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sciguy125
08-07-2006, 03:03
Any ideas on how to solve the following equation?

dx/dt = k + qcos(x)

where k and q are constants

My main problem is that the cos is a function of x, not t.

Lisa Perez
08-07-2006, 08:58
Try bringing the dt over to the right side, and the quantity (k + qcos(x)) to the other. Then integrate from there (it might be easier to split 1/(k + qcos(x)) into partial fractions).

... There may be an easier way, though, I'll try to look through my old papers and see if I can recall any tricks. The summer made my brain a bit fuzzy... :p

sciguy125
08-07-2006, 22:08
Wow, I feel stupid. I can't believe that I didn't see that. But anyway, the resulting solution is fairly nasty.

Thanks.