UNIT 3 SOLVING AND

I N T E R P R E T I N G A MODEL
Structure Page 'No.

3.1 Introduction
Objectives
3.2 Solution Of A Formulated Problem
Motion Of A Simple Pe~idulum
Phytoplankton Growth
3.3 Interpretation Of The Solution

3.4 Summary
3.5 Solutions/Answers
3.6 Appendix: Table Of Elliptic Integrals

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In the two previous units, we iiitroduced you to some of the aspects of

mathematical modelling. Unit 1 helped you to recall many of tlie defiilitions
in mathematics, physics and biology vitli which you may already be familiar.
But these very familiar coilcepts were presented to you as a part of
mathernatical modelli~ig.In Unit 1, we have discussed different types of
modelling. 111 unit 2 we dealt in detail with tlie first important stage of
mathernatical modelling, viz., identifying essential cliaracteristics of the
problem at hand, bringing out tlie most ixnportant features of tlie problem
and formulating mathematical representations. Through various examples
you observed that these represexitations are algebraic/differential/difference
equations arid their combinations.
In Unit 2 you have seen that sorno equations are easy to handle with such
that we can deduce the relevant information from the equation, directly as in
the case Formulation 1 in Example 1. In the other cases we need'to ga
further and solve these equations depending upon what type of equations
they are. Here we sliall discuss thc second important stage of modelling, viz.
solving the formulated equations and the interpretation of the solutions. We
shall solve some of tho problcxns fo'ormnulatedin Unit 2. We have given some
of them as an exercise for yau to try. Tn 8ec.3.2 we have xnainly discussed
two problems - ane rolated to matiall of a simple pendulum, and the other
related to lihe growth of phyhoplankton, You will find that the different
techniques you have learnt in differential equations will be extremely useful
in solving these problems.
A model is complete only when we intsrpret the mathematical solution of
the model, In Sec,3.3 we shall cliscuas this aspect of mathematical modelling,
namely interprctii~g/evaluatingthe solutian. We shall explain how we
interpret the solutions obtained for the problem of simple pendulum and
thafi of phytoplankton. You will see that the interpretation helps us to gauge
how effective the model is. In this section we shall also talk briefly about
limitations/shortcoming of a model.
 Introduction You may notice t l ~ a in
t this unit we have used only the techniques in
differential equations to obtain a solution because the resulting equations
were differential equations. But this is not the case always. I11 the later
blocks you will see that there are other techniques lilm techniques in
probability and lineas algebra which are used in obtaining a solution.
Do try the exercises given in ihis unit sincerely. This will help you to gauge
whether you have followed concepts and the techniques we have explained.
Let us list the objectives of this unit xow.
Objectives
After reading this unit you should be able to

* Use the techniques in diflerential equations for solvirig a formulated

problem resulting in differential equations.
e Interpret the solution obtained in the context of the real situation.

- -

3.2 SOLUTIONS OF FORMLTLATED PROBLEMS

We learnt in Unit 2 that we can choose more than one type'of formulation
for the same problem. The choice of a mathematical model to be developed
must depend on the purpose for which the model is required. In See. 2.3
Example 1 of Unit 2 we saw that if the purpose of studying the nlovements
of a simple pendulum is to find its period of oscillation, a quick solution
based on dimensional analysis will serve our purpose. But if the objective of
the study is to have a deeper insight into the problem we have to use a
different model. In this case a model based on Newton's law by resolving the
forces acting on the bob of the pendulum will serve the purpose. Similarly,
we have shown in Exan~ple2 of 9ec.2.3 of Unit 2 that if we want to have a I

cursory knowledge about marine ecology, a simple model based on

dimensional analysis will suffice. With that we can easily liave a rough
estimate of the critical leligth of water maas required for the phytoplankton
population to increase. But if we want to get more details, a model based on
a system of differential equations would be required.
We discuss in this section the solutions of the deeper problems formulated in
Unit 2.
We shall first consider the second formulation related to the movement of
simple pendulum.

3.2.1 Motion of a Simple Pendulum

In the last two units we discussed the problem of finding the period of
oscillation, tension in the string and the position of the bob at any time of a
simple pendulum. There we formulated the problem using Newton's law
(Example 1, Formulation 2, Unit 2). We shall now discuss how we find the
solution.
I In the last unit we saw that the formulation resulted in two differential
1 equations (see Eqns(8) and Eqn.(9) of Unit 2), which we give below:
I m-d2x = -Tsind
dt2 (1)
I m d2y
p = TcosB-mg (2)
42 *
1

-
where the tension T and the amplitude 0 are not known. Solution and
Our objective is to find the position of t h e pendulum and t h e tension Interpretation
in t h e s t r i n g at any i n s t a n t of time. This is possible if either we know
the position (x, y) of the bob a t that instant or the angle 8 the string makes
with the vertical at that instant (see Fig.1)
You know that x, y and 8 are connected'by the relation
x = t s i n O , y = !(l -cosO),
being the length of the pendulum. Let us now solve 8 by eliminating the
terms x and y.
d2x d2y
To eliminate the terms m~ and m--2 from Eqn.(l) and Eqn.(2), we apply
dt dt
the chain rule
-
dt
_
dx - -- dxde
de d t '
By repeated application of the chain rule, we get

So (1) and (2) become

Have we improved the situation? Eqns. (5) and (6) still look quite
formidable! What if we multiply (5) by cos 0 and (6) by sine and add the
two equations? Well, we get
d28
m t (cos2 8.f sin2 0) - = -mg sin 8 (7)
d t2
or
d2e
i.e., m !-
dt2
+ mg sin 8 = 0
Thus, we have found the equation, in terms of 0 alone as a function oft.
We try to find a similar formuh for the tension T also, For this, we multiply
(5) by sine, (6) by cos 8 and then take the difference. We then find that

[1- (g)1'
mt (sin2 8 + cos2 8) = mg cos 0,

This is another equation of motion, in a direction along the string, from

which the tension can be calculated once 8(t) has been determined from Eqn.
(8)-
Now, have a close look at Eqns. (8) and (10). What type of differential
equations are they? You might have noticed that both (8) and (10) are
e3 +
non-linear differential equation. (Note that sin8 = 8 - - .. ..). From your
3!
previous knowledge of differential equations you must have observed that it is
not easy to find the solutions of non-linear differential equations, in general.
Introduction One way of getting a quiclc solution is to make some approximations which
will change the non-linear equations to a linear one and then solving tlie
resulting linear equations by known methods. But while doing so, we should
always see that these approximations do not onlit the essential details of the
problem.
Next we shall show you how both these equations (8) and (10) can be
simplified if we are ready to make an approximation i.e. the oscillations are
small. With this approximation you will see that the equations beconie
linear and the solutions are easy to obtain.
Solution Using Linear Model
To begin with, let us assume that the oscillations are small which means that
0 is small. This will enable us to approximate sine by 9 since as 0 4 0,
sin8 4 8. This will certainly reduce the accuracy in our calculations. But
the mathematics involved gets much reduced. In fact, ever1 for fairly large
angles, i.e., angles whose magnitude rrizy be anywhere upto 30" , i.e.,
-30" < <0 30°, we can talce
sin 0 = 0
cose = 1
As you car1 expect, these approximations will introduce some errors. For
example, let 8 = 15". Then from the table of sine you can find that
sin 15' = 0.25881. To compare this with the giver1 value of 0 we have to find
8 in radian measure. The radian measure of 0 = 15" is 0.26'196. The error iq
this approximation is 0.26196 - 0.25881 = 0:0~315.
Using the approximations, we can write Eqn. (8) as

and Eqn. (10) as

We can- further simplify Eqn.(l2) by using the argument that when 8 is small,
'($)' < 1 and hence the second term in the bracket is much smaller than
the first term. Therefore we can neglect the second term. This would imply
T=mg (13)
Isn't this an interesting result? Even for swings of the pendulum u p to f30°,
the tension is a constant.
Let us now go back to Eqn.(ll). Do you recognize it? It is nothing but the
classical simple harmonic equation with w21icl1 you were familiar even at high
school.
Eqn. (11) is a simple second order ordinary differential equation with
constant coefficients. From y o u knowledge of ordinary differential equations
you know that

0 = A cos ( f i t ) +.I3 sin ( f i t )

where'A and B are arbitrary.constants.
Now what are A and B? These constants will depend on the initial position
of the bob and the velocity with which it is started. Let us assume thaL
0 = 80 at t = 0, where Bo is some arbitrary angle (15-a)
 Solution and
Interpret ation
(15-a) would imply that at C = 0, the initial amplitude of motion of the
pndulurn is 00. (15-b) iinplies that the initial speed of the pendulum is zero.
Thus, conditions (15-a) and (15-b) correspond to initially holding the
pendulum at rest at any arbitrary angle Oo and then lcttiilg it go.
When we put t = 0 and apply Eqn.(l5-a) in Eqn.(l4), we get A = eO.
de de
Then we obtain - from Eqn. (14) and apply the condition - = 0, t = O to
d t, clt
get

-80 sin (fit,) fi+ I3 cos ( f i t ) fi

= 0, when t = 0.
This iinplies that B = 0.
Therefore the solutiori is given by

e = eocos f i t (lfi)
Iristead of Eqn. (15-a) arid Eqn. (16-b), suppose we assume that
0 = 0, at t = O
do
and - = w , at t = O
dt
This riieans that a t t = 0, the initial amplitucle of the motion is 0 i.e. the
bob is at the equilibrium position and the initial speed is w. Now we leave it
as an exercise for you to clicclc that the solution in this case is given by

e= W/6 sin ( f i t )

Thus, individually Eqn.(lG) and Eqn.(17) are both solutions of Eqn.(ll), of

course, under different conditions. The sum of Eqn.(lG) and Eqn.(l7) is also
a solution of Eqn.(ll), being the solutions of a linear differential equation.
1

Therefore,

0 = oo ms (') + r;fisin (fit)

i~ the solution of (11) with the conditions

8 = 80, at, t = O and

Can you guess what physical situation the solutiori will correspond to? This
corresponds to the pendulum being released with an initial velocity w from a
point with angular distance 00 . We shall discuss the interpretation of the
solution in detail in Sec.3.3.
Try this exercise now.

E l ) Obtain the solution given in Eqn.(l7) under the initial condition

do-
- -w,O=Oat t = 0 .
dt

In the foregoing discussion, you have seen that the approximations we

introduced enabled us to have a linear model which corresponded to the
simple haxmonic oscillation. But you must keep in mind that any
simplification we introduced in the model will cost you something-in this
case there had to be a restriction on the range of values of the amplitude i.e.
 Introduction
Now, suppose you have a problem in which you cannot assume the oscillation
to be small. Then in that case the non-linear characteristic of Eqn. (8) and
Eqn.(lO) have to be maintained which means that the resulting model will
be a non-linear model. Next we shall discuss the solution in this case.
Solution using Non-Linear Model
dB
We begin with rewriting Eqn. (8) after multiplying by -. We get
dt

which we can also rewrite as

1 This implies that

dt - f c o s ~ =a constant
5 (dR)2
j
i
If the initial condition is such that the pendulum is started s t rest from an
arbitrary angle 80, then at. t = 0 .
dB
Therefore if-we put 0 = do and ;;-;= 0 in Eqn.(20), we get that the constant

i.e. fcose=-- :cos 00

Therefore, (g) = 4: (sin2 $ - sin -

i
8
(using the identity cos 9 = 1 - 2sin2 -).
I

I 2
Substituting Eqn.(21) in Eqn.112) we get the value of the tension T in terms
of 0. You can check that the expression for T'is

Also, from Eqn. (21), we have

,<P'
,,,drtd/p,,,,
J3'------- c e l J ~
Eqn.(22) has t o be integrated t o find 8, the position of the pendulum as a
swings
, of
of t.-go
functionfrom

interval 0 5 t 5
to +Bo
What

2
would
andbeback
the limits
again. of
Suppose
integration?
we denote
The as Tothe period
pendulum
the pendulum, during the period. A quarter period would be the time
say, from 0 = Bo to B = 0 (see Pig.2). Thus Eqn.(22) can
Fig.2: The time taken be integrated as follows: of the total period.
to go from A t o
1
0 is -
4

Integrating the left hand side, we get

-
 Solution and
Put 0 = -4. Then we gct Interprelatiorl
7

4 = sin -
Let sill - 00 sin$. Differentiating both sides, we get
2 2
4
cos -d$ = sin - 00 cos $ d.1)
2 2
Then
00 0
2 sin - cos ,$ 2 sin - cos $
dQ = 2
COS -4
2 = Ji- sinl
- d11,
3sin' +
Substituting for dr,b in tlle integral on the R.H.S. of Eqn.(23), we get
n- 00
2 sin - cos d~/)
2
+

sin
sin -
2
00
2 sir) -cos 7 ) d$
2

As you may recognize it, the integral in the R.H.S. of Eqn.(24) is a definite
integral which gjvcs you To as a function of 00 say f(Oo). The iiltegral is
called an elliptic integral. Tables are available to find the values of elliptic
integrals. We have given one sucll table in the appendix.
We shall now illustrate: through an example, how we find Tn for a given 1
and g, using the table.
E x a m p l e 1: Firid To if Bo = 20°1 given that i? = 20cin and g = (380cm/sec2
Solution: St~bstitul;ingfor On and 1 in Eqn.(24) we, get,

You compare the integral on the R.H.S. with the integral give11 in the
appendix, [look at the colurn~lof' 00" and row of 10"]. The11 we get
n-
e 1.58284 sec.
 4
Introduction .: To = -7 x 1,58284 sec.
FZ 1,00448 sec.
Try these exercises now.

E2) Show.frorn Eqn.(l7) that the bob of the simple pendulum achieves its
maximum angular velocity at 8 = 0. Why is this physically reasonable?
Show that your results are applicable to both linear and nonlinear
problem.

E3) Using the non-linear model of the pendulum, find the period of
oscillation for Bo = 12 sec. and l = 4;

E4) How would you modify Formulation 2 in Unit 2 by including an

external force, say, air resistance'? Find the solution of the new model.

Let us now find the solution to the other problem we had mentioned at the
beginning of this section.

3.2.2 P h y t o p l a n k t o n Growth

You may recall that in Sec.2.3 of Unit 2, we discussed a problem from

ecology, namely the effect of growth of phytoplanktons on our environment. ,
In Unit 2. we have seen two formulations of this problem. We have also seen
that Formulation 2 resulted in a differential equation (Eqn.(l7), Unit 2)

where C(x, t) is the organism concentration of the phytoplankton.

In this section we shall discuss the solution of Eqn.(25) with the boundary
conditions
C(x, 0) = f(x)
C(x,t) = 0 at x = O a n d x = L (26)
'where f(x) is the distribution of the phytoplankton at the initial time.
You know that Eqn.(25) is a one-dimensional partial differential equation
'
and can be solved using separation of variables. Let us assume
C(x, t ) = X(x)Y(t)
Then from Eqn(25), we have

The left hand side of the above equation is purely a function of Y and the
right hand side is purely ct function of X. So, we equal them to a constant,
say K. 'The constant has t o be negative, otherwise the model will predict an
exponential growth of phytoplanktons which will not be realistic. Therefore
for convenience, we take K = -A2, where X is a constant. You may again
recall from your PDE course that, when we take the constant as -A2, then
non-trivial solution exists. We now get, two equations for determining X(x)
and Y (t) as
 Solution and
Interpretation

Tlle solution is given by.

X(x) = A cos Ax + B sin Ax, Y (t) = ~ ~ e ( ~ - " ~ ) ~
where C1, A aizd B are some constants to be determined [see MTE-08, Block
41.
Now we find the constants A, B and C1 by applying the boundary conditions
C(x; t ) = 0 when x = 0 and x = L.
We have
C ) = X(x)Y(t)
C(0,t) = X(O)Y(t), Vt
C(L, t ) = X(L)Y(t), W
When we a m l v the boundary condition C(x, t ) = 0 when x = 0. We get that
0 = C(0, t ) = X(O)Y(t), Vt i.e.' X(0) = 0.
Similarly by applying the boundary condition, C(x, t ) = 0 when x = L, we get

Hence we get that X(0) = X(L) = 0.

X(0) = 0 implies that
I
I
I

Next we have to find B and C1.

Fkom Eqn.(27) we have
Xjx) = B sin Ax, since A = 0.
1;
-
This together with the fact that X(L) = 0, implies that

If B = 0, we get a trivial solution i.e., C 0, in which we are not interested.

The other possibility is that sinXL = 0 which implies Lhat XL = nm for each
integer n and hence A = y. This shows that, for each, n, we get a solution
of the PDE as
n.rr
Xn = B, sin -x
L
Thus corresponding to each value A, = y,n = 0,1,2,.. . we get a solution of
the PDE. Therefore, we get the most general solution of Eqn.(25), aa
C(x, t) = C B: sin A, x e(a-A:D)t
where An = and B: = CIBn. We now apply the boundary condition
C(x,0) = f(x) at t = 0, in Eqn.(28), which gives
00

f (x) = B: sin A,x,

where B: are constants to be determined. To determine B:, we multiply

both sides of Eqn.(29) by sin y ,where m is an integer, and perform term
by term integration. Then we get
m.rrx
f (x) sin-dx
L
= 5LL
n=l
n ~ x m ~ x
~ -sin -dx
l 3 sin
L L
Introduction
if{";
Now, using the orthogoilality conilit,ion, nlaiiicly
rn+n
sin n r x sin ms~x=: __ if nl = n,

we get; that
,
B,= t-
2
1L n ~ x
f(x)sin -dx
L
Yoil can notice that for given value of f(x), we (:a11always evaluate the
integral on the right-hand side which gives Ihe value of 13:. Thus, the
resulting solution for C as given by Eqn.(27)is

C(x, t ) =
OC)

!1=1
13: sin ( y ) (a
exp - T-
where B: is defined by Eqn.(30)
We shall focus 011 the first term, i.e. the term corresponding to n = 1, of the
series on the right hand side of Eqn.(31). 'The argument of the exponen1;ial
fii~ictionis tiinodependent, being given by ((a - %): yT,
t. If a <
2
the
exponent becomes negative and hence the exponential furlction approadies
zero as t increases i.e. as time progresses. The second and higher order terms
in the series approach zero even fastsereIn the real situation this indicates
that the population of phytoplankton will then be uliable to maintain itself .
against diflusion, and the patch will disappear. On the other band, if
a> s, at least the first tern1 will increase indefinitely with time.
Therefore, the critical size LC,is determined from the condition a = i.e.

You may recall, at this stage, the expression for LC we derive,d in Uiiit 2
based on dimensional analysis. It is I

where A is a non-dimensional constant. After the present calculations, based

on the diffusion equation, we identify the constant of proportionality as n.
Thus a rnore detailed rriodel as the present one is more specific about the
critical size, below which no pliytoplankton population is possible. This
model also gives you the distribution of planktons as a function of space and
time i.e., C(x,t ) , (see Eqn.(31)).
This solution based on Formulation 2 in Unit 2 is definitely more informative
than the solution using dimensional analysis based on Forniulatioil 1. But
you must also realise that .Formulation 1 was quick and served a limited
purpose of getting a preliminary information about LC. The s e c ~ n d
formulation gives you more information but the derivation involved more
mathematical tools, solving a second order partial differential equation in
this case.
The discussion above tells us that each formulation of a model has some
advantages and disadvantages. In fact we have to consider many other
factors to evaluate the effectiveness of a model. In the next section we shall
talk about this in detail. Before that why don't you try this exercise.

E5) In the iast unit you must have formulated the model for the problem in
E6. Recall that the situation is that the interchange between thp
internal growth and loss of phytoplanktons hiis been going or^ for a long
I
 time, and a steady state has been reached (Steady state means, the Solution and
organism concentration C does not depend on time t.) Interpretation
Find a solution of the mathematical formulation you obtained.

In the next section we shall see what the significances of the solution
obtained is, in the context of the real-problem.

3.3 INTERPRETATION OF THE SOLUTION

As you have been reading throughout this bloclc, a mathematical model is an

attempt to caplure, in abstract form, the essential characteristics of an
observed phenomerlon. We will accept a, model if it explains all the facts that
we would like it to explain. Otherwise, we will reject it, or else, improve it,
then test it agaii~.In other xvords, we measure the worth of a model by
conlparirrg tlie results obtained, wit11 the observed facts about the real
problem. Tllis process is called the validation of t h e niodel.
This process of validating a model should be preceded by the process of
ue1dr:rstanding the solulions of the ~r~athematical model. In other words, the
rrrathematical expressions obtained as solution haxe to be analysed and the
essential facts which the solutior~represent have to be understood. This
process is know11 as " interpreting t h e solution of a model". You will
see that in some cases, .cvc can interpret the sollition merely by lookiilg at it.
But, in most cases, a graphical representation of the expression will be
necessary and the iiltcrpretation of the graphs will demand a thorough
knowledge about the problems being modelled.
We shall illustrate these facts using an example.
Example 1: Interpret the solution obtained for different formulations of the
niodel of a simple penduliim.
Solution: We have already shown you in formulation 1 how the constant of
proportionality was derived as 27r. This was done by relating our formula for
period of oscillation' (Eqn.3, Unit 2) to the experimeiit results with
pendulums of difhrent lengths and masses. After establishing the formula for
the period of the pendulum as

we can interpret our result in the following way:

i) The period is independent of the mass of the pendulum.
ii) It is directly proportional to tlie square root of the length of the
pendulum.
iii) It is inversely proportional to the squaxe root of the acceleration due to
gravity.
So, in this case we could interpret the solution by directly looking at the
expression (34). In our Form~ilation2 of the same problem, we could find the
position of the pendulum at any particular instant of time and it was also
possible to estimate the tension in the string [See Eqn.(l6)]. Eqn.(lG), being
a cosine function which is periodic clearly brings out the oscillatory nature of
the pendulum. Here, we make use of the graph of the cosine function I;o
illustrate the behaviour of the pendulum. Fig, 3 gives the graph of the
Introduction function. You can see that the amplitude 8 of the peridulum oscillates
between -8, and SO,. In the figure you can see that To is the period of the
pendulum after which the motion reproduces itself exactly.

Fig.3
Tlie solution corresponding to a. different set of boundary conditions, i.e.,
3
0 = 0, = w at t = 0 was given by Eqn.(17), Sec.3.2.1. In this case, the
--
amplitude is (~4:). The graph of this equation is given below.(see. Fig.4)

Fig.4
The solutions which are cosine/sine function imply that the oscillation of a
pendulum will carry on for ever and the travelling wave will travel to infinity
without reduction of its amplitude. This is where the interpretation of the
results leads to all contradiction - i.e., a result which contradicts the
observations. All real oscillations die out, unless forced to continue by
additional external forces. This is because there always are other forces
present which damp the oscillations. These forces result from frictional or
viscous action and you may recall no provision was made in either of our two
formulations to include these damping forces. We shall be talking about the
damped si~npleharmonic motion and forced oscillations in Unit 4 of the next
block. Thus interpretation of our results highlights the shortcomings of the
model and leads to other factors which will modify the model:
In a similar way we can make observations regarding the problem in ecology
also.
Example 2: Discuss the solution obtained for the phytoplankton growth
problem.
Solution: In formulation 1 given in Unit 2 we could find the constant 'C'
given by Eqn. (13) of Unit 2, if you have observational data about the
planktons. Also if we know the diffusivity of the planktons and the rate of
growth, we can measure the planktons patches in the area of interest and
of
from there calculate the value C. (Incidentally, it is worth knowing that
the plankton patches in the open sea appear to occur in the order of 10 - 100
km). Thus we could interpret the solution by directly looking a t the ' ,
expression.
Next let us consider Formulation (2). Eqn. (31) in Unit 3 gives a solution of Solution and
this problem. There we have shown that, if or < s, then the exponential
function in Eqn.(31) approaches zero as time increases. (See the paragraph
Interpretation

preceding Eqn. (31) of ~ec.3.2.2.)We also lcnow that LC= y. Therefore the
condition a < can be replaced by L < LC. Therefore, we get that for any
L < LC,no sustainable growt;h of Phytoplanktons occur. You can also note
from Eqn.(32) that as the growth a increases, the critical size LC gets
smaller; whereas if the intensity of diffusion D increases, LC also increases.
Both the conclusions are in keeping with what we expect.
Even this model leaves ample scope for modification. We have assumed in
both the formulations that the planktons carlnot survive outside a particular
region. Again, we make no mention of the wind driven displacement of the
planktons. Including many more factors will enhance tlie model and take it
closer to reality. But it; should be borne in mind that the sophistication in
the model may bring, along with it, rnore mathematical complexities.
Why don't you see if you have understood what has been discussed in this
section.

E6) Interpret the solution you derived in E5.

As the two examples, we formulated alid solved in detail, show, there is lot of
room for improvement of the nod el. The major limitation in Example 1 was
the absence of a term representing air resistance whereas in Example 2 it was
the absence of details surrounding the patch - the velocity of the stream etc.
So~lletimesit may happen that when we interpret the solution to fit the
real-life situation, we find that these is vast difference between the
theoretical model that has been creatcd (with d l thc assumption) and the
real-life situation. In such a situation as you have seen and will see, the
model needs to be either scrapped or revised.
With this we come to the end of this unit. Let us now summarise what we
have discussed in this unit.

3.4 SUMMARY

In this unit, we have discussed the following points:

1) The solutions of those problems formulated in Unit 2 which resulted in
differential equations. We have discussed mainly two problems:
i) motion of a simple pendulum.
ii) growth of phytoplankton.
The formulations of above two problems resulted in d;fferential
equation: a non-linear ordinary differential equation in the case of
simple pendulum and a one-dirncnsional partial differential equation in
the case of phytoplankton.
We have discussed the solutions in different parts,

2) The interpretation of the solutions obtained.

3) The interpretation of a so1ution.i~very essential to assess the

effectiveness of a model. Though the models could explain manv of the
observed phenomena, there were lot of scope for improvement.
 Introduction 4) In most situations, a better model involves more parameters and
complications. You will need more and more sophisticated

1 mathematical tools as you go on refining tlie model.

El) When we put t = 0 in Eqn(l4), we get A = 0. But putting

dB
- = w a t t = 0 in the equation
dt
do
dt = B m 6 ( f i ) f i ,
-

wegetw = Bfi
W
therefore B = --

fi
8
Hence we get the solution as 9 == w -sin
(fit).

E2) We will answer this question in two ways.

- = ucos
dt
p
i) In the linear case from (17), we can write tlie velocity of the bob as
d9

The maximum va ue is obtnincd at 0 = 0 and the value .= w .

In the non-linear case from Eqn.(25) we get (g) is maximum

when sin 8 is minimum i.e., 0 = 0
ii) B = 0 is the point of maximum kinetic energy where% 8 = BBoi s the
point of maximum potential energy. The velocity is maximnum a t
the point of maxilzlunl kinetic energy. This is from physical
intuitive argument and it is true irrespective of the mathematical
formulation (linear or non-linear).

E3) Here

To = 4/&xli d$
Jl-dn26m2rU

- -
- 7$ x 1.57511

FA) The damping force is always directed so as to resist the motion. It is a

reasonable approximation to represent the damping force as directly
proportional to the rate of displacement, i.e., to velocity. Equation (8)
in Unit 2 gets modified as
d2x dx
m- 2 =-Tsin0-C- (35)
dt dt
where C is a constai~t.
Now we solve l3 by eliminating the x-term. The11 we haxe
d- _
x - --- dx dB
- e cos 9-do
dt dB dt dt
2
d2x d 29
and--dt2 = -tsine($) + t c o s 0 - dt2

--
 Substituting for in Eqn.(35), we get Solution and
dB' 2. d26' dB Interpretat ion
-rnlsin~(,) +m.!? coso -- =--TsinB-Ccos19 -
dt2 d t;
Now rnake the approxi~natio:~~thi~tsin0 z d and cos 0 z 1 and neglect
the term invoivirlg
2
(if) (%l2
, since < 1. This gives

The solutioll for this will be

6 =A e m ~+ t 13 emzt

where SIQ canti 1112 are roots 'of the auxiliary equation of Eqn.(35).

E6) Since C is ind~pendentof time, the equation (15) simplifies to

D$$ + LIC= 0. This is a silnpie secmd ordt?r ordinary differential
equation with the boundary coliclition C -- 0 at x = 0 and x = L. Tlie
solution is
nn'
X, = Hn sin -x
L
E6) The s~iutiongiven in E5 shows ttiwl;, it i s independent of time. You cam
Dn2n2
get this solution from equation (31) also if you take ol = 7 In .
U
other words, this critical value for a corresponds to the case whr?n the
rate of production is rnatdrerl by diffusion aad hence the original initial
value of the ~rhytopla~lkton c o n t i ~ i ~ to
~ eexist,
s i.t.., there is no change in
ac
tlie mass with time. In rna.them;2tical terms, this means -
at
= 0.