How to solve an ODE to find its solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by $$\left(\frac{y}{y'}\right)^2+y^2=b^2\left(x-\frac{y}{y'}\right)^2$$. Participants explore various approaches to find its solution, including mathematical steps, potential solutions, and the use of computational tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their steps in solving the ODE and seeks guidance on the correct mathematical approach.
  • Another participant notes that the ODE appears complex and mentions that a solution found using Wolfram Alpha is in implicit form, questioning the validity of a proposed solution of the form ##y=kx##.
  • It is pointed out that ##y=kx## does not satisfy the ODE unless ##k=+/-i##, suggesting that complex solutions exist.
  • Some participants emphasize that the original workings assumed ##k\in\mathbb{R}##, indicating a focus on real-valued functions.
  • A participant claims to have found a potential solution after correcting a sign error in their previous work and shares a link to their revised proposal.
  • Another participant breaks down the ODE into two separate equations and discusses integrating factors for each, noting difficulties in simplifying the resulting expressions.
  • The use of Lie's symmetry method to find the integrating factor is mentioned, indicating a more advanced approach to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the validity of the proposed solution ##y=kx##, with some asserting it only holds for complex values of ##k##. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different methods and interpretations without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the nature of solutions (real vs. complex) and the complexity of the ODE itself, which may affect the approaches discussed. The mathematical steps and simplifications remain unresolved.

Hector Triana
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Salutations, I have a problem when I approach this ODE:

$$\left(\frac{y}{y'}\right)^2+y^2=b^2\left(x-\frac{y}{y'}\right)^2$$

I have done a series of steps as I show in this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ht4xxUlm7vXqg4S5-wirKwm7vTESU3mU/view?usp=sharing
But I'm not convinced that those were the correct steps neither solutions were adequated, and my question is:
How would be the mathematical steps to apply to find the correct solution of the ODE?

So, I would like any guidance or starting steps or explanations to find the solution of this interesting problem.
Thanks for your attention.
 
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Well this seems like a hard non linear ODE. I tried it at wolfram and the solution seems quite complex and it is given in implicit (perplexed form) ##G(y,x)=0##

I can comment only on one of your result, the ##y=kx## simply does not verify the ODE, cause in the left hand side we get ##x^2(k^2+1)## while in the right hand side we get 0.

You can check the solution of wolfram here https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=solve+ODE+(y/y')^2+y^2=b^2(x-(y/y'))^2 but you can't see the step by step solution unless you are a subscribed user at wolfram.
 
Thanks for your commentary @Delta2 about wolfram it's true, I'm not premium user, but thanks for it, indeed, y=kx is not solution, thanks for the link again.
 
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y=kx is a solution if k=+/-i. In other words, y = i*x or y = -i*x are solutions.
 
phyzguy said:
y=kx is a solution if k=+/-i. In other words, y = i*x or y = -i*x are solutions.
That is true, however in his/her workings he writes ##y=kx, k\in\mathbb{R}##, and i also thought we are interested for real valued functions y.
 
Delta2 said:
That is true, however in his/her workings he writes ##y=kx, k\in\mathbb{R}##, and i also thought we are interested for real valued functions y.

Sorry, I missed that.
 
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Hi, your ode splits into two odes:
##y' = \frac{(y*\sqrt((b^2-1)*y^2+b^2*x^2)-b^2*x*y)}{(y^2-b^2*x^2)}##
##y' = -\frac{(y*\sqrt((b^2-1)*y^2+b^2*x^2)+b^2*x*y)}{(y^2-b^2*x^2)}##
an integrating factor for the first one is
##\frac{1}{(b^2*(b^2-2)*y*(x*\sqrt((b^2-1)*y^2+b^2*x^2)-y^2))}##
and the second one is
##\frac{1}{(b^4*y*(x*\sqrt((b^2-1)*y^2+b^2*x^2)+y^2))}##

When trying to find the solution from this integrating factor, I couldn't get it to simplify to something readable...
I only managed to find the integrating factor by assuming that the ODE has a generalized rational point symmetry using Lie's symmetry method.
 

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