Find the general solution of this nonlinear ODE: xy' + sin(2y) = x^3*sin^2(y)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the form xy' + sin(2y) = x^3*sin^2(y). Participants express challenges in solving this equation, noting its nonlinearity and non-separability.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various manipulations of the equation, including attempts to rewrite sin(2y) and check for exactness. Some suggest using Weierstrass substitution, while others consider numerical methods or potential misprints in the problem statement. There are discussions about the derivative of arccot and its relevance to the solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different perspectives and approaches. Some have proposed specific substitutions and transformations, while others express uncertainty about the effectiveness of these methods. There is no explicit consensus on a single approach, but several productive ideas have been shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints related to the nature of the assignment, including time limits and the expectation of solving the problem analytically rather than numerically. There is also mention of potential typographical errors in the problem statement.

Kaguro
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Homework Statement
Find the general solution of:

xy' + sin(2y) = x^3*sin^2(y)
Relevant Equations
All math.
This equation, is non linear, non-separable, and weird. I would like to have a direction to start working on this.
I tried writing sin(2y) = 2sin(y)*cos(y).
See,
##xy' = x^3sin^2(y)-2sin(y)cos(y)##

Can't separate.

Writing in this way:
##(x^3sin^2y-sin2y)dx-xdy=0##

Also, I checked that it is not exact.
So, what next should I try?
 
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How about ##\sin(2y)=2\sin(y)\cos(y)=(\sin^2y)'##?
 
fresh_42 said:
How about ##\sin(2y)=2\sin(y)\cos(y)=(\sin^2y)'##?

No. I don't see how that helps...

##x\frac{dy}{dx}+\frac{d(sin^2y)}{dy}=x^3sin^2y##

I can hardly take the LCM of dy and dx...
 
Kaguro said:
No. I don't see how that helps...

##x\frac{dy}{dx}+\frac{d(sin^2y)}{dy}=x^3sin^2y##

I can hardly take the LCM of dy and dx...
Yes, it's quite tricky. I looked up the solution and the only other idea that gave me is to try a Weierstrass substitution:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weierstrass_substitution
 
Your d.e. is non-linear and not amenable to analytic integration. I think you have two options:
a.) Solve it by numerical integration which could be quite tricky considering the non-linearities involved.
b.) Assume there was a misprint in the problem statement (it happens), and solve the equation:$$
xy' + \sin(2x) = x^3\sin^2(x)$$
Option a.) makes sense if you are in a numerical methods class. Option b.) makes sense if you are in an introductory class for differential equations and the instructor has sloppy handwriting.
 
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Fred Wright said:
Your d.e. is non-linear and not amenable to analytic integration. I think you have two options:
a.) Solve it by numerical integration which could be quite tricky considering the non-linearities involved.
b.) Assume there was a misprint in the problem statement (it happens), and solve the equation:$$
xy' + \sin(2x) = x^3\sin^2(x)$$
Option a.) makes sense if you are in a numerical methods class. Option b.) makes sense if you are in an introductory class for differential equations and the instructor has sloppy handwriting.
WolframAlpha had a closed analytic solution. But I don't have the pro version to look up the steps. However, it looks as if Weierstraß could help. Otherwise there is still the option to simply proof that the solution is one by differentiation.
 
The question was from a daily assignment for a competitive exam. I'm not supposed to do it numerically. But it has a very high probability that there was some typing mistake...(since I'm supposed to be able to solve this question under 4 minutes..)

Also, I've never used Weierstrass substitution...
 
Kaguro said:
(since I'm supposed to be able to solve this question under 4 minutes..)
Do you know the derivative of ##\operatorname{arccot}## by heart?
 
Yes. I keep getting such integrals to solve, so I need to memorize some of these basic tables by heart.
 
  • #10
The solution is ##-\operatorname{arccot}p(x)## with a polynomial in ##x##. So differentiate and see what you can find out about ##p##.
 
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  • #11
Given, y= -arccot(p)
##y' = \frac{p'}{1+p^2}##
##sin(2x) = 2sinxcosx=\frac{2sinx/cosx}{1/cos^2 (x)} =\frac{2tanx}{sec^2 (x)}= \frac{2tanx}{1+tan^2 (x)}##
sin(-2arccot(p)) =-2p/(1+p^2)

similarly, sin^2(x) = tan^2(x)/(1+tan^2(x))
sin^2(-arccotp) = 1/(1+p^2)
So, finally:
##\frac{xp'}{1+p^2} - \frac{2p}{1+p^2} = \frac{x^3}{1+p^2}##
##xp' - 2p = x^3##
##p' - 2p/x = x^2##

Which I solved by integrating factor as 1/x^2.
p = x^3 + Cx^2

Is this ok?
And how on Earth did you find the form of the solution?
 
  • #12
Looks good.
I used an internet tool to look up the solution:
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=xy'=x^3+sin^2(y)+-+2+sin(y)+cos(y)

But that was why I thought the Weierstraß- or half-tangent substitution could help. It is generally a good idea if terms in ##x## and trigonometric functions in ##x## occur, because it turns trig functions into polynomials:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weierstraß-Substitution#Beschreibung_der_Substitution
is easier to read than the English version. You only need to look at the formulas.
 
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  • #13
If you divide the original differential equation by ##\sin^2 y##, you get
$$x y' \csc^2 y = x^3 - \frac{2 \sin y \cos y}{\sin^2 y}.$$ Note that ##y' \csc^2 y = -(\cot y)'##. Now you have a first-order differential equation in ##\cot y##.
 
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  • #14
vela said:
If you divide the original differential equation by ##\sin^2 y##, you get
$$x y' \csc^2 y = x^3 - \frac{2 \sin y \cos y}{\sin^2 y}.$$ Note that ##y' \csc^2 y = -(\cot y)'##. Now you have a first-order differential equation in ##\cot y##.
Oh! So that's how one gets the idea to use a trial solution of arccot!

That's great!

You guys are so powerful, manipulating equation in ways unimaginable by me...
 

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