Nonlinear Differential Equation solving help please

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a nonlinear differential equation given in the form x²(dy/dx) = x² - xy + y². Participants are tasked with determining the nature of the equation and exploring methods for finding its solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rearrange the equation to resemble a Bernoulli differential equation and considers a substitution method. Some participants suggest using the Bernoulli equation due to the presence of y², while others propose a substitution z(x) = y/x to simplify the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with different methods to approach the problem, including the Bernoulli equation and substitution techniques. There is recognition of the complexity of the equation, with some expressing uncertainty about the appropriateness of their methods. Guidance has been offered regarding the classification of the equation and potential approaches, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive solution method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the course material has limited coverage of nonlinear differential equations, which may affect their confidence in tackling this problem. There is also mention of the expectation for an exact solution, which adds to the pressure of finding the correct approach.

thejakeisalie
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Homework Statement


Consider the following differential equation:
[itex]x^{2}\frac{dy}{dx}=x^{2}-xy+y^{2}[/itex]
State whether this equation is linear or nonlinear and find all it's solutions

Homework Equations


I think that the Bernoulli differential equation is relevant, but I'm not sure:
[itex]y'+P(x)y=Q(x)y^{n}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so this is really a past exam question, and I've been struggling to remember the method & can't find it anywhere in my notes.

First, I tried to rearrange into something similar to the Bernoulli equation, so I could solve using the method from the wikipedia article (wikipedia dot org slash)wiki/Bernoulli_differential_equation.

The rearrangement I got is

[itex]\frac{y'}{y^{2}}-\frac{1}{y^{2}}+\frac{1}{xy}=\frac{1}{x^{2}}[/itex]

and then I'd use the substitution w=1/y, w'=(-1/y^2)y' but I'm not sure what to do about that pesky -1/y2 in the middle. If someone could point me towards the right method to sovle this, I'd be very greatful.

N.B. The course I'm on doesn't cover nonlinear DE's very much, and the only ones that we do have exact solutions. So this should have an exact solution.
 
Last edited:
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Edit. Yes you can use Bernoulli's Equation since you have the y^2

$$
y'+\frac{1}{x}y=1+\frac{y^2}{x^2}
$$
 
Last edited:
Hmm...

I might be neglecting something that makes this more difficult, but wouldn't a basic "z(x)=y/x" substitution work?

I mean, if you divide the original equation with x², you get

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx} = 1 - \frac{y}{x} + \frac{y^2}{x^2}[/itex]

I haven't studied DEs that much and have never had to use anything fancy like the Bernoulli differential equation, but from what I can tell, z=y/x seems obvious here. The DE that follows after the substitution is easy to solve, unless I made a mistake somewhere.
 
Dustinsfl said:
Edit. Yes you can use Bernoulli's Equation since you have the y^2

$$
y'+\frac{1}{x}y=1+\frac{y^2}{x^2}
$$

That's what I thought, but dividing

[itex]1+\frac{y^{2}}{x^{2}}[/itex]

by y2 doesn't yield something of the form Q(x), it leaves

[itex]\frac{1}{y^{2}}+\frac{1}{x^{2}}[/itex]

Unless I'm approaching that method entirely wrong, which I may well be, I don't see how I can use the [itex]w'=\frac{-1}{y^{2}}y'[/itex] substitution to then solve it.
 
Last edited:
I am sorry you have a Riccatis Equation.

Take a look at how to solve this equation and then give it a try.
 

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