Differential Equations
Linear Differential Equation
Grade 12
Question:
<p><strong>Question 21:</strong> If \(\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = 1\) and \(f(1) = 2\), then find \(\left[\frac{f(3)}{2}\right]\), where \([\cdot]\) denotes the greatest integer function.</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Recognize that f'(x)/f(x) = 1 means d/dx[ln(f(x))] = 1, which allows direct integration to find f(x) = e^(x+c), then use initial condition to find the constant.
<p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Start with the differential equation f'(x)/f(x) = 1</p><p>Recognize that the left side is the derivative of ln(f(x)):</p><p>d/dx[ln(f(x))] = 1</p><p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Integrate both sides with respect to x:</p><p>ln(f(x)) = x + C</p><p>Therefore: f(x) = e^(x+C) = Ae^x, where A = e^C</p><p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Apply initial condition f(1) = 2:</p><p>2 = Ae^1</p><p>A = 2/e</p><p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Write the explicit solution:</p><p>f(x) = (2/e)·e^x = 2e^(x-1)</p><p><strong>Step 5:</strong> Calculate f(3):</p><p>f(3) = 2e^(3-1) = 2e^2</p><p><strong>Step 6:</strong> Find f(3)/2:</p><p>f(3)/2 = 2e^2/2 = e^2</p><p><strong>Step 7:</strong> Evaluate using e ≈ 2.71828:</p><p>e^2 ≈ 7.389</p><p>∴ [f(3)/2] = [e^2] = [7.389] = <strong>7</strong></p>
Correct Answer: 7