Integrating Factors for Solving Linear Differential Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a linear differential equation by transforming it into the standard form dy/dx + p(x)y = q(x). The equation is manipulated by dividing by (1-x^2), leading to the expression for q(x) as √((1-x)/(1+x)). The integrating factor is derived as μ(x) = exp(∫(x^2/(1-x^2))dx), which is crucial for solving the equation. Participants are encouraged to compute the integrating factor to proceed with the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with integrating factors
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Compute the integral ∫(x^2/(1-x^2))dx to find the integrating factor μ(x)
  • Explore methods for solving linear differential equations using integrating factors
  • Study the implications of the solution on the behavior of the original differential equation
  • Learn about variations of parameters for non-homogeneous linear differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as educators looking for practical examples of solving linear differential equations.

mahmoud shaaban
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Can i have help with this linear differential equation ?
First, i divided by (1-x^2) to be like dy/dx + p(x)y= q(x). But i could not obtain Q(x).
Any help will be welcomed.
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Let's look at what happens when we divide the RHS by $1-x^2$:

$$\frac{(1-x)\sqrt{1-x^2}}{1-x^2}=\frac{1-x}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}=\frac{1-x}{\sqrt{(1+x)(1-x)}}=\sqrt{\frac{1-x}{1+x}}$$

So, the ODE is now:

$$\d{y}{x}+\frac{x^2}{1-x^2}y=\sqrt{\frac{1-x}{1+x}}$$

Next, we want to compute the integrating factor:

$$\mu(x)=\exp\left(\int\frac{x^2}{1-x^2}\,dx\right)$$

Can you proceed?
 

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