Integrating factor in Exact Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of finding an integrating factor for a specific differential equation, examining whether the equation is exact, and exploring the implications of the integrating factor on the solution. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a differential equation and checks its exactness by calculating the partial derivatives of \(M\) and \(N\).
  • Another participant suggests that the expression simplifies to \(3\) and encourages further exploration of the integrating factor.
  • There is a discussion about the differential equation \(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\) and the potential solutions for \(\mu\), including the possibility of \(\mu(x)=0\).
  • Participants propose that the solution is not limited to \(\mu(x)=0\) and suggest solving the ODE using separation of variables.
  • A participant shares the result from Wolfram, indicating that \(\mu(x)=e^{3x}\) is a solution.
  • Further steps are discussed, confirming the method of solving the equation through separation of variables.
  • One participant proposes a potential solution \(C=(3x^2y+y^3)e^{3x}\) and seeks validation of its correctness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to finding the integrating factor and the method of solving the differential equation, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the final proposed solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the steps to derive the integrating factor and the implications of the solutions. There are unresolved aspects related to the exactness of the original equation and the validity of the proposed solutions.

alane1994
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Ok, so I have this differential equation.

\[(3x^2y+2xy+y^3)+(x^2+y^2)y\prime=0\]

First I needed to check to see if it is exact.

\(M=3x^2y+2xy+y^3\)
\(N=x^2+y^2\)

\(\dfrac{\partial M}{dy}(3x^2y+2xy+y^3)=3x^2+2x+3y^2\)

\(\dfrac{\partial N}{dx}(x^2+y^2)=2x+0\)

For the integrating factor, I believe it is in the form,

\[\dfrac{M_y(x,y)-N_x(x,y)}{N(x,y)}\mu\]

And so, I would have,

\(\dfrac{3x^2+2x+3y^2-2x}{x^2+y^2}\mu = \dfrac{3x^2+3y^2}{x^2+y^2}\mu=\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}\)

Now... I feel as though I am wrong in this. Could someone look and tell me if I am on the right track, and if I am off guide me back to the path of righteousness?
 
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alane1994 said:
And so, I would have,

\(\dfrac{3x^2+2x+3y^2-2x}{x^2+y^2}\mu = \dfrac{3x^2+3y^2}{x^2+y^2}\mu=\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}\)

Now... I feel as though I am wrong in this. Could someone look and tell me if I am on the right track, and if I am off guide me back to the path of righteousness?
You seem to be on the right track, but you need to go a little bit further, by noticing that $\dfrac{3x^2+3y^2}{x^2+y^2} = \dfrac{3(x^2+y^2)}{x^2+y^2} = 3.$ (Happy)
 
\(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\)

Would \(\mu(x)=0\)?
 
alane1994 said:
\(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\)

Would \(\mu(x)=0\)?
No. Think again (think exponential).
 
alane1994 said:
\(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\)Would \(\mu(x)=0\)?
Sure, but things would be boring if that was the only solution. Instead, try solving the ODE by separation of variables.

EDIT: Ninja'd by Opalg.
 
I feel foolish, I am unsure how to get what is required.
I typed it into wolfram and got,
\(\mu(x)=e^{3x}\)
 
\(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\)
\(\dfrac{1}{\mu}\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\)
\(\dfrac{1}{\mu}d\mu=3dx\)
Then solve yeah?
 
alane1994 said:
\(\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\mu\)
\(\dfrac{1}{\mu}\dfrac{d\mu}{dx}=3\)
\(\dfrac{1}{\mu}d\mu=3dx\)
Then solve yeah?
Yes! (Smile)
 
\(C=(3x^2y+y^3)e^{3x}\)

EDIT: Is this correct?
 
Last edited:

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