Separation of variables / integrating factor problem

In summary, the general solution for the given differential equation is y^2 = -4x^2 ln(x) - 2x + Cx^2y = ± √(-4x^2 ln(x) - 2x + Cx^2).
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Homework Statement


Find the general solution for this differential equation.

dy −2x^2 + y^2 + x
dx = x y

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


dy/dx = (−2x^2 + y^2 + x) / (x y)

let y^2 = v

dy/dx = v + x dv/dx

v + x (dv/dx) = (-2x^2 + v^2 x^2 + x ) / v x^2

=> x (dv/dx) = (-2x^2 + v^2 x^2 + x ) / (v x^2) - (v)

=> x (dv/dx) = [ (-2x^2 + v^2 x^2 + x ) - v^2 x^2 ] / vx^2

=> x (dv/dx) = [ -2x^2 + x ] / vx^2

=> dv/dx = (-2x + 1) / vx^2

separating variables

v dv = [ (-2x + 1) / x^2 ] dx

v dv = - 2(1/x) dx + (1/x^2) dx

integrating

(1/2)v^2 = - 2 ln x - (1/x) + c

v^2 = -4 ln x - (2/x) + C

substitute v = y/x

y^2 / x^2 = -4ln x - (2/x) + C

y^2 = -4x^2 ln(x) - 2x + Cx^2
 
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  • #2


y = ± √(-4x^2 ln(x) - 2x + Cx^2)

This is the general solution for the given differential equation.
 

Related to Separation of variables / integrating factor problem

What is separation of variables in mathematics?

Separation of variables is a method used in solving differential equations where the dependent variables can be written as a product of two or more independent variables. This allows the equation to be solved by integrating both sides separately.

What is the integrating factor method?

The integrating factor method is a technique used to solve linear differential equations by multiplying both sides of the equation by a suitable integrating factor. This allows the equation to be rewritten in a form that can be easily solved using the separation of variables method.

When is the integrating factor method used?

The integrating factor method is used when solving linear first-order differential equations that cannot be solved using the separation of variables method alone. It is particularly useful when the equation is not in standard form, and the coefficients are not constant.

What are some applications of the separation of variables / integrating factor problem?

The separation of variables and integrating factor methods are widely used in various fields of science and engineering, such as physics, chemistry, and economics, to model and solve real-world problems. They are particularly useful in solving problems involving rates of change, such as population growth, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions.

What are the limitations of the separation of variables / integrating factor problem?

The separation of variables and integrating factor methods are only applicable to linear differential equations with constant coefficients. They also cannot be used to solve higher-order differential equations or equations with non-linear terms. In some cases, these methods may also produce an infinite number of solutions, requiring additional boundary conditions to determine a unique solution.

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