Initial value problem - differential equations

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The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0 with the initial condition y(0) = π/2. Participants express difficulty in determining whether the equation is exact and discuss the possibility of making it exact by dividing by y. It is noted that while dividing by y is permissible under certain conditions, it risks division by zero if y equals zero. The correct solution is identified as xy - cos x cos y = 0. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ensuring y remains non-zero when applying such transformations.
Cocoleia
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Homework Statement


I am given (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0, y(0) = π/2 .
I need to solve this

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


upload_2016-12-6_20-16-41.png


At this point they still aren't exact, so I gave up. I can't figure out what the problem is. Is it possible that I have to continue trying to make them exact?

I know that the answer is: xy-cosxcosy=0
 
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Cocoleia said:

Homework Statement


I am given (y^2 + y sin x cos y) dx + (xy + y cos x sin y) dy = 0, y(0) = π/2 .
I need to solve this

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


View attachment 110019

At this point they still aren't exact, so I gave up. I can't figure out what the problem is. Is it possible that I have to continue trying to make them exact?

I know that the answer is: xy-cosxcosy=0
Divide both sides by y, to get ##(y + \sin(x)\cos(y))dx + (x + \cos(x)\sin(y)) dy = 0##.
Now check for exactness. Note that since ##y(0) = \pi/2##, it's reasonable to assume that ##y \ne 0##.
 
Mark44 said:
Divide both sides by y, to get ##(y + \sin(x)\cos(y))dx + (x + \cos(x)\sin(y)) dy = 0##.
Now check for exactness. Note that since ##y(0) = \pi/2##, it's reasonable to assume that ##y \ne 0##.
Can we always do this if we have a common factor like y in this case?
Thank you, I spent a very long time trying to figure this out
 
Cocoleia said:
Can we always do this if we have a common factor like y in this case?
I wouldn't say you can always do it. By getting rid of a factor of y, we are possibly dividing by zero. Since the initial condition is that ##y(0) = \pi/2##, if necessary, we can restrict y to some interval that includes ##\pi/2## but doesn't include zero.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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