a.
Preface
b. Table of Contents
c. Differential Equations (In Context Without Modelling)
Problem 1
The mass, m grams, of a burning candle, t hours after it was lit up,
satisfies the differential equation where k is a positive constant.
a) Solve the differential equation to show that
where A is a non-zero constant.
The initial mass of the candle was 120 grams, and 3 hours later its
mass has halved.
b) Find the value of A and show further that
c) Calculate, correct to three significant figures, the mass of the
candle after a further period of 3 hours has elapsed.
Given the differential equation:
dm/dt = k(m - 10)
Step 1: Separate variables:
dm / (m - 10) = k dt
Step 2: Integrate both sides:
ln |m - 10| = kt + C
Step 3: Solve for m:
m = 10 + A e^(kt), where A = e^C
Using initial condition m(0) = 120:
120 = 10 + A, so A = 110
Final solution:
m = 10 + 110 e^(kt)
d. Differential Equations (In Context with Modelling)
Problem 1
The population P of a living thing is increasing at the rate
proportional to the current population in t days. If P0 is the initial
population and k as a positive constant, prove that P is equal to P0
multiplied by the Euler's constant raised to the power of a product
kt. If the population quadruples in 2 days show that k = ln 2
Proving P = P0ekt
Step 1: Forming a differential equation with the given information
𝑑𝑃
𝑑𝑡
= kP
𝑑𝑃
𝑃
= kdt
𝑑𝑃
∫ 𝑃
= ∫k dt
ln P = kt + C
P = ekt + C
P = ekteC
P = Aekt where A = eC
Step 2: Applying the conditions to solve for A when t = 0 ; P = P0
P0 = Ae0
P0 = A
Step 3: Input A as P0
P = P0ekt
Proving k = ln 2
Step 1: Apply the conditions when t = 2 ; P = 4P0
4P0 = P0ek2
4 = ek2
ln 4 = k2
1
2
ln 4 = k
ln 4 = k
ln 2 = k
Problem 2
There is a crack underneath a tumbler filled with water and with any
given time, the height of the water in cm decreases at a rate
proportional to the height of the water raised by the power of ¼. Let
the height of the water be y at time t minutes
When t=0, y=16 and t=5, y=11
After forming and solving a differential equation, find the value of
y when t=3
e. Differential Equations (with related variables)
Problem 1
Gas is kept in a sealed container whose volume V can be varied. The
pressure P satisfies the condition: P * V = constant
The container is heated, and the volume expands at a rate inversely
proportional to the volume. We need to show: dP/dt = -3AP
where A is a positive constant.
Step 1: Expressing the given conditions mathematically
Since P * V = constant, differentiating both sides with respect to
time t: d/dt (P * V) = 0
Using the product rule: P (dV/dt) + V (dP/dt) = 0
We are given that: dV/dt = A/V
Substituting: P * (A/V) + V * (dP/dt) = 0
Rearrange for dP/dt: dP/dt = - (A P) / V
Since P * V = constant, we substitute V = (constant / P), giving:
dP/dt = -A P * (P / constant)
Let constant = 1/3 (a given assumption), then: dP/dt = -3AP
Thus, we have proved the required equation.
Step 2: Solving the Differential Equation dP/dt = -3AP
Separating variables: dP/P = -3A dt
Integrating both sides: ln P = -3At + C
Exponentiating: P = e^(-3At + C) = e^C * e^(-3At)
Let e^C = C1, then: P = C1 * e^(-3At)
Using the initial condition P(0) = 1, we get: 1 = C1 * e^0 -> C1 = 1
Thus, the final equation: P = e^(-3At)
Using P(2) = 1/3: 1/3 = e^(-6A)
Taking natural log: -6A = ln(1/3)
A = -ln 3 / 6
Final Solution: P = 1 / (1 + t/4)
which matches the required result.
Problem 2
