Differential Equation Substitution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation involving a substitution method. The equation presented is x(dy/dx) = y + √(x² - y²), with the condition that x > 0.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the differential equation by substituting y with ux, leading to a series of transformations and integrals. Some participants question the correctness of the final steps in the solution, particularly regarding the manipulation of logarithmic expressions and the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's approach, providing feedback on specific steps and suggesting reconsideration of certain mathematical rules. There is a recognition of a mistake in the final expression, but no consensus on a complete solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding logarithmic rules and integration techniques, indicating that participants are navigating through common pitfalls in solving differential equations.

KillerZ
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Homework Statement



Solve the given differential equation by using an appropriate substitution.

Homework Equations



x\frac{dy}{dx} = y + \sqrt{x^{2} - y^{2}}, x > 0

The Attempt at a Solution



x\frac{dy}{dx} = y + \sqrt{x^{2} - y^{2}}

xdy = (y + \sqrt{x^{2} - y^{2}})dx

y = ux

u = \frac{y}{x}

dy = udx + xdu

x[udx + xdu] = (ux + \sqrt{x^{2} - u^{2}x^{2}})dx

xudx + x^{2}du = uxdx + x\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}dx

\frac{du}{\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}} = \frac{dx}{x}

\frac{du}{\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}} - \frac{dx}{x} = 0

\int\frac{du}{\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}} - \int\frac{dx}{x} = 0

sin^{-1}(u) - ln|x| = ln|c|

sin^{-1}(\frac{y}{x}) - ln|x| = ln|c|

e^{sin^{-1}(\frac{y}{x})} - x = c
 
Last edited:
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Hi KillerZ,

Look perfect to me except the very end. You have:

<br /> arcsin(u) - ln|x| = ln|c|<br />

the next step isn't quite right, it should go:

<br /> arcsin(u) = ln|x| + ln|c| <br />

<br /> arcsin\left(\frac{y}{x}\right) = ln|cx|<br />

<br /> e^{arcsin\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)} = cx<br />

but other than that its perfect, I think you'll probably realize the mistake when you see, just a momentary lapse of judgement. I will say you didn't really need to do this

<br /> \frac{du}{\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}} - \frac{dx}{x} = 0<br />

in fact its usally best to keep the integration of different variables on different sides, just as you did in you step before this:

<br /> \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - u^{2}}} \ du \ = \ \int \frac{1}{x} \ dx<br />

I suppose the mistake at the end is a perfect example of why. Have fun KillerZ :D
 
Last edited:
From this line

<br /> sin^{-1}(\frac{y}{x}) - ln|x| = ln|c|<br />

if you raise both sides to e then you need to use

ea+b=ea*eb
 
Ok thanks I just messed up my log rules.
 

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