Differential equations- Pop Growth

In summary, the conversation discusses solving a differential equation to predict population at any point in time. The equation is solved by integrating and finding a function for population. The additional information of initial population is provided, but not necessary for solving the equation. The solution will have the form C*f(t), and the value of C can be cancelled out.
  • #1
dm59
5
0
dy/dt=(.5+sint)y/5 what is time t when the population has doubled?
 
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  • #2
[tex] \frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{(.5+sint)y}{5}[/tex] Well, you first need to solve this one, and come up with a function that predicts population at any point in time t. Do you know how to solve this diff, eq?

[tex] \frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{(.5+sint)y}{5}=>\frac{dy}{y}=\frac{1}{5}(.5+sint)dt[/tex]

Now integrate on both sides, and solve for y. I guess Y=f(t) or sth like that.

SO there is another info. that you have been provided with, Y(t)=2Yo, where Yo is your initial population. Have you been provided with initial population?or with another info. on this problem?
 
  • #3
sutupidmath said:
[tex] \frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{(.5+sint)y}{5}[/tex] Well, you first need to solve this one, and come up with a function that predicts population at any point in time t. Do you know how to solve this diff, eq?

[tex] \frac{dy}{dt}=\frac{(.5+sint)y}{5}=>\frac{dy}{y}=\frac{1}{5}(.5+sint)dt[/tex]

Now integrate on both sides, and solve for y. I guess Y=f(t) or sth like that.

SO there is another info. that you have been provided with, Y(t)=2Yo, where Yo is your initial population. Have you been provided with initial population?or with another info. on this problem?

You don't need the initial population. The ode is linear. But you do need to write down the solution, as stupidmath points out. The general solution will have the form C*f(t). So you just need to solve C*f(t)=2*C*f(0) for t. You don't need to know C. It cancels.
 
  • #4
Got it!

Thank both of you so much for your help.
 

Related to Differential equations- Pop Growth

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates an unknown function to its derivatives. It is used to model various physical phenomena, such as population growth, and can be solved to determine the behavior of the function over time.

What is population growth?

Population growth is the change in the number of individuals in a population over time. It can be affected by factors such as birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.

How is population growth modeled using a differential equation?

Population growth is commonly modeled using the logistic differential equation, which takes into account the carrying capacity of the environment and the current population size. This equation can be solved to determine the growth rate and predict future population sizes.

What are the assumptions made when using a differential equation to model population growth?

Some common assumptions include a constant birth rate, a constant death rate, and a stable environment. However, these assumptions can be adjusted to better fit the specific population being studied.

What are some real-world applications of differential equations in population growth?

Differential equations are commonly used in biology, ecology, and economics to model population growth and predict trends. They can also be applied to other areas, such as epidemiology, to study the spread of diseases within a population.

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