A 1 Parameter Family of Solutions for a Differential Equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a one-parameter family of solutions for the differential equation \( yx^2 dy - y^3 dx = 2x^2 dy \). Participants are analyzing the integration steps and comparing their results with a solution provided in a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the integration of the equation and question the correctness of specific steps. There are attempts to clarify the integration process and verify the results against the textbook answer.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on checking integration steps, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of their results. Multiple interpretations of the integration process are being explored, and there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of careful integration and the potential for mistakes in mental calculations. The discussion also highlights the differences between their results and the textbook solution, indicating a need for further clarification on the integration process.

Nano-Passion
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Homework Statement



Find a 1 parameter family of solutions for the differential equation yx^2 dy - y^3 dx = 2x^2 dy

The Attempt at a Solution



yx^2 dy - y^3 dx = 2x^2 dy
x^2 dy - y^2 dx = 2x^2/y dy
dy - y^2/x^2 dx =
- y^2/x^2 dx = 2/y dy - dy
Divide all by y^2
dx/x^2 = (2dy/y - dy ) * -1/y^2
dx/x^2 = -2dy/y^3 + dy/y^2
Integrate
-1/x = y^2 - y + C

Where y ≠ 0 & x ≠ 0

While the book gives an answer of
(cx+1)y^2 = (y -1)x
with the same domain
 
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dx/x^2 = -2dy/y^3 + dy/y^2
This line was correct, but then integrating this does not lead to your next line:
-1/x = y^2 - y + C
I think it was maybe a mistake? I've done similar mistakes loads of times.
 
Nano-Passion said:

Homework Statement



Find a 1 parameter family of solutions for the differential equation yx^2 dy - y^3 dx = 2x^2 dy

The Attempt at a Solution



yx^2 dy - y^3 dx = 2x^2 dy
x^2 dy - y^2 dx = 2x^2/y dy
dy - y^2/x^2 dx =
- y^2/x^2 dx = 2/y dy - dy
Divide all by y^2
dx/x^2 = (2dy/y - dy ) * -1/y^2
dx/x^2 = -2dy/y^3 + dy/y^2
Integrate
-1/x = y^2 - y + C

Where y ≠ 0 & x ≠ 0

While the book gives an answer of
(cx+1)y^2 = (y -1)x
with the same domain
Check the integration for y.

What is [itex]\displaystyle \int (-2y^{-3}+y^{-2})\,dy\ ?[/itex]
 
Thank you Bruce & Sammy. It seems mental integration isn't always reliable. :devil:

So my new answer is -1/x = y^2 - y^-1 + C

But I still don't have the answer in the book (cx+1)y^2 = (y -1)x

BruceW said:
dx/x^2 = -2dy/y^3 + dy/y^2
This line was correct, but then integrating this does not lead to your next line:
-1/x = y^2 - y + C
I think it was maybe a mistake? I've done similar mistakes loads of times.

SammyS said:
Check the integration for y.

What is [itex]\displaystyle \int (-2y^{-3}+y^{-2})\,dy\ ?[/itex]
 
Nano-Passion said:
Thank you Bruce & Sammy. It seems mental integration isn't always reliable. :devil:

So my new answer is -1/x = y^2 - y^-1 + C

But I still don't have the answer in the book (cx+1)y^2 = (y -1)x
Hopefully, you mean -1/x = y-2 - y-1 + C.
 
SammyS said:
Hopefully, you mean -1/x = y-2 - y-1 + C.

Hmm, forgot to fix that too!
 
Nano-Passion said:
Hmm, forgot to fix that too!
Does that mean you now have the book's answer?
 
SammyS said:
Does that mean you now have the book's answer?

Yes! By distributing the variables within parentheses and then dividing by x*y^2.

Thank you. :approve: I am not sure why the book chose to put it in that form though.
 
Nice work! The book might have chosen that form to test rearranging skills. Also, there are no reciprocals which is always nice.
 

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