Question

Use separation of variables to solve the differential equation: K dN/dt = -r(N-K)(N-A) , K,r,A are constants.

Answer 1

here is a picture

Answer 2

\[K \frac{dN}{dt}=-r(N-K) (N-A) \\ K dN=-r(N-K)(N-A) dt \text{ divide both sides by } (N-K)(N-A) \\ \frac{K}{(N-K)(N-A)} dN=-r dt \text{ now integrate both sides }\]

Answer 3

that's the part I'm stuck on. the left hand side because the right is easy

Answer 4

\[\frac{K}{(N-K)(N-A)}=\frac{a}{N-K}+\frac{b}{N-A} \\ \frac{K}{(N-K)(N-A)}=\frac{a(N-A)+b(N-K)}{(N-K)(N-A)} \\ \frac{K}{(N-K)(N-A)}=\frac{(a+b)N+(-aA-bK)}{(N-K)(N-A)} \\ \text{ so we have teh system } \\ a+b=0 \\ -aA-bK=K \\ \text{ so the first equation gives } a=-b \\ \text{ and using the first \in the second we have } \\ bA-bK=K \\ \text{ solving for } b \\ b=\frac{K}{A-K} \\ \text{ and so } a=-b=\frac{-K}{A-K}\]

Answer 5

what I'm trying to suggest from the above is to use partial fractions

Answer 6

are you there? still having trouble?

Answer 7

the left hand side you should be evaluating..
\[\frac{-K}{A-K} \int\limits \frac{1}{N-K} dN+ \frac{K}{A-K} \int\limits \frac{1}{N-A} dN\]

Answer 8

so would it be:
\[\frac{ -K }{ A-K }\ln|N-K| + \frac{ K }{ A-K }\ln|N-A| = -r t + C\]

Answer 9

yep

Answer 10

Ok, Thank for the Help!

Answer 11

did you understand what I did above for the partial fraction part?

Answer 12

Yes, when I did myself I put the -r with the partial fractions, which made it harder like:
\[\frac{ K }{ -r(N-K)(N-A) } dN\]
but now it more clearer with your way.

Answer 13

cool stuff