Is this equation exact or not?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether the differential equation (x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0 is exact. Participants are exploring the conditions under which a differential equation is classified as exact and the implications of differentiating the terms with respect to different variables.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to differentiate the terms M(x,y) and N(x,y) to check for exactness, questioning whether to treat other variables as constants during differentiation. There is exploration of different approaches to integration and the implications of those choices on the classification of the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conditions for exactness and the process of finding the function f(x, y). Others are exploring the integration process and expressing uncertainty about the steps involved, particularly regarding the treatment of functions of multiple variables during differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integrating functions of two variables and the associated constants of integration. There is a noted confusion about the correct approach to take when integrating and differentiating, particularly in relation to the variables involved.

darryw
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Homework Statement



(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0


Homework Equations


i am hoping someone could help me with how to approach all of these sorts of problems, i mean like step by step approach


The Attempt at a Solution



M(x,y) =? N(x,y) (this is what i need to know right?)

so, to differentiate 1st term with respect to y , i treat any x terms as constants right?

if that is right, then :
d/dy (x+ (2/y))dy = 0 + -2 / (y^2)

then differentiate other term with respect to x and treat all y terms as constants

d/dx ydx = 0

therefore equation not exact..


BUT if i differentiate 1st term with respect x and 2nd term with respect to y, then
d/dx (x+ (2/y)) = 1

and

d/dy ydy = 1

so it is exact.

how do i know which is correct? please help thanks
 
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darryw said:

Homework Statement



(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0


Homework Equations


i am hoping someone could help me with how to approach all of these sorts of problems, i mean like step by step approach


The Attempt at a Solution



M(x,y) =? N(x,y) (this is what i need to know right?)

so, to differentiate 1st term with respect to y , i treat any x terms as constants right?

if that is right, then :
d/dy (x+ (2/y))dy = 0 + -2 / (y^2)

then differentiate other term with respect to x and treat all y terms as constants

d/dx ydx = 0

therefore equation not exact..


BUT if i differentiate 1st term with respect x and 2nd term with respect to y, then
d/dx (x+ (2/y)) = 1

and

d/dy ydy = 1

so it is exact.

how do i know which is correct? please help thanks
Your equation is exact. To determine this you are trying to find a function f(x, y) such that fx(x, y) = M(x, y) = y, and fy(x, y) = N(x, y) = x + 2/y.

Your equation is exact if
[tex]\frac{\partial M(x, y)}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N(x, y)}{\partial x}[/tex]

Once you determine that your equation is exact, the goal is to find f(x, y) by 1) integrating M(x, y) with respect to x, 2) integrating N(x, y) with respect to y, 3) comparing the results.

If the equation is exact, that what you have is d(f(x, y)) = 0 ==> f(x, y) = C. Here d(...) represents the total derivative, which is
[tex]\frac{\partial f(x, y)}{\partial x} dx + \frac{\partial f(x, y)}{\partial y} dy[/tex]
 
(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0

M_x = N_y = 1. Therefore exact.

integrate M(x,y)_y = -2/(y^2) + c
integrate N(x,y)_x = 0 + c
 
darryw said:
(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0

M_x = N_y = 1. Therefore exact.

integrate M(x,y)_y = -2/(y^2) + c
integrate N(x,y)_x = 0 + c

M(x, y) = y and N(x, y) = x + 2/y

When you integrate a function of two variables with respect to one of the variables, instead of getting a constant of integration, you get a function that is considered to be a constant as far as differentiation is concerned.

I'm having a hard time find the words to say that right, so here's an example:
[itex]\int xy dx = (1/2)x^2y + f(y)[/itex]
As a check, differentiate the right side with respect to x, and you get xy. The derivative with respect to x of a function of y alone is 0.
 
I want to rework this since (i think) I am understanding the whole process a little better..

(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0

y + (x + 2/y) dy/dx = 0

M...N

DM_y = 1 = DN_x

equation is exact

INTEG-M_x: (1/2) x^2 + (2/y)x + h(y)

D of INTEG-M_y: -(2x/y^2) + h'(y)

h'(y) = x + (2/y) + (2x/(y^2))

h(y) = ...this is where i am stuck.. Do i take derivative with respect to y or x or both and why? I am guessing only y , because its h(y)??

if so, h(y) = 2ln|y|-4xy^-3

and final answer would be:

f(x,y) = -(2x/y^2) + 2ln|y|-4xy^-3

am i doing this correctly? thanks for any help or tips
 
darryw said:
I want to rework this since (i think) I am understanding the whole process a little better..

(x + (2/y))dy + ydx = 0
Why don't you leave it like the above? There's no advantage in dividing by dx.
darryw said:
y + (x + 2/y) dy/dx = 0

M...N

DM_y = 1 = DN_x

equation is exact

INTEG-M_x: (1/2) x^2 + (2/y)x + h(y)
No. If you integrate y wrt x, you get xy + f(x)

Your next step is to integrate N wrt y. The work below here doesn't make any sense.
darryw said:
D of INTEG-M_y: -(2x/y^2) + h'(y)

h'(y) = x + (2/y) + (2x/(y^2))

h(y) = ...this is where i am stuck.. Do i take derivative with respect to y or x or both and why? I am guessing only y , because its h(y)??

if so, h(y) = 2ln|y|-4xy^-3

and final answer would be:

f(x,y) = -(2x/y^2) + 2ln|y|-4xy^-3

am i doing this correctly? thanks for any help or tips
The final answer is going to be F(x, y) = C, for some function F.

When you get it, you can check by taking the total derivative, dF, getting dF = 0.

[tex]dF = \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} dx + \frac{\partial F}{\partial y}dy[/tex]
Or dF = Fx dx + Fy dy
...(..M..)-(..N..)
 

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