The rate of decay of the mass is modelled by the differential equation dx/dt = -(5/2)x. Given that x = 60 when t = 0, solve the quation for x in terms of t.

(1) Rearrange the equation so that the left hand side is a function of x, and the right hand side is a function of t only.dx/dt = - (5/2) x(1/x)dx = -(5/2)dt(2) Integrate both sidesln(x/A) = -(5/2)t, where A is the integration constant, chosen to be lnA with no loss of generality(3) Rearrange for xx/A = exp(-(5/2)t)x = Aexp(-(5/2)t)(4) Use the boundary condition that x=60 when t=0.60 = A * 1A = 60x = 60exp(-(5/2)t)

Answered by Joseph C. Maths tutor

5316 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a logarithm?


Find the values of the constants a and b for which ax + b is a particular integral of the differential equation 2y' + 5y = 10x. Hence find the general solution of 2y' + 5y = 10x .


What is the integral of 2x^5 - 1/4x^3 - 5


How would we evaluate (1/3)^-3/2 ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences