Solving a Murder Mystery

Differential Equations: Solving a Murder Mystery

How to use differential equations to solve a Gruffalo inspired murder mystery.

The below video was originally produced as a Seren Network Masterclass organised by the Port Neath Talbot, Powys and Bridgend Hub.

Exercise:

Test your understanding of the video with the following.

1. Solve the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} + 3x^2 y =6x^2\)

As this is already in the standard form of \(\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x)\) you can start by multiplying both sides by the integrating factor \(I(x) = e ^{\int P(x)dx}\)

\(y = 2 + Ce^{-x^3}\)

2. After 10 minutes a cup of coffee has cooled from 100°C to 40°C. The room temperature is 25°C. How much longer will it take for the coffee to cool to 35°C?

You will need to know Newton's Rule of Cooling (see above video).

\(\frac{10ln(\frac{15}{2})}{ln5} \approx 2.52 \textup{ minutes}\)