Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Differential equations

Differential equations — practice question

A diseased soil infection is spreading across a field with total area $4\text{ km}^2$. After $t$ years, the infected region has area $x\text{ km}^2$, and its growth rate is described by $\frac{dx}{dt} = kx(4 - x)$, where $k$ is a positive constant. It is given that $x = 0.4$ when $t = 0$, and that $x = 2$ when $t = 2$.
(i)[9]

Solve the differential equation and demonstrate that $k = \frac{1}{4} \ln 3$.

(ii)[2]

Find the value of $t$ when $90\%$ of the field's area has become infected.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Carry out the variable separation correctly and integrate at least one side

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