Help with solving this differential equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form (3y^4 - 11x^2y^2 - 28x^4)dx - (4xy^3)dy = 0. Participants explore methods to determine if the equation is exact or can be made exact through an integrating factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify the functions M and N in the context of exact equations and seeks an integrating factor. They express confusion about why they cannot find an integrating factor that is a function of x or y only. Other participants introduce the concept of homogeneity and suggest a substitution method to simplify the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing insights into the nature of the functions involved. There is an exploration of different techniques, including substitution, though the original poster expresses uncertainty about these methods. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and explore potential approaches without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of familiarity with certain techniques, indicating a learning context. There is also a note about the terminology used in describing the type of differential equation, which may lead to confusion regarding the term "homogeneous."

lillybeans
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Homework Statement



(3y4-11x2y2-28x4)dx-(4xy3)dy=0

Homework Equations



My=Nx if equation is exact, if not, I can make it exact (I hope) by finding an integrating factor. The problem is I can't get the integrating factor to be a function of x or y only.

The Attempt at a Solution



Let stuff in front of dx=M
Let stuff in front of dy=N

My=12y3-22x2y
Nx=-4y3
My-Nx=16y3-22x2y

First try (My-Nx)/N=(16y3-22x2y)/4xy3

Not a function of x only.

Then (My-Nx)/-M=16y3-22x2y/-(3y4-11x2y2)

Not a function of y only.

Am I using the wrong method to solve this question? I don't see any other way to go about it rather than turning this into an exact equation. Why can't I find an integrating factor that has a pure x or y expression?

Thanks.
 
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M(x,y) and N(x,y) are both homogeneous of degree 4. So y = ux will make a separable equation of it.
 
Sorry, I haven't quite learned that yet. Do you mind elaborating a little? Is that another technique for solving differential equations? Something called substitution, maybe?

Thank you
 
A function ##f(x,y)## is homogeneous of degree ##n## if ##f(\lambda x,\lambda y)
=\lambda^nf(x,y)##. What ##n## works for your ##M## and ##N##?

Try the substitution ##y = ux,\quad dy =xdu + udx##.

[Edit, added later]: I see I forgot to tell what this type of DE is called. If is called a first order homogeneous equation. Unfortunately, this is not the same meaning of the term as when applied to a linear DE with 0 on the right side, where we refer to homogeneous vs. non-homogeneous equations. In the setting of your problem, it refers to the ##M## and ##N## being homogeneous in the above sense.
 
Last edited:
[solved]
 
Last edited:
Nevermind I made a mistake, that's why I thought I couldn't turn the last one into an exact one.

Thank you once again! :)
 

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