Topical Worksheet: Differential Equations

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
2019 ACJC P ROMO Q3

dm m 2 + m + 1
Find the general solution of the differential equation = . [5]
dv m +1

1 1  2m + 1 
Answer: ln m2 + m + 1 + tan −1   =v+c
2 3  3 

2020 NYJC CT2 P1 Q10

d2 x dx
The motion of a particle is described by the differential equation 2
− 4 + 4 x = e 2t , where x is the
dt dt
displacement of the particle in metres along the x - axis with respect to origin O at time t seconds. By using the
d 2u
substitution x = ue , show that this differential equation may be reduced to the form 2 = a , where a is a
2t

dt
constant to be determined.

Hence, find the displacement of the particle at time t if the particle moves off from the initial point x = 1 with a
velocity of 1 m/s. [7]

After some time, the particle is returned to its initial point and set into a new motion along the x - axis. The
dv
motion of the particle is described by the differential equation = 2e− v , where v is the velocity of the particle
dt
in metres per second at time t seconds after it starts on this new motion. If the particle is at rest just before it
begins this new motion, find an expression for t in terms of v .

Show that 2 x = 3 + ev (v − 1) , where x is the horizontal displacement of the particle in metres. [6]

2t  t  e 2t 2
2
d 2u
Ans: 2
= 1 ; x = e  − t + 1 = ( t − 2t + 2 ) ; ev = 2t + k , where k is an arbitrary constant.
dt 2  2

IJC P2 Q5 ( B ) M ODIFIED
In established forest fires, the proportion of the total area of the forest which has been destroyed is denoted by
x , and the rate of change of x with respect to time, t hours, is called the destruction rate. Investigations show
that the destruction rate is directly proportional to the product of the proportion destroyed and the proportion
not destroyed. A particular fire is initially noticed when one half of the forest is destroyed, and it is found that
the destruction rate at this time is such that, if it remained constant thereafter, the forest would be destroyed
completely in a further 24 hours.

dx
Show that 12 = x (1 − x ) . [3]
dt

Deduce that approximately 73% of the forest is destroyed 12 hours after it is first noticed. [6]

1 | Mastering H2 Math with the Best Learning Resources www.timganmath.edu.sg

Topical Worksheet: Differential Equations
2018 EJC JC2 MYE P2 Q4
A tank has a capacity of 100 litres. Initially, the tank contains 10 litres of water thoroughly mixed with 300 grams
of salt. Salt water with a concentration of 5 g/litre is poured into the tank at a constant rate of 2 litres per
minute, while the mixture flows out at a constant rate of 1 litre per minute.

Let S denote the amount of dissolved salt in the tank (in grams) at time t minutes after salt water is poured into
the tank.

dS S
(i) Show that = 10 − , stating your assumption(s) clearly. [2]
dt t + 10

(ii) By substituting Q = ( t + 10) S , solve the differential equation in (i), and find S in terms of t . [4]

(iii) Hence, find the concentration of salt in the tank at the point just before it overflows. [2]

Once the volume of salt solution in the tank reaches 100 litres, the pouring stops, and the tank is allowed to
drain off. The salt solution drains from the tank at a rate proportional to the volume of solution in the tank. Let
V denote the volume of solution in the tank at time T after the tank starts to drain off.

(iv) If the tanks takes 10 minutes to drain half of its contents, find V in terms of T . [4]

5t 2 + 100t + 3000 1
− ln 2T
Answers: (ii) S = (iii) 5.25 g/l (iv) V = 100e 10
t + 10

2019 NYJC P1 Q7
A spherical tank with negligible thickness and internal radius a cm contains water. At time t s, the water surface
is at a height x cm above the lowest point of the tank and the volume of water in the tank, V cm3, is given by
1
V =  x 2 ( 3a − x ) . Water flows from the tank, through an outlet at its lowest point, at a rate  k x cm3 s-1,
3
where k is a positive constant.

Show that ( 2ax − x 2 )

dx
(i) = −k x . [2]
dt

(ii) Find the general solution for t in terms of x, a and k . [3]

(iii) Find the ratio T1 : T2 , where T1 is the time taken to empty the tank when initially it is completely full, and
T2 is the time taken to empty the tank when initially it is half full. [4]

1  4 32 2 52 
Answer: (ii) t = c − ax + x  (iii) Ratio = 8 2 : 7
k 3 5 

2 | Mastering H2 Math with the Best Learning Resources www.timganmath.edu.sg