- #1
TranscendArcu
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Homework Statement
Solve the differential equation: [itex]t^2 y' + y^2 = 0[/itex]
The Attempt at a Solution
Now, it's definitely possible to solve this via separable of variables. But I am curious to know if I can solve it with an integrating factor. Having done some reading, I noticed that this equation is nearly in the form of an exact differential. Rewriting:
[itex]t^2 y' + y^2 = 0 = t^2 \frac{dy}{dt} + y^2[/itex], implies,
[itex]t^2 dy + y^2 dt = 0 = y^2 dt + t^2 dy[/itex].
Unfortunately, letting [itex]M(x,y) = y^2[/itex] and [itex]N(x,y) = t^2[/itex] and then taking derivatives shows [itex]M_y = 2y ≠ N_t = 2t[/itex], so it looks like an exact equation isn't going to emerge from this.
In the event that the equation is not exact, an integrating factor is typically sought. The problem is, I don't know how to go about finding such an thing. Can someone help me?