How Do I Solve This Differential Equation Involving y/x?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific differential equation of the form y' = y/x + (y/x)². Participants share their approaches and seek step-by-step guidance for solving this equation, which is related to preparation for a final exam in a college mathematics course.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in solving the differential equation and outlines their initial thoughts on separating variables.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation resembles a Bernoulli differential equation and provides a link for reference.
  • A different participant proposes a substitution method involving y = vx, which leads to a separable equation.
  • Another approach is introduced using the substitution z = y^(-1), transforming the equation into a different form that can be solved.
  • A detailed step-by-step solution is provided by a participant, demonstrating the process of solving the equation through various substitutions and integrations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods for approaching the problem, indicating that there is no single agreed-upon solution. Different strategies are discussed, and while some methods are elaborated upon, others remain less detailed, reflecting a variety of perspectives on solving the equation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' approaches depend on specific substitutions and transformations that may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes various mathematical steps that are not fully resolved, leaving some assumptions and conditions unaddressed.

boris90
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

this is my first post here. I just registered today. I have a little problem: solving differential equations generally. Our professor at my college sent us some math problems for practice, because we're having a final exam at the end of January. Anyway, the first problem is solving a differential equation and I can't seem to remember how to solve it (step by step). I know the first one should be putting all y's on one side and all x's on the other side of the equation, then we should do the integration and so on.

My problem looks like this: y' = [tex]\frac{y}{x}[/tex] + ([tex]\frac{y}{x}[/tex])2 (whole fraction y/x is squared)

How do I solve this problem? I keep getting to a point where it is obvious I'm going the wrong way. If anyone can help me, that person would make me happy, because I've been struggling with this all day now, and still haven't found anything similar that could help me.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thanks ;). I would like to see some step by step help, too. Wouldn't hurt ;)
 
The terms in (y/x) suggest the substitution

y = vx
y' = v + v'x

That gives an equation in v and x which is separable.
 
using the sustitution z=y^(-1) the equation get the form of
z`+ (1-2)(-1/x)z=(1-2)(1/x^2)
and you can solve

As AlephZero said:

u=y/x them y=ux them
y`= u + xu` them the equation get the form of
u+xu`=g(u) them is
x(du/dx)= g(u) - u
du(g(u)-u)=dx/x
int(du(g(u)-u)=int(dx/x)for your equation would be
u=y/x and y`=u+xu`
them the equation get the form
xu`=u^2
u`/u^2 = 1/x
them
du/u^2 = dx/x
-1/u = lnx + C
u(x) = -1/[lnx + C]
them
y(x)= - x/[lnx +C]

PD: I need to learn to write in latex.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K