How Do You Solve This Challenging Separable ODE Problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a separable ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by the expression y(xy+1)dx + x(1+x^2y^2)dy=0. Participants are exploring various algebraic manipulations and substitutions, particularly focusing on the substitution u=xy.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the equation using the substitution u=xy and expresses concerns about potential algebra errors in their work. Other participants suggest that there may be algebraic mistakes and provide alternative factorizations and simplifications. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the original problem statement and the final answer provided in the book.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in identifying possible errors in algebraic steps and discussing the implications of these errors on the solution. Some guidance has been offered regarding specific algebraic manipulations, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's approach or the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the algebraic steps taken, and some participants express uncertainty about the accuracy of the problem as stated. The original poster mentions difficulties with concentration, which may affect their ability to identify errors independently.

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Homework Statement


solve y(xy+1)dx + x(1+x^2y^2)dy=0

The Attempt at a Solution



well, I substituted u=xy. Here is what I've done so far.
du = xdy + ydx -> xdy= du - ydx -> xdy = du - (u/x)dx


(u/x)(u+1)dx + x(1+u^2)dy=0
(u/x)(u+1)dx + (1 + u^2)(du - (u/x)dx)=0
(u^2/x)dx + (u/x)dx + du - (u/x)dx + (u^2)du - (u^3/x)dx = 0
(u^2)dx + xdu + (u^2x)du - (u^3)dx = 0

dx/x + (1+u^2)/(u^2 - u^3)du = 0

hence, dx/x = (1+u^2)/(u^3 - u^2)du, if we integrate it we'll have:

ln|x| = -ln|u| + ln|u+1| + ln|u-1| + C
ln|x| = ln|(u^2 - 1)/u| + lnC'

x = C(u^2 -1)/u -> x = C(xy - 1/(xy)).

but the book says that the final answer is ln|(1-xy)^2/y| + 1/(xy) = C. :|

Have I differentiated u correctly? I can't find out why my answer is incorrect.
 
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Seems you made an algebra error somewhere. According to Mathematica, you should get
[tex]\frac{1+u^2}{u^3-u^2} = \frac{2}{u-1}-\frac{1}{u}-\frac{1}{u^2}[/tex]
 
You seem to have factored [itex]x^3- x^2[/itex] as [itex]x(x- 1)(x+ 1)[/itex]. That is incorrect: [itex]x(x- 1)(x+ 1)= x^3- x[/itex]. Rather, factor out the full "[itex]x^2[/itex]" to get [itex]x^2(x- 1)[/itex].
 
vela said:
Seems you made an algebra error somewhere. According to Mathematica, you should get
[tex]\frac{1+u^2}{u^3-u^2} = \frac{2}{u-1}-\frac{1}{u}-\frac{1}{u^2}[/tex]

HallsofIvy said:
You seem to have factored [itex]x^3- x^2[/itex] as [itex]x(x- 1)(x+ 1)[/itex]. That is incorrect: [itex]x(x- 1)(x+ 1)= x^3- x[/itex]. Rather, factor out the full "[itex]x^2[/itex]" to get [itex]x^2(x- 1)[/itex].

Thanks. but there is still a little problem. now I have:

ln|x| = 1/u - ln|u| + 2ln|1-u| + C -> ln|x| = 1/(xy) - ln|xy| + ln|(1-xy)^2| + C
ln|x| = 1/(xy) - ln|x| +ln|((1-xy)^2)/y| + C.

but I need to cancel out ln|x|. I'm sorry that I'm asking you to find my algebra errors, it's because I lack concentration now and when I make a naive algebra error I can't find it myself even if I double check everything I've done from the beginning.
 
I don't see anything wrong in your work. It could be the book's wrong or you copied the original problem down wrong.
 
ln(|xy|) = ln(|x||y|) = ln(|x|) + ln(|y|)

Then subtract ln(|x|) from both sides.
 

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