How to Solve the Given Differential Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific differential equation involving variables \(x\) and \(y\). Participants explore various methods of substitution, including polar coordinates and hyperbolic functions, to simplify and solve the equation. The conversation includes attempts at isolating derivatives and transforming the equation into different forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant rewrites the differential equation and attempts a substitution \(x^2 - y^2 = t^2\), but finds it unhelpful.
  • Another participant isolates \(dy/dx\) but expresses uncertainty about the next steps.
  • Some participants suggest switching to polar coordinates, resulting in a linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) in terms of \(r\) and \(\theta\).
  • A participant realizes an error in their earlier calculations regarding the form of the differential equation after switching to polar coordinates.
  • Another participant proposes using hyperbolic substitutions, leading to a different form of the differential equation that appears separable.
  • Some participants express confusion about the transformations and calculations, leading to corrections and further exploration of the substitutions.
  • There are discussions about the correctness of derived equations and whether certain transformations are necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the differential equation, with multiple competing views and approaches remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note errors in their calculations and the need for further clarification on the transformations used. There are unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning, particularly regarding the implications of different substitutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in differential equations, mathematical substitutions, and various methods of solving complex equations in a mathematical context.

Saitama
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Problem:
Solve:
$$\frac{x\,dx-y\,dy}{x\,dy-y\,dx}=\sqrt{\frac{1+x^2-y^2}{x^2-y^2}}$$

Attempt:
I rewrite the given differential equation as:
$$\frac{(1/2)d(x^2-y^2)}{x^2d(y/x)}=\sqrt{\frac{1+x^2-y^2}{x^2-y^2}}$$

I thought of using the substitution $x^2-y^2=t^2$ but that doesn't seem to help. The following is what I get after the substitution:
$$\frac{t\sqrt{x^2-t^2}\,dt}{t\,dx-x\,dt}=\sqrt{1+t^2}$$
But I don't see how to proceed from here. :(

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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I tried isolating $dy/dx$,
$$\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{x\sqrt{x^2-y^2}+y\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}}{y\sqrt{x^2-y^2}+x\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}}$$
But this still doesn't ring a bell. :(

Please help.
 
I find that by switching to polar coordinates, one obtains a linear ODE in $r$ and $\theta$. :D
 
MarkFL said:
I find that by switching to polar coordinates, one obtains a linear ODE in $r$ and $\theta$. :D

Hi MarkFL! :)

I tried substituting $x=r\cos\theta$ and $y=r\sin\theta$ and got the following DE
$$\cos(2\theta)\frac{dr}{d\theta}-r\sin(2\theta)=\sqrt{\frac{1+r^2 \cos (2\theta)}{\cos(2\theta)}}$$

How do I solve the above DE? I have got both $r$ and $\theta$ inside the radical, how to deal with this? :confused:
 
Pranav said:
Hi MarkFL! :)

I tried substituting $x=r\cos\theta$ and $y=r\sin\theta$ and got the following DE
$$\cos(2\theta)\frac{dr}{d\theta}-r\sin(2\theta)=\sqrt{\frac{1+r^2 \cos (2\theta)}{\cos(2\theta)}}$$

How do I solve the above DE? I have got both $r$ and $\theta$ inside the radical, how to deal with this? :confused:

Yes, I see now that I made an error on my worksheet and dropped the $r^2$ under the radical...darn...I should have written instead:

$$\frac{dr}{d\theta}-\tan(2\theta)r=\sqrt{\frac{1+r^2\cos(2\theta)}{ \cos^3(2\theta)}}$$

That is clearly not linear. Back to the drawing board...:D
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, I see now that I made an error on my worksheet and dropped the $r^2$ under the radical...darn...I should have written instead:

$$\frac{dr}{d\theta}-\tan(2\theta)r=\sqrt{\frac{1+r^2\cos(2\theta)}{ \cos^3(2\theta)}}$$

That is clearly not linear. Back to the drawing board...:D

Thanks MarkFL for the effort you are putting into this problem. :)

BTW, the answer is:
$$\sqrt{x^2-y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}=\frac{c(x+y)}{\sqrt{x^2-y^2}}$$
 
I wonder if the substitution
\begin{align*}
x&= r \cosh( \theta) \\
y &= r \sinh( \theta)
\end{align*}
might not be better, as you get $x^{2}-y^{2}=r^{2}$.
You'd have
\begin{align*}
dx &= \cosh( \theta) \, dr+r \, \sinh( \theta) \, d\theta \\
dy &= \sinh( \theta) \, dr+r \, \cosh( \theta) \, d\theta.
\end{align*}
I'm still computing what this transforms the DE into...
 
If my calculations are correct, the DE reduces down to
$$dr=\sqrt{1+r^{2}} \, d\theta,$$
which is separable.
 
Ackbach said:
If my calculations are correct, the DE reduces down to
$$dr=\sqrt{1+r^{2}} \, d\theta,$$
which is separable.

That's awesome! :D

BTW, I seem to be getting something different. I continue from my first post and then use the substitutions suggested by you. I had:

$$\frac{(1/2)\,d(x^2-y^2)}{x^2\,d(y/x)}=\sqrt{\frac{1+x^2-y^2}{x^2-y^2}}$$

We have $x^2-y^2=r^2$ and $y/x=\tanh (\theta) \Rightarrow d(y/x)=\text{sech}^2(\theta)d\theta$. Substituting, I get
$$\frac{r\,dr}{d\theta}=\frac{\sqrt{1+r^2}}{r}$$
$$\Rightarrow \frac{r^2dr}{\sqrt{1+r^2}}=d\theta$$

Solving the differential equation, I get
$$\frac{r}{2}\sqrt{1+r^2}-\frac{\sinh^{-1}(r)}{2}=\theta+c$$
Am I right so far?

EDIT: I am wrong. Please wait, I make a new post. :o
 
  • #10
Continuing from $dr=\sqrt{1+r^2}d\theta$, I get
$$\frac{dr}{\sqrt{1+r^2}}=d\theta$$
Solving the D.E, I get
$$\sinh^{-1}(r)=\theta+c$$
We have, $r=\sqrt{x^2-y^2}$ and $\theta=\tanh^{-1}(y/x)=(1/2)ln((x+y)/(x-y))$. Substituting,
$$\ln(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2})=\ln\left(\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}\right)+\ln(K)$$
$$\Rightarrow \sqrt{x^2+y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}=K\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}=\frac{K(x+y)}{\sqrt{x^2-y^2}}$$
Thanks a lot Ackbach and MarkFL! :)
 
  • #11
Pranav said:
$$\ln(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2})=\ln\left(\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}\right)+\ln(K)$$
$$\Rightarrow \sqrt{x^2+y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}=K\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}=\frac{K(x+y)}{\sqrt{x^2-y^2}}$$

Assume you meant
$$\Rightarrow \sqrt{x^2-y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}=K\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}=\frac{K(x+y)}{\sqrt{x^2-y^2}},$$
right?
 
  • #12
Ackbach said:
Assume you meant
$$\Rightarrow \sqrt{x^2-y^2}+\sqrt{1+x^2-y^2}=K\sqrt{\frac{x+y}{x-y}}=\frac{K(x+y)}{\sqrt{x^2-y^2}},$$
right?

Yes. :o
 
  • #13
Ackbach said:
I wonder if the substitution
\begin{align*}
x&= r \cosh( \theta) \\
y &= r \sinh( \theta)
\end{align*}
might not be better, as you get $x^{2}-y^{2}=r^{2}$.
You'd have
\begin{align*}
dx &= \cosh( \theta) \, dr+r \, \sinh( \theta) \, d\theta \\
dy &= \sinh( \theta) \, dr+r \, \cosh( \theta) \, d\theta.
\end{align*}
I'm still computing what this transforms the DE into...

Very nicely done! :cool:
 
  • #14
MarkFL said:
Very nicely done! :cool:

BTW, as I stated previously, there is no need to find $dx$ and $dy$ separately. :)
 

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