# Math Help - To find a solution to this Differential Equation?

1. ## To find a solution to this Differential Equation?

For the equation:

$dv/dt=-kx^{1/2}$

I do not seem to be able to solve this one to find the general solution! :S

2. Are you sure that is the equation?

could it be $\frac{dv}{dt}=-kt^{1/2}$

or

$\frac{dv}{dt}=-kv^{1/2}$ ?

3. Originally Posted by pickslides
Are you sure that is the equation?

could it be $\frac{dv}{dt}=-kt^{1/2}$

or

$\frac{dv}{dt}=-kv^{1/2}$ ?

YES sorry my bad! It is the second one! Can you help?

4. Happy to kick it off for you

$\frac{dv}{dt}=-kv^{1/2}$

separating the variables you get

$\frac{dv}{v^{1/2}}=-k~dt$

Now integrate both sides

Hint: $\int \frac{dv}{v^{1/2}} = 2v^{1/2}$

5. Originally Posted by pickslides
Happy to kick it off for you

$\frac{dv}{dt}=-kv^{1/2}$

separating the variables you get

$\frac{dv}{v^{1/2}}=-k~dt$

Now integrate both sides

Hint: $\int \frac{dv}{v^{1/2}} = 2v^{1/2}$
Right, so therefore the general solution is:

$v=4(-kt+c)^{1/2}$

am i right?

6. How did you get that?

I get $v = \left( \frac{-kt+C}{2}\right)^2$