Linear Differential equation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form \((\cos x)dy = y(\sin x - y)dx\) within the interval \(0 < x < \frac{\pi}{2}\). Participants are exploring the classification of the equation and potential methods for solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to classify the differential equation, with some suggesting it might be linear despite the presence of a \(y^2\) term. Others are questioning the definitions of homogeneous equations and discussing potential substitutions to simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the equation's characteristics. Some guidance has been offered regarding rearranging terms and considering substitutions, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that only certain types of differential equations are included in their syllabus, which influences their approach to the problem. There is also ambiguity regarding the term "homogeneous" and its various meanings in the context of differential equations.

erisedk
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Homework Statement


Solution of the differential equation
##(\cos x )dy = y (\sin x - y) dx , 0 < x < \dfrac{\pi}{2} ## is

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Only separation of variables, homogenous and linear DEs are in the syllabus, therefore it must be one of those. It obviously isn't the former two, so it must be a linear DE. I have no idea how to convert this into a linear form, especially because of the ##y^2## term. Please help.
 
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erisedk said:

Homework Statement


Solution of the differential equation
##(\cos x )dy = y (\sin x - y) dx , 0 < x < \dfrac{\pi}{2} ## is

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Only separation of variables, homogenous and linear DEs are in the syllabus, therefore it must be one of those. It obviously isn't the former two, so it must be a linear DE. I have no idea how to convert this into a linear form, especially because of the ##y^2## term. Please help.
It's not linear, due to the y2 term. It might be homogeneous, which is an ambiguous term that can mean two different kinds of diff. equations.
 
I'm not sure what the other homogenous is, I'm talking about the one in which we get y/x terms, and substitute that as V.
Okay, so how do I proceed? It probably involves substitutions, but I'm not sure what to substitute.
 
You can't express y' as a function of y/x, so the differential equation isn't homogeneous. You need a different approach.

You can rearrange the terms slightly to get ##(y\sin x)dx - \cos x\,dy = y^2\,dx##. Why would you want to do this? It's because the lefthand side is exact—that is, if ##v = -y\cos x##, you have
$$dv = \frac{\partial v}{\partial x}\,dx + \frac{\partial v}{\partial y}\,dy = (y\sin x)dx - \cos x\,dy.$$ So try out the substitution ##v = -y\cos x## and see what you get after you rewrite the original differential equation in terms of ##v## and ##x##.
 

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