How can I solve \frac{dy}{dx}-\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y^2}{x^2} for x>0?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx}-\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y^2}{x^2}\) for \(x>0\). Participants are exploring methods to approach this equation, which involves concepts from differential equations and substitutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks hints for starting the problem. Some participants suggest substitutions, such as letting \(y = v(x)x\), and question whether this is a standard approach for the type of equation being studied. Others mention the possibility of a separable equation after making substitutions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing potential substitutions and approaches to simplify the equation. There is some agreement on the use of substitutions, but no explicit consensus on a single method or solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant references a previous course and expresses hope for a specific solution, indicating a personal connection to the material. The original poster has reiterated their request for hints, suggesting a need for guidance without direct solutions.

skook
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Could someone please just give me a hint to get started.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}-\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y^2}{x^2} for x>0[/tex]
thanks
Skook
 
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[tex] \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} - \frac{y}{x} = \frac{{y^2 }}{{x^2 }} \Rightarrow \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = \left( {\frac{y}{x}} \right) + \left( {\frac{y}{x}} \right)^2 [/tex]

Let y = v(x)x. Is this a standard substitution for the subject you are studying?
 
thanks for that

I hope the solution is [tex]y=-\frac{x}{\ln{Cx}}[/tex]. It was from an Open University course (http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C02MS324) . First maths course I've done in over 25 years...
 
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:approve: I think so, too
 
skook said:
Could someone please just give me a hint to get started.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}-\frac{y}{x}=\frac{y^2}{x^2} for x>0[/tex]
thanks
Skook
Since x and y only appear together as y/x, try the obvious substitution: Introduce a new dependent variable [itex]v= \frac{y}{x}[/itex].

Then y= vx so [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}= x\frac{dv}{dx}+ v[/itex]

Your equation becomes
[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx}- v= v^2[/tex] or
[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx}= v^2+ v[/tex]
a separable equation.
 

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