Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Differential equations

Differential equations — practice question

A field contains 300 plants of one species, and every one of them may catch a particular disease. Let x be the number infected at time t after the first plant becomes infected. The rate at which x changes is proportional to the product of the number already infected and the number not yet infected. The variables x and t are regarded as continuous, and it is given that $\frac{dx}{dt} = 0.2$ and $x = 1$ when $t = 0$.
(a)[2]

Show that x and t satisfy the differential equation $1495 \frac{dx}{dt} = x(300 - x)$.

(b)[9]

By using partial fractions, solve the differential equation and find an expression for t in terms of a single logarithm involving x.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: State or imply the equation $\frac{dx}{dt}=kx(300-x)$ and make use of the given conditions

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