Solving a Differential Equation: Finding F(x,y)

In summary, the conversation was about finding a function F(x,y) whose level curves are solutions to a specific differential equation. The participants discussed the meaning of an "exact" equation and how to check for exactness. They also explored different methods for solving the equation, including using separable variables and integrating both parts. The final answer was found to be a simple expression.
  • #1
mr_coffee
1,629
1
Hello everyone! Its me! I'm stuck, these are suppose to be exact equations, and yet its not in exact equation forum. I thought being an exact equation you have to have the following form:

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/AllBrowsers/3401/Exact_files/eq0008M.gif

But my question is the following:
Find a function F(x,y) whose level curves are solutions to the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/a6/62aa7a4c8735852fb4ffa4df53d26d1.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/8d/8616ca1dd6ce230911485b98a57fa31.png
I rearranged it so its now:
y - x dx/dy = 0
but its not dy/dx, its dx/dy! so what happens? T hanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #2
It means that you would be looking for some function
x(y)

You could just as well express it as

[tex] x - y \frac {dy} {dx} = 0 [/tex]

if it makes you more comfortable.
 
  • #3
..test some simple solutions first

For instance:

Let M(x,y) = x^n A(y) and N = x^m B(y), where y = (sum over all i's) of:

r0 + r1 x + r2 x^2 + r3 x^3 ...r(i)x^i for i less than I(sub)n.

See if M=constant works..N=constant works...etc..

Then try some transcendentals..exp(x), sin(x) etc..

Non-linear equations want to you to 'play with them'..before they tell
you what is going on.

WW

<---getting LaTex soon
 
  • #4
Thanks, so what ur saying is i just gota start guessing? how do uknow what to even guess by?
 
  • #5
simple solutions (part II)

...your general form:

y = +/- sqr(x^2) + C0 when multiplied by a second solution ys = W(x)s

where W = {(sum over all j) v0 + v1 x + v2x^3 ...v(j)x^j} times s(y),

may give more solutions for your N= (whatever) ; M(whatever) non-polynomial factors. Some simple polynomials however lead directly into very involved transcendentals..for instance the D.E.: (second DE)

y" = x^2 + x is a form of the elliptic logarithm.

You might try the Steven Wolfram site on an "unsolvable".

WW
 
  • #6
mr_coffee said:
Hello everyone! Its me! I'm stuck, these are suppose to be exact equations, and yet its not in exact equation forum. I thought being an exact equation you have to have the following form:

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/AllBrowsers/3401/Exact_files/eq0008M.gif

But my question is the following:
Find a function F(x,y) whose level curves are solutions to the differential equation
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/a6/62aa7a4c8735852fb4ffa4df53d26d1.png
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/8d/8616ca1dd6ce230911485b98a57fa31.png
I rearranged it so its now:
y - x dx/dy = 0
but its not dy/dx, its dx/dy! so what happens? T hanks.

Why would you rearrange it like that? You don't have to have any particular form in order for an equation to be exact. "exact" simply means that it can be put in the form M(x,y)dx+ N(x,y)dy = 0 and that there exist a function F(x,y) such that dF(x,y)= M(x,y)dx+ N(x,y)dy so that the equation is of the form dF(x,y)= 0 and has solution F(x,y)= C. One way to check for that is to check the equality of the mixed second derivatives of F: Fxy= My= Nx= Fyx.

ydy- xdx= 0 certainly is exact: (y)x= 0= (-x)y. You could then say: Fy= y so F(x,y)= (1/2)y2+ f(x). From that Fx= f'(x)= -x so f(x)= -(1/2)x2. The solution is F(x,y)= (1/2)(y2- x2)= C

Even more simply, the equation is obviously separable: ydy= xdx. Integrating both parts, (1/2)y2= (1/2)x2+ C which gives exactly the same answer.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #7
..ok..correction

should read:

dy^2/dx^2 = y + y^2 (elliptic logarithm)

..and,...hmm they use these as basis spaces for Complex Proofs..

Have you had numerical series solving? There are existence proofs
using summation analysis, product functionals and Fourier.

For instance the 2D Laplace form for F(x,y):

L(f,s) = int f(x,y) exp(-sy) dy int exp(-vx)dx | from 0 to ymax:xmax

...enough already*.

I am getting LaTex before I come back here.

WW

*(..cancelling my warp drive journal..till then as well..email me for info)
 
  • #8
Thanks everyone, and thank you IVEY, i don't know why I thought it had to be in that form. That was a lot easier then I expected! and yes the answer was:
http://cwcsrv11.cwc.psu.edu/webwork2_files/tmp/equations/f5/7102c63fed37197e439d0270e34b001.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its derivatives. It involves one or more variables, and the goal is to find the function that satisfies the equation.

2. Why is solving a differential equation important?

Differential equations are used to describe many natural phenomena and physical systems, making them essential for understanding and predicting the behavior of these systems. They are also used in many fields of science and engineering, including physics, chemistry, biology, and economics.

3. How do you solve a differential equation?

There are various methods for solving differential equations, including separation of variables, integrating factors, and using series solutions. The method used depends on the type of differential equation and its complexity.

4. What is the role of initial conditions in solving a differential equation?

Initial conditions are values that are given for the function and its derivatives at a specific point. They are necessary for solving a differential equation because they help determine the unique solution to the equation.

5. Can differential equations be solved analytically or numerically?

Yes, differential equations can be solved both analytically and numerically. Analytical solutions involve finding a closed-form expression for the function that satisfies the equation, while numerical solutions involve approximating the solution using computational methods.

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