Differential equation substitution method

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the substitution method for solving the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{4x^2 + 5xy + y^2}{x^2}\). Participants clarify the transformation \(v = \frac{y}{x}\), leading to the expression \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 4 + \frac{5v}{x} + v^2\). The confusion arises regarding the derivative of \(y = vx\), which is correctly derived as \(\frac{dy}{dx} = x\frac{dv}{dx} + v\) using the product rule. This method effectively simplifies the original equation for further analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations and their standard forms
  • Familiarity with substitution methods in calculus
  • Knowledge of the product rule for differentiation
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the substitution method in solving first-order differential equations
  • Learn about the product rule in calculus and its implications for differentiation
  • Explore advanced techniques for solving nonlinear differential equations
  • Investigate the role of variable transformations in simplifying complex equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and differential equations, as well as educators looking to enhance their teaching methods in these topics.

tony873004
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
1,753
Reaction score
143
[tex]\begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = \frac{{4x^2 + 5xy + y^2 }}{{x^2 }} \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 4 + \frac{{5y}}{x} + \left( {\frac{y}{x}} \right)^2 \\ <br /> \\ <br /> {\rm{Let }}v = y/x\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,y = vx \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 4 + \frac{{5v}}{{xx}} + \left( {\frac{{vx}}{x}} \right)^2 \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 4 + \frac{{5v}}{{x^2 }} + v^2 \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

But the class notes say the final line should be
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=x\frac{dv}{dx}+v[/tex]
How did he get that?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Take the derivative of y = vx with respect to x, then equate it, and you are done.
 
tony873004 said:
[tex]\begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = \frac{{4x^2 + 5xy + y^2 }}{{x^2 }} \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 4 + \frac{{5y}}{x} + \left( {\frac{y}{x}} \right)^2 \\ <br /> \\ <br /> {\rm{Let }}v = y/x\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,y = vx \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \frac{{dy}}{{dx}} = 4 + \frac{{5v}}{{xx}} + \left( {\frac{{vx}}{x}} \right)^2 \\ <br /> \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

This should be [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}= 4 + \frac{{5vx}}{{x}} + \left( {\frac{{vx}}{x}} \right)^2=4+5v+v^2[/itex]

But the class notes say the final line should be
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=x\frac{dv}{dx}+v[/tex]
How did he get that?

Use the product rule to differentiate [itex]y=vx[/itex].
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K