First order pde cauchy problem by method of characteristics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the first-order partial differential equation (PDE) Cauchy problem using the method of characteristics. The characteristic equations derived are \(\frac{dx}{x} = \frac{dy}{y^2+1} = \frac{dU}{U-1}\). The user successfully finds relationships between \(U\), \(x\), and \(y\) but struggles to determine the arbitrary function \(f\) from the equation \(\frac{U-1}{x} = f(\tan^{-1}(y) - \ln x)\) after substituting the Cauchy data. The inquiry specifically seeks a connection between the inverse tangent and the natural logarithm to resolve this issue.

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Ok, so I can get through most of this but I can't seem to get the last part... Here is the problem

xU_x + (y^2+1)U_y = U-1; U(x,x) = e^x


Characteristic equations are:

\frac{dx}{x} = \frac{dy}{y^2+1} = \frac{dU}{U-1}

Solving the first and third gives:

\frac{U-1}{x} = c_1

The first and second equation yield:

tan^{-1}(y) - lnx = c_2

Put the two together in the form

c_1 = f(c_2)

\frac{U-1}{x} = f(tan^{-1}(y) - lnx)

Sub in the Cauchy data and you get

\frac{e^x-1}{x} = f(tan^{-1}(x) - lnx)

Now how do I find what my arbitrary function f is? I have spent hours on this. Is there something that relates inverse tan to natural log? Arrggghhhh!

Thanks for any help.
 
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