A diff. eq. or trigonometry related problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation involving a substitution of variables. The original poster is working with the equation y' = 2y/x + x cos(y/x^2) and has expressed the variable y in terms of z and x.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the equation after transforming it, but expresses uncertainty about the resulting expression involving sec z and tan z. They question whether to reconsider their approach to avoid this complication.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the problem's objective and the steps being taken to solve for y.
  • Further, a participant points out a potential error in the integration process and suggests an alternative method involving a substitution to simplify the integral.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential errors in the integration steps and assumptions about the form of the solution, which are being discussed among participants. The original poster is navigating through these complexities while trying to maintain focus on solving for y.

parsifal
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y' = 2y/x + x cos (y/x^2), with y=z*x^2
=> y' = 2zx + x cos z

and y=z*x^2 => y' = 2zx + x^2 * dz/dx

So that leaves x^2 * dz/dx = x cos z => dz/cos z = dx/x

I integrate both sides so that:

sec z + tan z = x + C

But I don't have a clue on how to get past that point. Should I start from the beginning with another technique to avoid getting sec z + tan z?
 
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What exactly is the problem? What are you trying to do?
 
I'm trying to solve y, so I have to solve z in terms of x first and then substitute it in the equation y=z*x^2.
 
You skipped over ln parts and have a minor error: the right side should be, after taking exponentials of both sides, Cx, not x+ C.

Also, rather than using the "Table" formula
[tex]\int sec z dz= ln|sec z+ tan z|+ C[/itex]<br /> I did it as <br /> [tex]\int \frac{dz}{cos z}= \int \frac{cos z dz}{cos^2 z}= \int \frac{cos z dz}{1- sin^2 z}[/tex]<br /> Now the substitution u= sin z gives a rational integral that can be integrated by partial fractions. The result is, of course, similar to the above but in terms of sin z only and so easier to solve for z.[/tex]
 
Ok, I think I can carry on from that.

Thank you!
 

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