The variables x and y satisfy the differential equation
\((1 - \\cos x) \frac{dy}{dx} = y \sin x.\)
It is given that \(y = 4\) when \(x = \pi.\)
(a) Solve the differential equation, obtaining an expression for \(y\) in terms of \(x.\) [6]
(b) Sketch the graph of \(y\) against \(x\) for \(0 < x < 2\pi.\) [1]
Solution
(a) Separate variables:
\(\frac{dy}{y} = \frac{\sin x}{1 - \cos x} dx\)
Integrate both sides:
\(\int \frac{dy}{y} = \int \frac{\sin x}{1 - \cos x} dx\)
\(\ln y = -\ln(1 - \cos x) + C\)
\(\ln y = \ln(1 - \cos x)^{-1} + C\)
\(y = e^C (1 - \cos x)^{-1}\)
Use initial condition \(y = 4\) when \(x = \pi\):
\(4 = e^C (1 - \cos \pi)^{-1}\)
\(4 = e^C (1 - (-1))^{-1}\)
\(4 = e^C \cdot \frac{1}{2}\)
\(e^C = 8\)
Thus, \(y = 8(1 - \cos x)^{-1}\)
\(y = 2(1 - \cos x)\)
(b) The graph of \(y = 2(1 - \cos x)\) is a sinusoidal curve with a maximum at \(x = \pi\) for \(0 < x < 2\pi\).
Log in to record attempts.