2.7.

APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 25

dν dy dν 1
so that ν = y −1 , = −y −2 gives − ν = −x whose integrating factor is
dx dx dx x
R dx
− x = x−1 , so that
e d
dx
(x−1 .ν) = 1 and so ν = −x2 + cx. Then with ν = y −1 ,
1
we obtain the solution y = x2 +cx .

Exercise 2.6.3

Solve the Bernoulli’s Equation

dy dy
1. x dx + y = y1 2. dx − y = ex y 2
dy dy
3. dx = y(xy 3 − 1) 4. x dx − (1 + x)y = xy 2
dy dy
5. x2 dx + y 2 = xy 6. 3(1 + x2 ) dx = 2xy(y 3 − 1)
dy 1 dy 3
7. x2 dx − 2xy = 3y 4 ; y(1) = 1
2
8. y − 2 dx + y 2 = 1; y(0) = 4

2.7 Applications of First Order Equations

2.7.1 Radioactive Decay

The law of radioactive decay states: The rate of decay of a radioactive material is
proportional to the amount of material present at the time t.
Let x(t) be the amount present at time t. Then

dx
= −kx (2.28)
dt

where k is a constant of proportionality and the negative on k signifies decay.

Using separation of variables on equation (2.26) we get

Z
dx Z
= − kdt ⇒ ln x = −kt + C ⇒ x(t) = Ae−kt
x

If initially at t = 0; x = x0 then A = x0 and so

x(t) = x0 e−kt (2.29)

Equation (2.29) is then the governing equation of the amount of radioactive sub-
stance at any time t.
26 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

Remarks:

(1) The radioactive decay is exponential decay since for all k > 0 we have x(t) → 0
as t → ∞.

(2) The half life of a radioactive substance is the length of time it takes the material
to decay to half its original amount.
Let T be the half life. Then we have

1
x(T ) = x0 (2.30)
2

where x0 is the original amount we started with.

And from equations (2.29) and (2.30) x(T ) = x0 e−kT ⇒ e−kT = 21 ⇒ kT = ln 2.
Thus T = lnk2 is the time it takes the original amount to decay to half the material.

Examples 2.7.1

Three grams of a radioisotope decay in two years to 0.9g. Determine

(i) the half life T of the isotope

(ii) The time it will take the amount to decay to 0.4g

(ii) the remaining amount in grams after 6 years.

Solution: Let x(t) be the amount at time t. Then dx

dt
= −kx ⇒ x(t) = x0 e−kt
Initially, when t = 0 we have x = 3 gives x0 = 3. And so x(t) = 3e−kt .

ln( 10 )
After t = 2 years, we have x = 0.9 and so 0.9 = 3e−2k . This gives k = 2
3
= 0.6
Thus
ln( 10
3 )t
x(t) = 3e− 2

ln 2 ln 2
(i) To find half life T , we know T = k
= 0.6
= 1.2 years

(ii) To find time when the amount will be 0.4g;

ln( 10
3 )t 2 ln( 30 )
x(t) = 3e− 2 ⇒ ln( 10
3
)t = 2 ln( 30
4
). Therefore t = ln( 10
4
)
= 4.4 years
4
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 27

ln( 10
3
(ii) To find the amount remaining after 6 years; x(t) = 3e− 2
t
gives
ln( 10
3 ) ×6
x(t) = 3e− 2 = 0.081

Exercise 2.7.1

1. A radioactive isotope has a half life of 16 days. if one wishes to have 30g at the
end of 30 days how much radio isotope should he start with? Ans. 110.04g

2. A radio isotope is going to be used in an experiment. At the end of 10 days only

5% is to be left. What should be the half-life?

3. A radioactive isotope sits unused in a laboratory for 10 years at which time it is

found to contain only 80% of the original amount of the radioactive material.

(a) What is the half-life of this isotope? Ans: 31.063 years

(b) How many additional years will it take until only 15% of the original amount is
left? Ans 75.018 years

2.7.2 Newton’s Law of Cooling:

This law state that the rate of change of the surface temperature of an object is pro-
portional to the difference between the temperature of the object and the temperature
of its surroundings (also called the ambient temperature) at that time.
Thus if T (t) is the surface temperature of the object at time t and T0 is the tempera-
ture of the sorrounding at time t then we have the differential equation dTdt
= k(T − T0 ).
Remarks:

(a) if T > T0 the body’s temperature is hotter than the temperature of the surround-
ing, and in this case there will be loss of temperature of the body; it therefore
follows that k will be negative.

(b) If T < T0 then the body will gain temperature and in this case k will be positive.

R
Consider dT
dt
= k(T − T0 ). Then dT
dt
− kT = kT0 . The integrating factor e− kdt
= e−kt
gives

d kt
(T ee ) = −ke−kt .T0 ⇒ T e−kt = e−kt .T0 + C ⇒ T (t) = T0 + Cekt .
dt
28 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

If t = 0 then we have T (0) = T0 + C ⇒ C = T (0) − T0 .

Thus T (t) = T0 + ekt (T (0) − T0 ).
Note that if k < 0 then limt→∞ T (t) = limt→∞ (T0 + e−kt (T (0) − T0 )) = T0 .
That is; the surface temperature of a body cools and eventually approaches the
temperature of the surroundings.
The difference θ = T − T0 is commonly referred to as excess temperature between
temperature of the body and the temperature of its surroundings. Thus we commonly
state Newton’s law of cooling as :
The rate of change of temperature of a body is proportional to the excess temperature
of the body and that of its surroundings. And for θ = T − T0 , we write

dθ
= −kθ
dt

so that
Z
dθ Z
= −kdθ ⇒ ln θ = −kt + C ⇒ θ(t) = Ae−kt
θ

If at t = 0, θ = θ0 (the initial excess temperature ) we have A = θ0 and so θ(t) = θ0 e−kt

Examples 2.7.2

1. A cup of coffee at 90o C is placed in an office with constant room temperature of

20o C. If from experience the cup of coffee drops from 90o C to 70o C in 10 minutes, Find

(i) the temperature of coffee after 30 minutes

(ii) how long it will take coffee to cool to 50o C.

Solution: Let T (t) be the temperature of coffee at time t. Let θ = T − T0 . Then

dθ
= −kθ
dt

gives θ(t) = θ0 e−kt . Initially θ = 90 − 20 = 70o C, ⇒ 70 = θ0 and so θ(t) = 70e−kt .

Since the coffee cools from 90o C to 70o C in 10 minutes then t = 10 and
1 7
θ = 70 − 20 = 50o C give 50 = 70e−10k ⇒ k = 10 1
ln( 75 ). Thus θ(t) = 70e− 10 ln( 5 )t .
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 29

1 7
(i) After t = 30 minutes, θ(t) = 70e− 10 ln( 5 ).30 = 25.5o C. And since θ = T − T0 , then
the temperature of the coffee after 30 minutes,
T = θ + T0 = 25.5 + 20 = 45.5o C.

(ii) When the coffee has cooled to 50o C, the excess temperature θ = 50 − 20 = 30o C.
1 7 1 7
Thus θ(t) = 70e− 10 ln( 5 )t ⇒ 30 = 70e− 10 ln( 5 )t ⇒ 1
10
ln( 57 )t = ln( 75 ). Therefore
10 ln( 73 )
t= ln( 57 )
' 25.2. Thus coffee will cool to 50o C after 25.2 minutes.

2. According to Newton’s law of cooling, the rate at which a substance cools in moving
air is proportional to the difference between the temperature of a substance and that
of the air. If the temperature of the air is 30o and the substance cools from 100o to 70o
in 15 minutes, find when the temperature will be 40o .
Let T be the temperature of the substance at time t minutes. Then

dT dT
= −k(T − 30) or = −kdt.
dt T − 30

( Note that the use of k is optional. It will be found that k is positive, but if +k is used
it will be found that k is equally negative)
Integrating between the limits t = 0, T = 100 and t = 15, T = 70,

Z 70 Z 15
dT 4
= −k dt, ⇒ ln 40 − ln 70 = −15k = ln
100 T − 30 0 7

and 15k = ln 74 = 0.56

R 40
Integrating Rbetween the limits t = 0, T = 100 and t = t, T = 40
dT t 15 ln 7
100 T −30 = −k 0 dt, ⇒ ln 10 − ln 70 = −kt, 15kt = 15 ln 7, t = 0.56 = 52 minutes.

Exercise 2.7.2

1. The temperature of an engine by the time it is shut off is 200o C. The surrounding
air temperature is 30o C. After 10 minutes have elapsed the surface temperature
of the engine is 180o C.

(a) How long will it take for the surface temperature of the engine to cool to 40o C.
Ans ≈ 226.4 minutes

(b) Find the surface temperature of the engine after 60 minutes.

30 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

2. An object at 100o C is placed in a room of 40o C constant temperature. What

should be the constant of proportionality in order that the object be at 600 C
1
after 10 minutes? k = 10 ln 3 ≈ 0.1099

2.7.3 Evaporation law

If a fluid is exposed to a gas then the evaporation law states that the rate of evaporation
at time t is proportional to the amount of surface area at time t. This law clearly
depends on the nature of the shape of the container

Examples 2.7.3

Consider a V -shaped tank full of water. The tank is 10m long, 3m deep and 6m wide.
Only the top is exposed to the air. After 1 hour, the water level has dropped to 0.1m

(a) Set up a differential equation for the depth of water and find an expression for
the depth at time t
(b) Determine how long it will take for the tank to empty
(c) Set up the differential equation for volume of water and find the volume of water
after 20 hours.
Solution:
(a) Let V (t) be the volume of water in m3 at time t, h(t) be the depth of water at
time t ant A(t) be the surface area in m2 at time t. Then since the rate of change
of volume is proportional to the surface area exposed we have

dV
= −kA
dt

Volume V = 10h2 ; Surface Area A = 20h (verify)

d
Then (10h2 ) = −k.20h = 20kh ⇒ 20h. dh
R dt R dt
= −20kh ⇒ dh dt
= −k
⇒ dh = −kdt ⇒ h(t) = −kt + C. But at t = 0; h = 3 ⇒ C = 3. And after
1 hour; t = 1, h = 2.9 ⇒ k = 0.1 ⇒ h(t) = −(0.1)t + 3.
(b) The tank will be empty when h = 0. Thus 0 = −(0.1)t + 3 ⇒ t = 30 hours.
Thus it will take 30 hours for the tank to empty.
1
(c) V = 10h2 , A = 20h ⇒ dV
dt
V 2
= −kA = −k.20h = −20kh = −20k( 10 )
√ 1 R √ √
⇒ dV
R dv
dt
= −2 10kV 2 ⇒ √ = − 2 10kdt ⇒ −2 10kt + C
V
√ √ √ √
⇒ V = − 10kt + C. At t = 0; V = 10h2 = 10 × 32 = 90 ⇒ 90 = C = 3 10.
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 31
√ √ √ √ √
Thus V = − 10kt + 3 10. OR v(t) = (− 10kt + 3 10)2 ⇒ V (t) = 10(3 − kt)2
After 1 hour, h = 2.9 ⇒ V = 10h2 = 84.1 ⇒ 84.1 = 10(3 − k)2 . And so, k = 0.1
Thus V (t) = 10(3 − (0.1)t)2 and after t=20 years; V = 10 cubic meters

Exercise 2.7.3

1. A conical tank open at the top is 4m high and has a top radius of 1m. It is
filled with water. After 2 hours the depth of the water has dropped 1m due to
evaporation.

(a) Set up the equation for the depth of the water as a function of time t and solve
it for an expression of depth h.

(b) Set up the equation for volume of water as a function of t and solve it without
using the result of part (a).

2. A conical tank is 6m high and has a top radius of 2m. Initially it is full of water.
A valve is opened at the bottom and water is pumped out at a rate proportional
to depth of water. After 1 minute the depth has decreased to 3m. Ignoring
evaporation,

(a) set up a differential equation for the depth of water h as a function of time and
1
solve it. Ans. dh
dt
= − π9 kh−1 ; h(t) = (36 − 27t) 2
4
(b) Determine how long it will take to empty the tank. Ans. t = 3
minutes

2.7.4 Population growth

If the rate of increase of a population is proportional to the number of individuals

present at time t, and N (t) is the population at time t then

dN
= kN.
dt

R dN
= kdt ⇒ N (t) = N0 ekt , where N0 is the initial population.
R
Then N

Examples 2.7.4

1. If the population of a country doubles in 50 years, in how many years will it treble
under the assumption that the rate of increase is proportional to the number of
inhabitants?
32 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

Solution: Let y denote the population at time t years and y0 the population at
time t = 0. Then dy
dt
= ky where k is the proportionality factor.
Integrating we have y = Cekt . At time t = 0, y = y0 gives, C = y0 . Thus, y = y0 ekt .
At t = 50, y = 2y0 . ⇒ 2y0 = y0 e50k or e50k = 2.
When y = 3y0 we get 3 = ekt . Then 350 = e50kt = (e50k )t = 2t and t = 79 years.

2. In a certain culture of bacteria the rate of increase is proportional to the number

present
(a) if it is found that the number doubles in 4 hours, how many may be expected
at the end of 12 hours?
(b) If there are 104 at the end of the 3 hours and 4.104 at the end of five hours,
how many were there in the beginning
Solution: Let x denote the number of bacteria at time t hours. Then dx dt
= kx
kt
(a) Integrating , we have x = Ce . Assuming that x = x0 at time t = 0, we have
C = x0 and x = x0 ekt .
At time t = 4, x = 2x0 . Then 2x0 = x0 e4k and e4k = 2.
When t = 12, x = x0 e12k = x0 (e12k ) = x0 (e4k )3 = x0 (23 ) = 8x0 , that is, there are
8 times the original number.
4
(b) When t = 3, x = 104 ⇒ 104 = Ce3k and C = 10 e3k
.
4.104
When t = 5, x = 4.104 ⇒ 4.104 = Ce5k and C = e3k
.

104 4.104
Equating the values of C, e3k
= e5k
. Then e2k = 4 and ek = 2.

104 104
Thus the original number is C = e3k
= 8
bacteria.

2.7.5 Logistic Growth

Numerous attempts have been made to develop models to study the growth of popula-
tions. One means of obtaining a simple model for such a study is to assume that the
average birth rate per individual is a positive constant and that the average death rate
per individual is proportional to the population.
If we let x(t) represent the population at time t, then the above assumption leads
to the differential equation
1 dx
= b − ax (2.31)
x dt

where b and a are positive constants. This equation is commonly called the logistic
equation and the growth of the population determined by it is called logistic growth.
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 33

The variables in the logistic equation may be separated to obtain ( x1 + b−ax

a
)dx = bdt.
Integrating both sides gives us

x x
ln | | = bt + c, or | | = Aebt . (2.32)
b − ax b − ax

To expedite the study of equation (2.32), let us further assume that at t = 0 the
population is the positive number x0 . Then equation (2.32) may be written

x x0
= ebt
b − ax b − ax0

and upon solving for x we have

bx0 ebt
x(t) = . (2.33)
b − ax0 + ax0 ebt

It is interesting to note that the population function obtained in equation (2.33) has a
limiting value

bx0 ebt b2 x0 ebt b

limt→∞ x(t) = limt→∞ bt
= limt→∞ bt
=
b − ax0 + ax0 e abx0 e a

where we have used l’Hopital’s rule to evaluate the limit.

We should also note that the logistic equation (2.31) will dictate a growth or a
decline in the population depending upon whether the initial population is less than or
greater than b/a.

Exercise 2.7.4

1. A certain population is known to be growing at the rate given by the logistic equa-
tion dx/dt = x(b − ax). Show that the maximum rate of growth will occur when
the population is equal to half its equilibrium size, that is when the population is
b/2a.

2. A bacterial population is known to have a logistic growth pattern with initial

population 1000 and an equilibrium population 10,000. A count shows that at
the end of 1 hour there are 200 bacteria present. Determine the population as a
bt
function of time. Ans. x(t) = 10,000e
9+ebt
, where b = ln 94 ≈ 0.81
34 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

3. For the population in number 2 above, determine the time at which the population
is increasing most rapidly and draw a sketch of the logistic curve.
ln 9
Ans. t = ln 9−ln 4
≈ 2.7hr

4. A college dormitory houses 100 students, each of whom is susceptible to a certain

virus infection. A simple model of epidemics assumes that during the course of an
epidemic the rate of change with respect to time of the number of infected students
I is proportional to the number of infected students and also proportional to the
number of uninfected students, 100 − I

(a) If at time t = 0 a single student becomes infected, show that the number of
infected students at time t is given by

100e100kt
I= .
99 + e100kt

(b) If the constant of proportionality k has value 0.001 when t is measured in days,
find the value of the rate of new cases I 0 (t) at the end of each day for the first 9
days.
Ans.(b) 3,6,14,23,24,16,8,3,1.

2.7.6 The price of Commodities

Consider an economic model of a commodity market. We assume that the price P , the
supply S, and the demand D of the commodity are functions of time and that the rate
of change of the price is proportional to the difference between the demand and supply.
That is,
dP
= k(D − S). (2.34)
dt

We further assume that the constant k is positive so that the price will increase if the
demand exceeds the supply.
Different models of the commodity market will result depending upon the nature of
the demand and supply functions that are indicated. If, for example, we assume that

D = c − dP and S = a + bP, (2.35)

where a, b, c and d are positive constants, we obtain a differential equation

dP
= k[(c − a) − (d + b)]P (2.36)
dt
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 35

that is linear in P . the assumptions (2.35) reflect the tendency for the demand to
decrease as the price increases and the tendency for the supply to increase as the price
increases, both reasonable assumptions for many commodities. We should also assume
that 0 < P < c/d, so that D is not negative.
Equation (2.36) may be written as

dP
+ k(d + b)P = k(c − a), (2.37)
dt

and solved by multiplying by the integrating factor ek(d+b)t and integrating to obtain

c−a
P (t) = c1 e−k(d+b)t + .
d+b
c−a
If the price at t = 0 is P = P0 , we have c1 = P0 − d+b
,

c − a −k(d+b)t c − a
so that P (t) = (P0 − )e + . (2.38)
d+b d+b

Equation (2.38) shows that under the assumptions of (2.31) and (2.32) the price
will stabilize at a value (c − a)/(d + b) as t becomes large.

2.7.7 Mixture of substances and other examples:

1. A certain chemical dissolves in water at a rate proportional to the product of the
amount un dissolved and the difference between the concentration in a saturated
solution and the concentration in the actual solution. In 100 grams of a saturated
solution it is known that 50 grams of the substance are dissolved. If when 30 grams
of the chemical are agitated with 100 grams of water, 10 grams are dissolved in 2
hours., how much will be dissolved in 5 hours?
Solution: Let x denote the number of grams of the chemical un dissolved after
t hours. At this time the concentration of the actual solution is 30−x
100
and that of
50
a saturated solution is 100 . Then

dx 50 30 − x x + 20 dx dx k
= kx( − ) = kx or − = dt.
dt 100 100 100 x x + 20 5

Integrating between t = 0, x = 30 and t = 2, x = 30 − 10 = 20, gives

Z 20
dx Z 20 dx kZ2 5 5
− = dt, and k = ln = −0.46.
30 x 30 x + 20 5 0 2 6
36 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

Integrating between t = 0, x = 30 and t = 5, x = x,

Z x
dx Z x dx kZ5 5x x 3
− = dt, ln = k = −0.46, = e−0.46 = 0.38,
30 x 30 x + 20 5 0 3(x + 20) x + 20 5

and x = 12. Thus, the amount dissolved after 5 hours is 30-12 = 18 grams.

2. A 100 gallon tank is filled with brine containing 60 pounds of dissolved salt.
Water runs into the tank at the rate of 2 gallons per minute and the mixture,
kept uniform by stirring, runs out at the same rate. How much salt is in the tank
after 1 hour?
Solution: Let s be the number of pounds of salt in the tank after t minutes, the
concentration then being s/100lb/gal. During the interval dt, 2dt gallons of water
2s 2
flows into the tank and 2dt gallons of brine containing 100 dt = 50 dt pounds of salt
flow out.
s
Thus, the change ds in the amount of salt in the tank is ds = − 50 dt.
t t
Integrating, s = Ce− 50 . At t = 0, s = 60; hence, C = 60 and s = 60e− 50 .
6
When t = 60 minutes, s = 60e− 5 = 60(.301) = 18 pounds.

3. The air in a certain room 1500 × 500 × 120 tested 0.2%CO2 . Fresh air containing
0.5%CO2 was then admitted by ventilators at the rate 9000f t3 /min. Find the
percentage of CO2 entering the room after 20 minutes.
Solution: Let x denote the number of cubic feet of CO2 in the room at time
t, the concentration of CO2 then being x/90, 000. During the interval dt, the
amount of CO2 entering the room is (9, 000.0005)dtf t3 and the amount leaving is
x
90, 000 90,000 dtf t3 .

x
hence the change dx in the interval is dx = 9, 000(.0005 − 90,000
)dt = − x−45
10
dt.
t
Integrating, 10 ln(x − 45) = −t + ln C1 and x = 45 + Ce− 10 . At t = 0,
t
x = .002(90, 000) = 180. Then C = 180 − 45 = 135 and x = 45 + 135e− 10 . When
t = 20, x = 45 + 135e−2 = 63. The percentage CO2 is then 90,000
63
= .0007 = 0.07%

4. Under certain conditions the constant quantity Q calories/second of heat flowing

through a wall is given by
dT
Q = −kA
dx

Where k is the conductivity of the material, A(cm2 ) is the area of the face of the
wall perpendicular to the direction of flow, and T is the temperature x(cm) from
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 37

that face such that T decreases as x increases. Find the number of calories of
heat per hour flowing through 1 square meter of the wall of a refrigerator room
125 cm thick for which k = 0.0025, if the temperature of the inner face is −5o C
and that of the outer face is 75o C.
Solution: Let x denote the distance of the point within the wall from the outer
face.
Q
Integrating dT = − kA dx from x = 0, T = 75 to x = 125, T = −5,

Z −5
Q Z 125 Q Z 125 Q
dT = − dx, 80 = dx, 80 = (125),
75 kA 0 kA 0 kA

80kA 80(.0025)(100)2 cal

and Q = = = 16 .
125 125 sec

Thus, the flow of heat per hour = 3600Q = 57, 600cal.

5. A steam pipe 20 cm in diameter is protected with a covering 6 cm thick for which
k = 0.0003.
(a) Find the heat loss per hour through the meter length of the pipe if the surface
of the pipe is 200o C and that of the outer surface of the covering is 30o C.
(b) Find the temperature at a distance x > 10cm from the center of the pipe.
Solution: At a distance x > 10cm from the center of the pipe, heat is flowing
across the cylindrical shell of surface area 2πxcm2 per cm of length of pipe. From
problem 4
dT dT dx
Q = −kA = −2πx or 2πkdT = −Q .
dx dx x

(a) Integrating between the limits T = 30, x = 16 and T = 200, x = 10,

Z 200 Z 16
dx 340πk
2πk dT = −Q , 340πk = Q(ln 16−ln 10) = Q ln 1.6 and Q = cal/sec.
30 10 x ln 1.6

Thus, the heat loss per hour through a meter length of the pipe is
100(60)2 Q = 245, 000cal.
(b) Integrating 2πkdT = − 340πk dx
ln 1.6 x
between the limits T = 30, x = 16 and
T = T, x = x,
Z T
170 Z x dx 170
dT = − , T − 30 = − = 200o C.
30 ln 1.6 16 x ln 1.6

when x = 16, T = 30 + 0 = 30o C.

38 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

6. Find the time required for a cylindrical tank of radius 8ft and height 10ft to empty
through a round hole of radius 1 inch in the bottom of the tank,given √ that the
water will issue from such a hole with velocity approximately v = 4.8 hf t/sec, h
being the depth of the water in the tank.
Solution: The volume of water which runs out per second may be thought of as
that of a cylinder 1 inch in radius and of height v. Hence, the volume that runs
out in time dt sec is

12 √ π √
π( )(4.8 h)dt = (4.8 h)dt.
12 144

Denoting by dh the corresponding drop in the water level in the tank,volume of

water which runs out is also given by 64πdh. Hence,

π √ 64(144) dh dh
(4.8 h)dt = −64πdh or dt = − √ = −1920 √ .
144 4.8 h h

Integrating between t = 0, h = 10 and t = t, h = 0,

Z t Z 0
dh √ √
= −1920 √ , and t = −3840 h|010 = 3840 10sec = 3hr 22min.
0 10 h

7. A parachutist is falling with speed 176ft/sec when his parachute opens. If the air
resistance is W v 2 /256 lb, where W is the total weight of the man and parachute,
find his speed as a function of the time t after the parachute opened.
Solution: Net force on the system= weight of system- air resistance.

W dv W v2 dv dt
Then =W− or 2 =− .
g dt 256 v − 256 8

Integrating between the limits t = 0, v = 176 and t = t, v = v,

Z ν
dv 1Z t 1 v − 16 6 t
=− dt, ln |176 = − |t0 ,
176 v 2 − 256 8 0 32 v + 16 8

v − 16 5 v − 16 5 6 + 5e−4t
ln − ln = −4t, = e−4t , and v = 16 .
v + 16 6 v + 16 6 6 − 5e−4t

Note that the parachutist quickly attains an approximately constant speed, that
is the terminal velocity of 16 ft/sec.
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 39

8. The gravitational pull on a mass m at a distance s feet from the center of the
earth is proportional to m and inversely proportional to s2 .
(a) Find the velocity attained by the mass in falling from rest at a distance 5R
from the center to the earth’s surface, where R = 4000 miles is taken as the radius
of the earth.
(b) What velocity would correspond to a fall from an infinite distance, that is,
with what velocity must the mass be propelled vertically upward to escape the
gravitational pull? (All other forces, including friction, are to be neglected.)
Solution: The gravitational force at a distance s from the earth’s center is km/s2 .
to determine k, note that the force is mg when s = R; thus mg = km/R2 and
k = gR2 . the equation of motion is

dv ds dv dv mgR2 ds
m =m = mv =− 2 or vdv = −gR2 2 , (2.39)
dt dt ds ds s s

the sign being negative since v increases as s decreases.

(a)Integrating (2.39) from v = 0, s = 5R to v = v, s = R,

Z v Z R
2 ds 1 2 1 1 4 8
vdv = −gR 2
, v = gR2 ( − ) = gR, v 2 = (32)(4000)(5280),
0 5R s 2 R 5R 5 5

√
and v = 2560 165f t/sec or approximately 6mi/sec.
(b) Integrating (2.39) from v = 0, s → ∞ to v = v, s = R,

Z v Z R
ds 2 √
vdv = −gR2 , v = 2gR, v = 6400 33f t/sec or approximately 7mi/sec.
0 ∞ s2

9. One of the basic equations in electric circuits is

di
L + Ri = E(t) (2.40)
dt

where L(henries) is called the inductance, R(ohms) the resistance, i(amperes) the
current, and E (volts) the electromotive force (emf). (R and L are constants)
(a) Solve (2.39) when E(t) = E0 and the initial current is i0 .
(b) Solve (2.39) when L = 3 henries, R = 15 ohms, E(t) is the 60 cycle sine wave
of amplitude 110 volts, and i = 0 when t = 0.
40 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

di
Solution: (a) Integrating L dt + Ri = E0 , ieRt/L = ER0 eRt/L + C or i = ER0 +
−Rt/L
Ce .
When t = 0, i = i + 0. Then C = i0 − ER0 and i = ER0 (1 − e−Rt/L ) + i0 e−Rt/L . Note
di
that as t → ∞,i = E0 /R, a constant. (b) Integrating 3 dt + 16i = E0 sin ωt =
110 sin 2π(60)t = 110 sin 120πt,

5t 110 Z 5t 110 5t 5 sin 120πt − 120π cos 120πt

ie = e sin 120πtdt = e +C
3 3 25 + 14400π 2

22 sin 120πt − 24π cos 120πt

or i= + Ce−5t .
3 1 + 57π 2

22.4π
When t = 0, i = 0. Then C = 3(1+576π 2 )

22 sin 120πt − 24π cos 120πt + 24πe−5t

and i= .
3 1 + 576π 2

A more useful form is obtained by noting that the sum of the squares of the
coefficients of the sine and cosine terms is the denominator of the fraction above.
Hence, we may define

24π 1
sin φ = 2
and cos φ = 1
(1 + 576π ) (1 + 576π 2 ) 2

22 176πe−5t
so that i = (cos φ sin 120πt − sin φ cos 120πt) +
3(1 + 576π 2 ) 1 + 576π 2

22 176πe−5t
= 1 sin(120πt − φ) + .
3(1 + 576π 2 ) 2 1 + 576π 2

Note that after a short time the second term becomes very small; thus the current
quickly becomes a pure sine curve.

10. If an electric circuit contains a resistance R (ohms) and a condenser of capacitance

C (farads) in series, and an emf E (volts ), the charge q (coulombs ) on the
condenser is given by
dq q
R + = E.
dt C
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 41

If R = 10 ohms, C = 10−3 farad and E(t) = 100 sin 120πt volts,

(a) find q, assuming that q = 0 when t = 0.
(b) Use i = dq/dt to find i, assuming that i = 5 amperes when = 0.
Solution: Integrating 10 dq
dt
+ 103 q = 100 sin 120πt, we have

Z
100 sin 120πt − 120π cos 120πt
qe100t = 10 e100t sin 120πtdt = 10e100t +A
10, 000 + 14, 400π 2

10 sin 120πt − 12π cos 120πt

= e100t + A,
100 + 144π 2

12π
and q = 1 sin(120πt − φ) + Ae−100t (2.41)
(100 + 144π 2 ) 2

12π 10
where sin φ = 1 and cos φ = 1 .
(100+144π 2 ) 2 (100+144π 2 ) 2

3π 1 −100t
(a) When t = 0, q = 0 then A = 25+36π 2
and q = 1 sin(120πt−φ)+ 3πe
25+36π 2
.
(25+36π 2 ) 2

(b) Differentiating (2.41) with respect to t, we obtain

dq 60π −100t
i= = 1 cos(120πt − φ) − 100Ae .
dt 2
(25 + 36π ) 2

60π 300π
When t = 0, i = 5. Then 100A = 1 cos φ − 5 = 25+36π 2
−5
(25+36π 2 ) 2

60π 300π
and i = 1 cos(120πt − φ) − ( − 5)e−100t .
(25 + 36π 2 ) 2 25 + 36π 2

11. A substance γ is being formed by the reaction of two substances α and β in

which a grams of α and b grams of β form (a + b) grams of γ. If initially there
are x0 grams of α, y0 grams of β, and none of γ present and if the reaction of
formulation of γ is proportional to the product of the quantities of α and β un
combined, express the amount (z grams) of γ formed as a function of time t.
az bz
Solution: The z grams of γ formed at time t consists of a+b grams of α and a+b
az
grams of β. Hence, at time t there will remain combined (x0 − a+b ) grams of α
bz
and (y0 − a+b
) grams of β. Then
42 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

dz az bz Kab a+b
dt
= K(x0 − a+b
)(y0 − a+b
) = (a+b)2
( a x0 − z)( a+b
b
y0 − z)

Kab (a+b)x0 (a+b)y0

= k((A − z)(B − z), where k = (a+b)2
,A = a
and B = b
.

There are two cases to be considered: (1) A 6= B, say A > B, and (2) A = B.
dz 1 dz 1 dz
(1) Here (A−z)(B−z) = − A−B . A−Z + A−B . B−z = kdt.
Integrating from t = 0, z = 0 to t = t, z = z, we obtain

1 A−z z 1 A−z A A−z A

ln |0 = kt|t0 , (ln − ln ) = kt, = e(A−B)kt
A−B B−z A−B B−z B B−z B

AB(1 − e−(A−B)kt )
and z = .
A − Be−(A−B)kt

dz
(2) Here (A−z)2
= kdt. Integrating from t = 0, z = 0 to t = t, z = z, we obtain

1 z 1 1 A2 kt
|
A−z 0
= kt|t0 , A−z
− A
= kt, and z = 1+Akt
.

Exercise 2.7.5

A. Solve the differential Equations

dy √ dy 2
1. dx = (2 1 + y) cos x; y(π) = 0 2. dx = 3x 2y+1
+4x+2
; y(0) = −1
√ √
3. xy 4 dx + (y 2 + 2)e3x dy = 0 4. y 4 − x dy = 4 + y 2 dx
2
dy xy+3x−y−3
5. (4y + yx2 )dy − (2x + xy 2 )dx = 0 6. dx = xy−2x+4y−8
dy dy 2 y2
7. dx = y2 − 4 8. dx + 2xy = 0 9. dx
dy
= x1+x dy
10. dx = e3x+2y
2
11. y ln x dx
dy
= ( y+1
x
) dy
12. 2 dx − y1 = 2x
y
.

B. Test for exactness and solve if exact.

1. (cos x cos y + 2x)dx − (sin x sin y + 2y)dy = 0 2. (2xy 2 + 2y) + (2x2 + 2x)y 0 = 0
3. (x + y)(x − y)dx + x(x − 2y)dy = 0 4. (2x + y)dx − (x + 6y)dy = 0
5. (1 + ln x + xy )dx = (1 − ln x)dy 1
6. (x2 y 3 − 1+9x dy 3 2
2 ) dx + x y = 0

7. (4y + 2x − 5)dx + (6y + 4x − 1)dy = 0; y(−1) = 2 8. cos θdr − (r sin θ − eθ )dθ = 0

dy
9. (5x + 4y)dx + (4x − 8y 3 )dy = 0 10. (1 − 2x2 − 2y) dx = 4x3 + 4xy
11. (x + y)2 dx + (2xy + x2 − 1)dy = 0; y(1) = 1
12. (cos x sin x − xy 2 )dx + y(1 − x2 )dy = 0; y(0) = 2
13. [2x + y 2 − cos(x + y)]dx + [2xy − cos(x + y) − ey ]dy =0
2.7. APPLICATIONS OF FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS 43

C. Solve the following differential equations.

dy
1. xy 0 + 2y = x2 − x + 1; y(1) = 0 2. dx = xy + 2x + 1
dr
3. (t + y + 1)dt − dy = 0 4. dθ + r tan θ = sec θ
dy dy
2
5. x dx + 3xy + 2x = x + 4x 3
6. dx = e4y1+2x
dy
7. dx = e2x + y − 1 8. dx + ( xy − sin y)dy = 0
9. ydx + (2xy − e−2y )dy = 0 10. (y 2 + xy + x2 )dx − x2 dy = 0
y
dy x tan( x )+y
11. dx = csc( xy ) + ( xy ) dy
12. dx = x
13. (−8x + 3y + 17)dx + (3x − y − 6)dy = 0 14. (2x + y − 13)dx − (y + 1)dy = 0
15. (2x + y − 8)dx − (x + 2y − 7)dy = 0 16. (3x + y + 2)dx + (x + y + 2)dy = 0
17. (x + y − 1)dx + (y − x − 5)dy = 0 18. (2x − y)dx + (4x + y − 3)dy = 0
19. (2x − y)dx + (x + y − 3)dy = 0; y(0) = 2 20. (y√− 2x − 1)dx + (x + y − 4)dy = 0
√
21. (x − 3y + 2)dx + 3(x + 3y − 4)dy = 0 22. ( x + y)2 dx = xdy; y(1) = 0
dy
23. (2x − 3y + 4)dx + 3(x − 1)dy = 0; y(3) = 2 24. 2 dx = xy − yx2 ; y(1) = 1
√ dy 1 3
25. (x + xy) dx + x − y = x− 2 y 2 ; y(1) = 1 26. (x + 3y − 4)dx −√(2x − y + 1)dy = 0
2 dy
27. xy(1 + xy ) dx = 1; y(1) = 0 28. xydx − x2 dy = y x2 + y 2 ; y(0) = 1
29. (6x − 3y + 2)dx − (2x − y − 1)dy√= 0 30. (9x − 4y + 4)dx − (2x − y + 1)dy = 0
3 3 2
31. y dx = 2x dy − 2x ydx; y(1) = 2
32. (x + y − 4)dx − (3x − y − 4)dy = 0; y(4) = 1.

D. Obtain Solutions to the following processes

1. A body moves in a straight line so that its velocity exceeds by 2 its distance from
a fixed point of the line. If v = 5 when t = 0, find the equation of motion.
Ans. x = 5et − 2

2. Find the time required for the sum of money to double itself at 5% per annum
compounded continously. Hint: dxdt
= 0.05x, where x is the amount after t years.
Ans. 13.9 years

3. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the amount present. If half the

original amount disappears in 1600 years, find the percentage lost in 100 years.
Ans. 4.2%

4. In a culture of yeast the amount of active ferment grows at a rate proportional

to the amount present. If the amount doubles in 1 hour, how many times the
original amount may be anticipated at the end of 2 34 hours? Ans. 6.73 times the
original amount.

5. If, when the temperature of air is 20o C, a certain substance cools from 100o C to
60o C in 10 minutes, find the temperature after 40 minutes. Ans. 25o C
44 CHAPTER 2. SOLVING FIRST ORDER EQUATIONS

6. A tank contains 100 gal of brine made by dissolving 60 lb of salt in water. Salt
water containing 1 lb of salt per gal runs in at a rate 2gal/min and the mixture,
kept uniform by stirring, runs out at the rate 3 gal/min. Find the amount of salt
in the tank at the end of 1 hour. Hint: dx
dt
= 2 − 3x/(100 − t). Ans. 37.4lb

7. Find the time required for a square tank of side 6ft and depth
√ 9ft to empty through
a one inch circular hole in the bottom. (Assume,v = 4.8 h) Ans. 137 min

8. A tank contains 100gal of brine made by dissolving 80 lb of salt in water. Pure

water runs into the tank at the rate of 4gal/min and the mixture, kept uniform
by stirring, runs out at the same rate. The outflow runs into a second tank which
contains 100 gal of pure water initially and the mixture,kept uniform by stirring,
runs out at the same rate. Find the amount of salt in the second tank after one
hour? Hint: dxdt
= 4( 54 e−0.04t − 4 100
x
) for the second tank. Ans. 17.4lb

9. A funnel 10 inch in diameter at the top and 1 inch in diameter at the bottom
is 24 inch deep. If initially full of water, find the time required to empty. Ans.
13.7sec

10. Water is flowing into a vertical cylindrical tank of radius 6ft and height 9ft at the
rate 6πf t3 /min and is escaping through a hole 1 inch in diameter
√ in the bottom.
π π
Find the time required to fill the tank. Hint: ( 10 − (24)2 4.8 h)dt = 36πdh. Ans.
65 min

11. The differential equation of a circuit containing a resistance R, capacitance C, and

emf e = E sin ωt is Rdi/dt + i/C = de/dt. Assuming R, C, E, ω to be constants,
−t/RC
find the current i at time t. Ans i = 1+RECω
2 C 2 ω 2 (cos ωt + RCω sin ωt) + C1 e