How can I solve this non-linear first order differential equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a non-linear first order differential equation, with participants exploring various methods and substitutions to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the equation but finds challenges with its classification and applicable methods. Some participants suggest using a substitution involving the ratio y/x, while others explore the implications of this substitution on the equation's form.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions and clarifications. There is a focus on integrating expressions and verifying results, with some participants questioning the steps taken and seeking further understanding.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the nature of the equation and the validity of various approaches, including the use of substitutions and integration techniques. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the classification of the equation and the methods available for solving it.

DryRun
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Homework Statement
http://s1.ipicture.ru/uploads/20120128/U1SBMa6O.jpg

The attempt at a solution
I expanded the equation and got:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{ylny-ylnx+y}{x}[/tex]
I can't use the method of separation of variables, nor is this a homogeneous equation. It's not a 1st order linear ODE nor in the Bernoulli format. I'm stuck.
 
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Hi sharks,
The right side of the equation is function of y/x. Try new variable y/x=u.

ehild
 
Last edited:
Hi ehild!

So, i guess this is a homogeneous equation.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u(lny-lnx+1)[/tex]
I'm supposed to eliminate all y and x on the R.H.S. and replace by u only.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u(lny-lnx+1)=u(lnu+1)=ulnu+u[/tex]
From [itex]y=ux[/itex], [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u+x\frac{du}{dx}[/itex]. Then, [itex]u+x\frac{du}{dx}=ulnu+u[/itex].

So, [itex]x\frac{du}{dx}=ulnu[/itex]
[tex]\frac{dx}{x}=\frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
 
Last edited:
And what is dy/dx in terms of u and x?

ehild
 
I have edited my previous post but then I'm stuck at integrating the R.H.S. of: [tex]\int \frac{dx}{x}=\int \frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
[tex]lnx=\int \frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
If i consider integrating [itex]1/u[/itex] then i get [itex]lnu[/itex].
 
Last edited:
1/u is the differential of ln(u). So the integrand is of form 1/ln(u) (lnu)'
I just can not understand what you did.

ehild
 
The integration result would then be [itex]ln(lnu)+lnA[/itex], where lnA is the arbitrary real constant of integration.
Therefore, [itex]lnx=ln(lnu)+lnA[/itex] or [itex]x=Alnu[/itex] or [itex]\frac{x}{A}=lnu[/itex]
[tex]\frac{x}{A}=ln\frac{y}{x}[/tex]
[tex]\huge e^\frac{x}{A}=\frac{y}{x}[/tex]
So, the final answer is (i'm using big font to make the power fraction more visible):
[tex]\huge y=xe^\frac{x}{A}[/tex]
Is that correct?
 
Last edited:
Try to substitute it back into the original equation.

ehild
 
Yes, i get the same L.H.S and R.H.S. that is,
[tex]\huge \frac{xe^\frac{x}{A}}{A}+e^\frac{x}{A}[/tex]
So, i assume this is the proof. Thanks, ehild.:smile:
 
  • #10
You are welcome:smile: Remember that y/x substitution.

ehild
 

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