sample is about 866 years old

3. Find the half-life of a radioactive substance with decay equation

N = N0 e−kt and show that the half-life depends only on the decay
constant k
Solution:
Model
1
The half-life is the solution to the equation: N0 e−kt = N0
2
Solve Algebraically

1 1 1 1 ln 2
e−kt = ⇒ −kt = ln ⇒ t = − ln =
2 2 k 2 k
Interpret
This value of t is the half-life of the element. It depends only on
the value of k. The number y0 does not appear.

4. A certain radioactive material is known to decay at a rate propor-

tional to the amount present. If initially there is 50 milligrams of
the material present and after two hours it is observed that the
material has lost 10 percent of its original mass, find

a) An expression for the mass of the material remaining at any

time t (model),
b) The mass of the material after four hours, and
c) The time at which the material has decayed to one half of its
initial mass.

Solution:

a) Model Let N denote the amount of material present at time t.

dN
The separable differential equation is given as: = kN, whose
dt
solution is given as:

N = cekt (11)
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 6

c is the arbitrary constant.

At t = 0, we’re given that N = 50.
Therefore, from (I), 50 = cek(0) ⇒ c = 50

Thus, N = 50ekt (12)

At t = 2, 10% of the original mass of 50mg, or 5mg, has de-

cayed. Hence, at t = 2, N = 50 − 5 = 45.
Substituting these values into (12) and solving for k, we have:

1 45
45 = 50e2k or k = ln = −0.053 (13)
2 50
Substituting these values into (12), we obtain the amount of
mass present at any time t as:

N = 50e−0.053t (14)

where t is measured in hours.

Note that for a decay, k is negative (k < 0).
b) We require N at t = 4. Substituting t = 4 into (14) and then
solving for N, we find that: N = 50e(0.053)(4) = 50(0.809) =
40.5mg
c) We require t when N = 50/2 = 25. Substituting N = 25
0.053t or −0.053t =
into  and solving for t, we find: 25 = 50e
 (14)
1
ln ⇒ t = 13 hours
2

Heat Transfer (Temperature Problems)

Isaac Newton postulated that the time rate of change in the temper-
ature of a cooled or heated object is proportional to the difference in
temperature between the object and its surrounding medium. This
postulate is known as the Newton’s law of cooling, which is equally
applicable to heating. (What happens to the temperature of boiled
beans (gorbe) if it is placed on a table in a room?)
Let T denote the time dependent temperature of the body and let
TS denote the temperature of the surrounding medium (which is a
constant). Then the time rate of change of temperature of the body
dT
is: and Newton’s law of cooling can be formulated as:
dt
dT
= −k( T − Ts ) (15)
dt
where k is a positive constant of proportionality. Once k is chosen
dT
positive, the minus sign is required in Newton’s law to make
dt
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 7

negative in a cooling process, when T is greater than TS , and positive

in a heating process, when T is less than TS .
To solve for the differential equation (15), let’s substitute y for T − TS ,
then:
dy d dT d
= ( T − Ts ) = − ( Ts )
dt dt dt dt
dy dT dT
⇒ = −0 = T, is a constant
dt dt dt
dy
⇒ = −k( T − Ts ) from equation (15)
dt
dy
⇒ = −ky from the substituted T − ts = y
dt
dy
Now we know that the solution of = −kt is y = ce−kt , where at
dt
t = 0, y = y0 e−kt for y(0) = y0
Substituting T − Ts for y, this says that; T − Ts = ce−kt , and at t = 0;

T0 − Ts = ce−k(0) ⇒ c = T0 − Ts

Then we have:

T − Ts = ( T0 − Ts )e−kt (16)

Example 2.14
A hard-boiled egg at 98◦ is put in a bowl of 18◦ water. After 5 min,
the egg’s temperature is 38◦ . Assuming that the water has not warmed
appreciably, how much longer will it take the egg to reach 20◦ ?
Solution:
We find how long it would take the egg to cool from 98◦ to 20◦
and subtract the 5 min that have already elapsed.
Step 1: Solve the initial value problem
Using (16) with TS = 18 and T0 = 98, the egg’s temperature t min
after it is put in the sink is: T = 18 + (98 − 18)e−kt = 18 + 80e−kt
To find k , we use the information that T = 38 when t = 5:
1
38 = 18 + e−5k ⇒ e−5k =
4
1
⇒ −5k = ln = − ln 4
4
1
⇒ k = ln 4
5

The eqq’s temperature at time t is H = 18 + 80e−(0.2 ln 4)

math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 8

Step 2: Find the time t when H = 20.

1
20 = 18 + 80e−(0.2 ln 4)t ⇒ 80e−(0.2 ln 4) = 2 ⇒ e−(0.2 ln 4)t =
40
 
1
⇒ −(0.2 ln 4)t = ln = − ln 40
40
ln 40
⇒t= ≈ 13min
0.2 ln 4
Step 3: Interpretation of the time required to reach T = 20
The egg’s temperature will reach 20◦ C about 13 min after it is put
in water to cool. Since it took 5min to reach 38◦ , it will take about
another 8 min more to reach 20◦ C.

Falling Body Problemse6rt

Consider a vertically falling body of mass m that is being influence

only by gravity g and an air resistance that is proportional to the
velocity of the body. Assume that both gravity and mass remain
constant and, for convenience, choose the downward direction as the
positive direction,
Newton’s second law of motion: the net force acting on a body is equal to
the time rate of change of the momentum of the body; or, for constant mass:

dv
F=m (17)
dt
where F is the net force on the body and v is the velocity of the body,
both at time t.
For the problem at hand, there are two forces acting on the body:

(1) the force due to gravity given by the weight w of the body, which
equals mg, and

(2) the force due to air resistance given by −kv , where k ≥ 0 is a

constant of proportionality. The minus sign is required because
this force opposes the velocity; that is, it acts in the upward, or
negative, direction. The net force F on the body is, therefore,
F = mg = −kv.
Substituting this result into (17), we obtain:

dv
mg − kv = m
dt

dv k
or + v=g (18)
dt m
as the equation of motion for the body.
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 9

If air resistance is negligible or nonexistent, then k= 0 and (2.31)

simplifies to:

dv
=g (19)
dt
When k > 0, the limiting velocity vl is defined by:
mg
vl = (20)
k
Caution: Equations (18), (19), and (20), are valid only if the given con-
ditions are satisfied. These equations are not valid if, for example, air
resistance
 is not proportional
 to velocity but to the velocity squared 
dv 2 dv
m = mg − kv , ori f theupwarddirectionistakentobethepositivedirection m =
dt dt

−mg − kv .
NOTE: Weight versus Mass
Weight is the force that results from gravity pulling on a mass:

weight=mass×acceleration

In the English system, where weight is measured in pounds, mass is

measured in slugs. Thus,

Pounds=slugs×32
Pounds/32=slugs

A mass weighing 192Ib has a mass of 192/32 = 6 slugs

Example 2.14
1. A body of mass 5 slugs is dropped from a height of 100ft with
zero velocity. Assuming no air resistance, find

(a) an expression for the velocity of the body at any time t,

(b) an expression for the position of the body at any time t, and
(c) the time required to reach the ground.

Solution:

(a) Model
dv
If no resistance then equation (19) applies:= g ⇒ v = gt + c
dt
at t = 0, v = 0, ⇒ c = 0. Thus, v = gt, or assuming g =
32 f t/sec2 , v = 32t
(b) Recall that velocity is the rate of change of displacement, de-
dx dx
signed here by x. Hence, v = ⇒ = 32t ⇒ x = 16t2 + c1 at
dt dt
t = 0, x = 0, ⇒ c1 = 0. Thus x = 16t2
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 10

(c) Solve analytically

We require t when x = 100
q
t = (100)/(16) = 2.5sec.

Interpretation
It will take 2.5 seconds to reach the ground.

2. A 50kg mass is shot from a cannon straight up with an initial

velocity of 10m/s off a bridge that is 100 meters above the ground.
If the air resistance is given by 5v determine the limiting velocity
and the velocity of the mass when it hits the ground.
Solution:
Model
x = 100mg, g = 9.8m/s2 ; here m = 50kg and k = 5
dv k
From (18), + v=g
dt m
Also note that the initial condition of the first order differential
equation will have to be negative since the initial velocity is up-
ward, that is:
dv 5 dv
+ v = 9.8 ⇒ + 0.1v = 9.8; v(0) = −10
dt 50 dt
⇒ v = ce−0.1t + 98; v(0) = −10
⇒ −10 = ce−(0.1)0 + 98 ⇒ c = −108

Then the equation of motion is given as:

v = −108e−0.1t + 98 (21)

Solve analytically
When t → ∞, v → 98 so the limiting velocity is 98m/s
To find the time it takes for the mass to hit the ground, we need
an expression for the position of the mass at any time t . Since
dx
v= ,(I) can be written as:
dt
dx
= −108e−0.1t + 98 ⇒ x (t) = 1080e−0.1t + 98t + c1
dt
At t = 0 and x (t) = 0; 0 = 1080 + 0 + c1 ⇒ c1 = −1080

Therefore,

x (t) = 1080e−0.1t + 98t − 1080 at any time t

Hence, the mass hits the ground when x (t) = 100.

100 = 1080e−0.1t + 98t − 1080 ⇒ 1080e−0.1t + 98t = 1180

which we will solve by linear approximation, that is linearizing

e−0.1t
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 11

3. A body of mass 2 slugs is dropped with no initial velocity an

encounters an air resistance that is proportional to the square of
its velocity. Find an expression for the velocity of the body at any
time t.
Solution:
Model
The for due to air resistance is −kv2 ; so that Newton’s second law
dv dv
of motion becomes; m = mg − kv2 ⇒ 2 = 64 − kv2 ⇒
dt dt
2
dv − dt = 0
64 − kv2
By partial fractions of the LHS:
1 1
2 2 8√ 8√
= √ √ = +
64 − kv2 (8 − kv)(8 + kv) 8 − kv 8 + kv
Hence the differential equation is of the form:
 
1 1 1
√ + √ dv − dt = 0
8 8 − kv 8 + kv
Integrating both sides:
 8 + √kv 
 
1

1 √ 1 √  √ √
− √ ln |8 − kv| + √ ln |8 + kv| − t = c ⇒ ln  √  = 8 kt + 8 kc
 
8 k k  8 − kv 
At t = 0, we are given that v = 0. This implies c = 0 , and the
velocity is given by:
√
8 + kv √
8 √
√ = e8 kt ⇒ v = √ tanh 4 kt
8 − kv k
Note that without additional information, we cannot obtain a
numerical value for the constant k.

Mixture Problems

A chemical in a liquid solution (or dispersed in a gas) runs into a

container holding the liquid (or the gas) with, possibly, specified
amount of the chemical dissolved as well. The mixture is kept uni-
form by stirring and flows out of the container at a known rate. In
this process, it is often important to know the concentration of the
chemical in the container at any given time. The differential equation
describing the process is based on the formula:
Rate of change of amount in container = rate at which chmical arrives − rate at which chemical departs (22)
If Q(t) is the amount of chemical in the container at time t and V (t)
is the total volume of liquid in the container at time t , then the de-
parture rate of the chemical at time t is:
Q(t)
Departurerate = • (out f lowrate)
V (t)
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 12

= (concentrationincontainerattimet)(˙ out f lowrate) (23)

Accordingly, equation (22) becomes:

dQ(t) Q(t) ˙
= (chemical 0 sarrivalrate) − (out f lowrate) (24)
dt V (t)

Consider a tank which initially holds V0 gal of brine that contains alb
of salt. Another brine solution, containing blb of salt per gallon, is
poured into the tank at the rate of egal/min while, simultaneously,
the well-stirred solution leaves the tank at the rate of f gal/min. The
problem is to find the amount of salt in the tank at any time t.
Let Q(t) denote the amount (in pounds) of salt in tank at any time
dQ
t. The time rate of changes of Q(t), , equals the rate at which salt
dt
enters the tank minus the rate at which salt leaves the tank. Salt
enters the tank at the rate of be lb/min.
To determine the rate at which salt leaves the tank, we first calculate
the volume of brine in the tank at any time t , which is the initial
volume V0 plus the volume of brine added et minus the volume of
brine removed f t . Thus, the volume of brine at any time is:

V0 + et − f t

The concentration of salt in the tank at any time is Q/(V0 + et −

), from whichit follows that salt leaves the tank at the rate of:
f t
Q
f Ib/min
V0 + et − f t
 
dQ Q
Thus, = be − f
dt V0 + et − f t

dQ f
or + Q = be (25)
dt V0 + et − f t

Example 2.15
In an oil refinery, a storage tank contains 2000gal of gasoline that
initially has 100Ib of an additive dissolved in it. In preparation for
sale, gasoline containing 2Ib of additive per gallon is pumped into
the tank at a rate of 40gal/min. The well-mixed solution is pumped
out at a rate of 45gal/min. How much of the additive is in the tank
20min after the pumping process begins (Fig 2.1).
Solution:
Model
Let Q(t) be the amount (in pounds) of additive in the tank at time,
t. We know that Q(t) = 100 when t = 0. The number of gallons of
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 13

gasoline and additive in solution in the tank at any time t is:

 
gal gal
V (t) = 200gal − 40 − 45 (tmin) ⇒ V (t) = (2000 − 5t) gal
min min
Therefore,
Q(t)
Rate out = . outflow rate
V (t)
 
Q(t)
= 45; Outflow rate is 45gal/min
2000 − 5t
45Q(t) Ib
=
2000 − 5tmin
Also,
  
Ib gal
Rate in = 2 40 .outflow rate
gal min
Ib
= 80
min
The differential equation modelling the mixture process is:
dQ 45Q
= 80 − in pounds per minute.
dt 2000 − 5t
Analytical Solutions
To solve this differential equation, we first write it in standard form:
dQ 45
+ Q = 80
dt 2000 − 5t
An antiderivative for p(t) is:
45
Z Z
p(t)dt = dt = −9 ln(2000 − 5t)
2000 − 5t
R
The integrating factor, µ(t) = e pdt = e−9 ln(2000−5t) = (2000 − 5t)−9
The general solution to the differential equation is:
1
Z
Q(t) = (2000 − 5t)−9 (80)dt
(2000 − 5t)−9
(2000 − 5t)−9
 
80
= + c
(2000 − 5t)−9 (−8)(−5)
Because Q = 100 when t = 0, we can determine the value of c:
(2000 − 5(0))−8
  
80
⇒ 100 = + c
(2000 − 5(0))−9 (−8)(−5)
3900
⇒c=−
80(2000)9
The solution of the initial value problem is:
3900
Q(t) = 2(2000 − 5t) − (2000 − 5t)9
(2000)9
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 14

Interpretation
The amount of additive 20 min after the pumping begins is:

3900
Q(20) = 2(2000 − 5(20)) − (2000 − 5(20))9
(2000)9
≈ 1342.03Ib

Electrical Circuits

The diagram in Figure 2.2 represents an electrical circuit whose total

resistance is a constant Rohms and whose self-inductance, show as a
coil, is L henries, also a constant. There is a switch whose terminals
at a and b can be closed to connect a constant electrical source (may
be emf) of E (or V) volts.
Ohm’s law, E = IR or (V = IR), has to be modified for such a
circuit. The modified form is:
dI
L + RI = E (26)
dt
where I is the intensity of the current in amperes and t is the time
in seconds. By solving this equation, we can predict how the current
will flow after the switch is closed.
For an RC circuit consisting of a resistance, a capacitance C (in
farads), an emf and no inductance (Fig 2.2) the equation governing
the amount of electrical charge q(in coulombs) on the capacitor is:

dq 1 E
+ q= (27)
dt RC R
The relationship between q and I is:

dq
I= (28)
dt

Example
1. The switch in the RL circuit in (Fig 2.2) is closed at time t = 0.
How will the current flow as a function of time?
Solution:
Equation (26) is a liner first-order differential equation for I as a
function of t .Its standard form is:
dI R E
+ I= (29)
dt L L
and the corresponding solution, given that I = 0 when t = 0, is:

E E
I= − e−( R/L)t (30)
R R
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 15

Since R and L are positive, −( R/L) is negative and e−( R/L)t → 0 as

t → ∞.
 
E E −( R/L)t E E E
Thus, lim I = lim − e = − •0 =
t→∞ t→∞ R R R R R

At any given time, the current is theoretically less than E/R, but
as time passes, the current approaches the steady-state value E/R.
According to the equation:

dI
L + RI = E
dt
I = E/R is the current that will flow in the circuit if either L =
dI
0(no inductance) or = 0(steady current, I=constant)
dt
Equation (30) expresses the solution of equation (29) as the sum of
two terms: a steady-state solution, V/R and a transient solution
−(V/R)−( R/L)t that tends to zero as t → 0.

2. An RL circuit has emf of 5 volts, a resistance of 50 ohms, an in-

ductance of 1 henry, and no initial current. Find the current in the
circuit at any time t.
Solution:
dI
Here E = 5, R = 50, and L = 1, hence (29) becomes: + 50I = 5
dt
1
The corresponding general solution is: I = ce−50t +
10
Using the initial condition I = 0 when t = 0, we get

1 −(50)t 1
I= e + (31)
10 10
as a particular solution.
1
The quantity − e−50t in (31) is called the transient current,since
10
1
this quantity goes to zero (“dies out”) as t → ∞. The quantity
10
in (31) is called the steady-state current. As t → ∞, the current I
approaches the value of the steady-state current.

3. The RL circuit has an emf given (in volts) by 3 sin t, a resistance

of 10 ohms, an inductance of 0.5 henry, and an initial current of 6
amperes. Find the current in the circuit at any time t.
Solution:
Here, E = 3 sin 2t, R = 10, and L = 0.5;hence (29) becomes:
dI
+ 20I = 6 sin 2t
dt
30 3
General solution is: I = ce−20t + sin 2t − cos 2t
101 101
30 3
At t = 0, I = 6; 6 = ce−20(0) + sin 2(0) − cos 2(0) ⇒ c =
101 101
609
101
math168 - applications of first order odes - exact differential equations and integration
factors 16

609 −20t 30 3
The current at any time t is: I = e + sin 2t − cos 2t
101 101 101
30 3
The steady state current: I = sin 2t − cos 2t
101 101
4. The RC circuit has an emf given (in volts) by 400 sin t, a resistance
of 100 ohms, an capacitance of 10−2 farad. Initially there is no
charge on the capacitor. Find the current in the circuit at any time
t.
Solution:
We first fine the charge q and then use (28) to obtain the current.
Here,
E = 400 cos 2t, R = 100, and c = 10−2 ; hence (27) becomes:

dq
+ q = 4 cos 2t
dt
This equation is linear, and its solution is (two integrations by
parts are required)

8 4
q = ce−t + sin 2t + cos 2t.
5 5
When there is no charge, that means, q = 0, so at t = 0, q = 0;
hence
8 4
0 = ce−(0) + sin 2(0) + cos(0)
5 5
4
⇒c=−
5
4 8 4
Thus, q = − e−t + sin 2t + cos 2t and using (28), we obtain:
5 5 5
dq 4 16 8
I= = e−t + sin 2t − cos 2t
dt 5 5 5

References

W.W. Boyce & R.C. DiPrima. Elementary Differential Equations and

Boundary Value Problems. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., tenth edition,
March 2012. ISBN 978-0-470-45832-7.