Matching slope fields handout with accompanying TI-89 script

194 ■ Slope fields the Easy Way on the will make graphing and teaching about differential equations
TI-89 and StudyCard™ Sharing for the AP Calculus exam so much easier.
60-Minute Hands-On ■ IntermediateTI-89 ■ Calculus, Physics StudyCards™ for AP Physics and Calculus will also be
shared.

Slope Fields: Motivation, Activity,

APcalcAB04#6, DE matching, TI89

“Geometric interpretation of differential

equations via slope fields and the
relationship between slope fields and Sean Bird
solutions curves for differential
equations.”
AP Physics & Calculus
This topic has been part of the topic Covenant Christian High School
7525 West 21st Street
outline for Calc BC since the 1998 exam Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone: 317/390.0202 x104
Email: seanbird@covenantchristian.org
Website: http://covenantchristian.org/bird

Psalm 111:2
Three/Four Pronged approach

 We now know how to algebraically solve

separable differential equations.
 Today we will graphically find the particular
solution for any DE using SLOPE FIELDS.
 In calcBC we will then numerically solve DEs
using Euler’s Method

Verbally
(Recall new sign chart policy)
 Slope Fields
• If you enjoyed connecting the dots,
you’ll love slope fields
• It is a graphical method to find a
particular solution to any differential equation.
• a DE is nothing but a slope equation -
dy y
 lim
dx x 0 x
 Given:

dy
 x ( y  1)
2

dx

Let’s sketch the slope field …

But how?
 Substitute the x and y into the
differential equation for each
dy
of the points.  x ( y  1)
2

dx
 Plot this slope on the graph.
dy
 x 2 ( y  1) dy
dx  (1) 2 (3  1)  2
dx x 1
y 3

dy
 (1) 2 ( 2  1)  1
dx x 1
y 2

dy
 (1) 2 (1  1)  0
dx x 1
y 1

dy
 (1) 2 (0  1)  1
dx x 1
y 0
dy
 (0) 2 (0  1)  0
dx x 0
y 0
dy
 (1) 2 (0  1)  1
dx x 1
y 0
 dy
 x 2 ( y  1)
dx
When are the slopes positive?

i) 1st the slopes will be positive

when the differential equation
is positive, i.e.
x 2 ( y  1)  0
ii) And x2 is always positive
(except when x=0)
iii) y – 1 > 0 when y > 1

ANSWER: y > 1, but x ≠ 1

 dy
 x 2 ( y  1)
dx
Given f(0)=3, what is the particular solution.

Separate the variables

dy
 x 2 dx
y 1
1
 y  1  dx
 2
dy x

1
ln y  1  x 3  C
3 3
1 x C 1 x3
Exponentiate both sides y  1  e 3
 e 3 eC
1 x3

Let K   e
C  y  1  Ke 3 , apply IC f (0)  3
1 x3
 y  2e 3
1
E

C
The thought
A process…
G
i) Isoclines along horizon. lines
B → DE depends only on y
ii) Same slope along vert. line
D → DE depends only on x

I iii) Sinusoidal
iv) Consider a specific point –
H what is the slope there.
v) What makes the slope zero?
F What values of x and y make
the slope 1?
K
vi) Note y'(x) = x+y has same
J slopes along the diagonal.
vii) Solve the separable DE
Running the DEmatch script

1. Select TEXT EDITOR under APPS

2. Open…
3. Folder: calculus, Variable: dematch
4. Green (chartreuse for Titanium)
diamond, Up arrow will quickly jump
cursor to the top. 2 , up arrow scrolls up a page.
nd

5. Press F4 all the way down

6. Note what each step accomplishes
and READ important rules at the end.
StudyCard Stacks

Algebra: Trig/PreCalc: Physics:

slope, study of functions
AP Physics for the TI89 ** 83*
slope/intercept for 89 Calculus:
for 83/84 new! identity * Prefix for the 83/84 **
limits83 * History of Physics for the 89 **
limits89 * or 83/84 **new!
derivative *
integral *