The variables x and t satisfy the differential equation \(5 \frac{dx}{dt} = (20-x)(40-x)\). It is given that \(x = 10\) when \(t = 0\).
(i) Using partial fractions, solve the differential equation, obtaining an expression for x in terms of t.
(ii) State what happens to the value of x when t becomes large.
Solution
(i) Separate variables: \(\frac{dx}{(20-x)(40-x)} = \frac{1}{5} dt\).
Use partial fractions: \(\frac{1}{(20-x)(40-x)} = \frac{A}{20-x} + \frac{B}{40-x}\).
Find \(A\) and \(B\): \(A = \frac{1}{20}\), \(B = -\frac{1}{20}\).
Integrate both sides: \(\int \left( \frac{1}{20} \ln(20-x) - \frac{1}{20} \ln(40-x) \right) dx = \int \frac{1}{5} dt\).
Integrate: \(-\frac{1}{20} \ln(20-x) + \frac{1}{20} \ln(40-x) = \frac{1}{5} t + C\).
Use initial condition \(x = 10\) when \(t = 0\) to find \(C\).
Solve for \(x\): \(x = \frac{60e^{4t} - 40}{3e^{4t} - 1}\).
(ii) As \(t\) becomes large, \(x\) approaches 20.
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