Differential equations Problem?

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The discussion focuses on solving two differential equations. For the first problem, it is suggested that to verify if y=cx^2 - x is a solution, one should find the derivative y' and substitute it into the differential equation; if the result is zero, then it is indeed a solution. The second problem involves using an integrating factor to solve the equation xdy - ydx = x^2ydy, but there is confusion about identifying the correct p(x). The correct approach is to rewrite the equation in the form N dy + M dx = 0 and then apply the appropriate integrating factor based on the partial derivatives. Clarification is needed regarding the signs in the integrating factor formulas.
tdabboud
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Need Help with a couple diff eq problems:

2.) show y=cx^2 - x is a solution of xy' - 2y + x =0

I was trying to separate the variables so i could integrate but i cannot get it to work out.
I have tried so many things from adding 2y to both sides and and multiply by the inverse dx/dy. but no avail

3.) use Integrating factor to solve: xdy - ydx = x^2ydy
I subtracted x^2ydy to left side: and used this value as p(x) for the Int.Fact. but I do not think this is correct either. I cannot figure out what to use as p(x)

dy/dx + p(x)y = f(x)
 
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tdabboud said:
Need Help with a couple diff eq problems:

2.) show y=cx^2 - x is a solution of xy' - 2y + x =0

I was trying to separate the variables so i could integrate but i cannot get it to work out.
I have tried so many things from adding 2y to both sides and and multiply by the inverse dx/dy. but no avail

There is an easier way is that if you are given a solution 'y', it will satisfy the DE. So just find y', then sub it into the DE, if you get 0, then y=cx2 is a solution.

tdabboud said:
3.) use Integrating factor to solve: xdy - ydx = x^2ydy
I subtracted x^2ydy to left side: and used this value as p(x) for the Int.Fact. but I do not think this is correct either. I cannot figure out what to use as p(x)

dy/dx + p(x)y = f(x)

Your equation will not be in that form, instead what you need to do is write it in the form

N dy + M dx = 0

If (∂N/∂x - ∂M/∂y)/M = f(x) then e∫-f(x) dx is an integrating factor

If (∂N/∂x - ∂M/∂y)/N = g(y) then e∫g(y) dy is an integrating factor.

Unfortunately I cannot remember if my signs for the integrating factors are correct, so I suggest you look them up for the correct thing. The general form is similar, but may differ by a + or - sign.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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