H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

1.

Show, by means of the substitution w x 2 y , that the differential equation

x

dy
dx

2 y 3 xy 0

can be reduced to the form

dw
dx

3w

[2]

Hence find y in terms of x, given that y

1
when x 2 .
2

[4]
[2010/IJC/Prelim/I/6]

[Solution]
Given: w x 2 y
Differentiate w.r.t x
dw
dy
2 xy x 2
dx
dx

x
(1) x :

dy
dx

2 y 3xy 0 ------- (1)

x2

dy
dx

2 xy 3x 2 y 0
dw
3w 0
dx
dw
3w
dx

dw
3w
dx

1 1
dw 1 dx
3w
1
ln w x c
3
ln w 3 x 3c
w e 3 x 3c

(shown)

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

w Ae 3 x , where A is a constant
x 2 y Ae 3 x

Given that y

1
when x 2 ,
2

1
22 Ae 6
2
A 2e6

Thus,

x 2 y 2e6 e 3 x

2 6 3 x
e
x2

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

2.

(a) Verify that y = x is a particular solution of the differential equation

dy x 2 y 2

,
dx
2 xy

x, y 0

[2]

(b) Show that the substitution y = ux reduces the differential equation

dy x 2 y 2

dx
2 xy

to the differential equation

x

du 1 u 2

dx
2u

Hence find the general solution of the differential equation

dy x 2 y 2

dx
2 xy

[3]

[4]

(c)Due to a rapid disease outbreak, the population of fish in a river, x (in

thousands), is believed to obey the differential equation
d2x
4ae 2t
2
dt
where t is the time in days, and a > 0 is a constant. Given that the entire
population of fish is wiped out by the disease eventually, show that the general
solution of the differential equation is x ae 2t .
[3]
Explain the meaning of a, in the context of the question. Sketch the family of
solution curves of the differential equation for a = 1 and 2.
[2]
[2010/CJC/Prelim/II/4]
[Solution]
dy

1,
(a) Since y = x and dx
LHS = 1

RHS
=LHS

(b)

y ux
dy
du
ux
dx
dx
du x 2 u 2 x 2
ux

dx
2 x(ux)
ux

du
dx
du
x
dx
x

du 1 u 2

dx
2u
2
1 u

u
2u
1 u 2 2u 2

2u

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

du 1 u 2

( shown )
dx
2u

2u

1
dx
x
2u
1
1 u 2 du x dx

1 u

du

ln(1 u 2 ) ln x C
A
1 u2
x
A
u2 1
x
2
y
A
1
x2
x
2
2
y x Ax

d 2x
2 t
(c) dt 2 4ae
dx
2ae 2t C
dt
x ae 2t Ct D

Since entire population is wiped out by the disease eventually, as

t , x 0
Hence, C = 0, D = 0.
x ae 2t

a represents the initial population of the fish (in thousands).

x 2 e 2 t

x e 2t

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

3.

2
A particular solution of a differential equation is given by ( x y ) 2 xy
2
Show that ( y y )

dy
x
dx

2 3
y.
3
[2]

A second, related, family of curves is given by the differential equation

dy
y2 y
dx
By means of the substitution y ux , show that the general solution for y, in
x

terms of x, is y

x
, where c is an arbitrary constant.
xc

[3]

Sketch, on a single diagram, three distinct members of the second family of

solution curves, stating clearly the coordinates of the points where the curves
cross the axes and the equations of any asymptotes.
[5]
[2010/JJC/Prelim/II/2]
[Solution]
2 3
y
3
2
( x y ) 2 2 xy y 3
3
2
y 2 x2 y3
3
dy
dy
2 y 2 x 2 y 2
dx
dx
dy
( y y 2 ) x (shown)
dx
( x y ) 2 2 xy

Alternative:
dy
dy
dy

2( x y ) 1 2 x 2 y 2 y 2
dx
dx
dx

dy
( y y 2 ) x (shown)
dx

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

dy
y2 y
dx
use y ux
dy du

xu
dx dx
2
du

x
x u ux ux
dx

du
x u u2 x u
dx
1 du
1
u 2 dx
1
u 2 du 1 dx
1
x c , where c is an arbitrary constant
u
x
xc
y
x
c
y
1
xc
xc
x

Family of solution curves:

c 1, y 1
c 0, y 1
c 1, y 1

1
x 1

1
x 1

c 1
c 1
y

y 1

c0

x 1

x 1

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

4.

An innovation is introduced into a community of 100 farmers at time t 0 . Let

x denote the number of farmers who have adopted the innovation at time t.
Assume that x is a continuous function of time. The rate at which the number of
farmers in that community who adopted the innovation at a particular instant is
proportional to the product of the number of farmers who have already adopted
and the number of farmers who have not adopted the innovation.
Initially, one farmer adopted the innovation and the rate at which the number of
farmers who adopted the innovation is one farmer per unit time.
dx
(i) Show that
[1]
k(100x x 2 ) , where k is to be determined.
dt
(ii) Find the particular solution of x , in terms of t.
[5]
(iii) Sketch the graph of x versus t, for t 0 .

[2]

(iv) Using the graph in (iii) or otherwise, find the time taken for 75% of the
population of farmers to adopt the innovation, leaving your answer to 2
decimal places.
[1]
(v) Give a reason why the model may not be suitable.
[Solution]
dx
k ( x)(100 x)
(i)
dt
dx
At t 0 , x 1, 1
dt
1 k (1)(99) k
therefore

(ii)

1
99

dx 1
(100 x x 2 )
dt 99

dx 1
(100 x x 2 )
dt 99

1
dx
x(100 x)

1
100

1
dt
99

1
1

dx
x 100 x

ln x

1
dt
99

[1]
[2010/NYJC/Prelim/I/10]

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

ln

100

x
, where A is a constant.
100

When t 0 , x 1 , A
x

1
99

(iii)
100

(iv) Using GC, 5.64 years.

(v) The farmers may be influenced by adoption of innovation from other
sources, e.g. mass media, besides farmers. Or any other reasonable answer.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

5.

In an experiment, Andy and Bob attempt to devise a formula to describe how the
volume of water, V m3, in a tank, changes with time at t hours.
(i) Andy gives his formula as dV 1 V 82 . Given that V 1 when t 0,
dt 60
V
t

show that V 3 8 7e 20 . Sketch this solution curve.

(ii) However, Bob believes that it is more likely to be

[4]

d 2V
12t 2 2. Given that
2
dt

dV
0 when t 0 , show that the general solution for V can be expressed as
dt
1
1
V (t 2 ) 2 C , where C is a constant.
2
4
Hence, or otherwise, sketch on a single diagram, two distinct members of the
family of solution curves.
[5]

(iii) It is also given that

when
in Bobs model. Suppose that the water
V 1
t 0
in the tank does not overflow, explain, using your diagrams in parts (i) and
(ii), why Andys model is more appropriate compared to Bobs model.
[2]
[2010/DHS/Prelim/II/3]

[Solution]
dV
1
8
1 V 3 8
(V 2 ) ( 2 )
dt 60
V
60 V
(i)
2
V
dV
1

3
V 8 dt 60
1
1

ln | V 3 8 | t C '
3
60
t

C ''

| V 3 8 | e 20

V 3 8 Ae 20 ,

C '' 3C '
A eC ''

When t 0, V 1,

A 7,

V = 8 7e 20
V

(ii)

d 2V
12t 2 12
2
dt

8
20ln( )or 2.67
7

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

dV
4t 3 2t C1
dt
dV
When t 0,
0, C1 0
dt
dV

4t 3 2t
dt

V t 4 t 2 C , C is a constant.

V t4 t2 C
1
1
(t 2 )2 (C )
2
4
V
C

1
4
1
(II)C
4
1
(I)C

When t 0, V 1, then C2 1 .
4
(iii)
Therefore given the above initial condition, Bobs model corresponds to
solution curve type (I) in part (ii).
Therefore in Bobs model, the volume of water approaches infinity in the
long run (not realistic) whereas in Andys model, the volume of water
reasonably diminishes to zero in the long run/after some time.
Thus, Andys model is more appropriate than Bobs model.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

6.

Newtons Law of Cooling states that the rate at which the temperature of a body
falls is proportional to the amount by which its temperature exceeds that of its
surroundings. At time t minutes after cooling commences, the temperature of the
body is o C . Assuming that the room temperature remains constant at 30 o C
and the body has an initial temperature of 90 o C , show that 30 60e kt ,
where k is an arbitrary constant.
[5]
Given that it takes 8 minutes for the temperature of the body to drop from 90 o C
to 55 o C , determine how much more time is needed for the body to cool to 35 o C
, leaving your answer to one decimal place.
[3]
[2010/MJC/Prelim/I/6]
[Solution]
d
k 30 , k 0
dt
1
30 d k dt
ln 30 kt C

30 e kt C

when t 0, 90
90 30 A
A 60
30 60e kt (shown)

when t 8, 55
55 30 60e 8 k
5
e 8 k
12
1 5
k ln
8 12

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

when 35,
1 5
ln t
8 12

35 30 60e
1 5
ln t
8 12

1
12
t 22.707
e

additional time needed 22.707 8 14.7 min (1d.p.)

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

7.

The rate at which a substance evaporates is proportional to the volume of the

substance which has not yet evaporated. The initial volume of the substance is A
m 3 and the volume which has evaporated at time t minutes is x m 3 . Given that it

12t
takes (2ln2) minutes for half of its initial volume to evaporate, show that x A 1 e


.
Find the additional time needed for three quarters of the substance to evaporate,
giving your answer in exact form.
[6]
[2010/YJC/Prelim/I/11]
[Solution]
dx
( A x)
dt

dx
k ( A x) , k > 0
dt

1 dx k dt

A x

ln(A x) = kt + C

where C is a constant

ln(A x) = kt C
A x = e -kt(B) where B = e C is a constant
x = A B e-kt

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

When t = 0, x = 0 B = A
When t = 2 ln 2, x =

1
2

1
A A Ae k ( 2 ln 2 )
2

e k ( 2 ln 2 )

1
2
1
2

k (2 ln 2) ln( ) ln 2
k

1
2

x A(1 e

When x =

1
t
2

) (Ans)

3
A,
4
1

t
3
A A(1 e 2 )
4

1
t
2

1
4

1
1
t ln( ) 2 ln 2
2
4

t = 4 ln 2

Additional time required = 4 ln2 2 ln2

= (2 ln 2) minutes (Ans)

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

8.

An economist is studying how the annual economic growth of 2 countries varies

with time. The annual economic growth of a country is measured in percentage
and is denoted by G and the time in years after 1980 is denoted by t. Both G and t
are taken to be continuous variables.
(i) Country A is a developing country and the economist found that G and t are
can be modeled by the differential equation

dG G 1

. Given that, when

dt
2

t 0 , G 0 , find G in terms of t.

[4]
(ii) Comment on the suitability of the above differential equation model to
forecast the future economic growth of Country A.
[1]
(iii) Country B is a developed country and the economist found that G and t can
dG
G 1

.
dt
2
Given that Country B has been experiencing decreasing economic growth
during the period of study, sketch a member of the family of solution curves
of the differential equation model for Country B. Hence, comment on the
economic growth of Country B in the long term.
[2]
[2010/ACJC/Prelim/I/6]
be modeled by the differential equation

[Solution]
dG G 1

dt
2
1
1
G 1 dG 2 dt
ln G 1 0.5t C
G 1 e0.5t C
G 1 Ae0.5t , where A eC
When t 0 , G 0 ,
A 1
G 1 e0.5t
Examples of possible comments:
The model is not suitable because
The economist is assuming that that there are no fluctuations in the economic
growth in the future.
The economist is assuming that the country will enjoy perpetual economic
growth in the long term.
The economist is assuming Country A is always experiencing positive and
increasing economic growth in the future.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

Factors affecting economic growth remains unchanged.

G
t

G1Be0.5t,B1

In the long term, Country B is expected to be still in recession with an economic

growth decreasing towards -1%.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

9.

An underground storm canal has a fixed capacity of 6000 m3 and is able to

discharge rainwater at a rate proportional to V , the volume of rainwater in the
storm canal.
On a particular stormy day, rainwater is flowing into the canal at a constant rate
of 300 m3 per minute. The storm canal is initially empty. Let t be the time in
minutes for which the rainwater had been flowing into the storm canal,
(i) show that V

300(1 e kt )
, where k is a positive constant.
k

[4]

A first alarm will be sounded at the control room when the volume of rainwater in
the storm canal reaches 4500 m3 and a second alarm will be sounded when the
storm canal is completely filled. Given that the first alarm was sounded 20
minutes after the rainwater started flowing into the storm canal.
(ii) Find the time interval between the first and second alarm. (Assuming the
weather condition remains unchanged).
[3]
(iii) Briefly discuss the validity of the model for large values of t .
[1]
[2010/AJC/Prelim/II/5]
[Solution]
dV
1
300 kV
dV 1 dt
(i)
dt
300 kV
1
ln 300 kV t C
k
300 kV e k ( t C )
300 kV Ae kt
When t 0 , V 0
300 0 Ae A 300 V
0

300(1 e kt ) (Shown).
k

(ii) When t 20 , V 4500 , 4500

300(1 e 20 k )
15k (1 e 20 k )
k

From the GC, k 0.030293

2nd alarm : when V 6000
300(1 e 0.030293t )
t 30.7
6000
0.030293
The residents will have 10.7 minutes between the 1st and 2nd alarm.
(iii) t V

300
9903 m3 which is impossible as the canal has only
0.030293

a fixed volume of 6000 m3 . The model is not valid for large values of t.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

10. In a chemical reaction a compound X is formed from a compound Y. The mass in

grams of X and Y present at time t seconds after the start of the reaction are x and
y respectively. The sum of the two masses is equal to 100 grams throughout the
reaction. At any time t, the rate of formation of X is proportional to the mass of Y
at that time. When t = 0, x = 5 and

dx
1.9 .
dt

dx
0.02(100 x) .
[2]
dt
(ii) Solve this differential equation, obtaining an expression for x in terms of t.[4]
(i) Show that x satisfies the differential equation

(iii) Calculate the time taken for the mass of compound Y to decrease to half its
initial value.
[2]
(iv) Sketch the solution curve obtained in part (ii) and state what happens to
compounds X and Y as t becomes very large.
[3]
[2010/SAJC/Prelim/II/2]
[Solution]
(i) x + y = 100
dx
dx
(100 x)
k (100 x) , where k is a constant/
dt
dt
1.9 = k (100 5) k = 0.02
dx

0.02 (100 x)
dt
(ii)

dx
0.02 (100 x)
dt
1

dx 0.02 dt
100 x
ln 100 x 0.02t C

When t = 0, x = 5,
ln(95) = C
So,
ln 100 x 0.02t ln(95)
ln 100 x ln(95) 0.02t

since x 100

100 x
0.02t
95
100 x
e 0.02t
95
x 100 95e 0.02 t
(iii) When t = 0, x = 5 y = 95
Initial value of y = 95 Half of initial value = 47.5
When y = 47.5, x = 52.5
1n

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

52.5 100 95e 0.02 t t 34.7

(iv)
x 100
x 100 95e0.02t

As t , x 100, y 0 .
Compound Y will be transformed almost completely to compound X.

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

11. A long cylindrical metal bar is submerged into iced water. A researcher claims
that the rate at which the length, l cm, of the bar is shrinking at any time t seconds
is proportional to the volume of the bar at that instant, assuming that the crosssectional area of the bar remains constant during the shrinking process.
Formulate and integrate a differential equation to show that l Ae kt , where A
and k are constants. State the range of values of A and of k.
[5]
Given that the initial length of the bar is L, sketch a graph to show the relation
between l and t. Comment on the suitability of the claim by the researcher.
[3]
It is later found that l and t are related by the equation l B Le kt , where B is
some constant. Given that l = 0.5L when t = T, show that the length of the bar
when t = 3T, is given by

0.5L B
B
L2

[2]
[2010/RVHS/Prelim/II/4]

[Solution]
dl
kl
dt
1
l dl k dt
ln l kt C (note: l > 0)

l e kt C
l Ae kt (shown)
A 0 and k 0 (Ans)

When t = 0, l = L: A = L
l Le kt
l
L

The model suggested by the researcher is not suitable as l 0 when t (i.e.

the bar vanished).

H2 Math (9740) 2010 MSM: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

t T , l 0.5L
0.5L B Le kT

0.5 L B
e kT
L

When t = 3T, l B Le

3kT

0.5L B
B
L2

(shown)