Solve the separable differential equation with the initial condition . State the interval on which the solution is valid.
Answer
The solution is , valid for all real .
The correct answer is The solution is , valid for all real . — State the interval: the expression under the root is always positive, so the solution is valid for all .
Step-by-step solution
- Write the equation in separable form: .
- Integrate both sides: .
- Compute the integrals: .
- Apply the initial condition to find : gives .
- Substitute back: .
- Take square root (positive branch because ): .
- State the interval: the expression under the root is always positive, so the solution is valid for all .
Common mistake: Forgetting to take the constant of integration after integrating both sides.
Concept tested: Separable first‑order ODE
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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