June 2010 p32 q7
2355
The variables x and t are related by the differential equation
\(e^{2t} \frac{dx}{dt} = \cos^2 x\),
where \(t \geq 0\). When \(t = 0\), \(x = 0\).
(i) Solve the differential equation, obtaining an expression for \(x\) in terms of \(t\). [6]
(ii) State what happens to the value of \(x\) when \(t\) becomes very large. [1]
(iii) Explain why \(x\) increases as \(t\) increases. [1]
Solution
(i) Separate variables: \(\frac{dx}{\cos^2 x} = e^{-2t} dt\).
Integrate both sides: \(\int \sec^2 x \, dx = \int e^{-2t} \, dt\).
This gives \(\tan x = -\frac{1}{2} e^{-2t} + C\).
Use initial condition \(t = 0, x = 0\): \(\tan 0 = 0 = -\frac{1}{2} e^{0} + C\) so \(C = \frac{1}{2}\).
Thus, \(\tan x = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2} e^{-2t}\).
Rearrange to find \(x\): \(x = \arctan\left(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2} e^{-2t}\right)\).
(ii) As \(t \to \infty\), \(e^{-2t} \to 0\), so \(x \to \arctan\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\).
(iii) As \(t\) increases, \(e^{-2t}\) decreases, making \(1 - e^{-2t}\) increase, and thus \(x\) increases.
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