ODE Integrating factors found by inspection

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of integrating factors in ordinary differential equations (ODEs), specifically focusing on a problem presented in a textbook. Participants are examining the transformation of a given differential equation into a more manageable form for integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the steps involved in manipulating the differential equation, particularly the integration process. Questions arise regarding the correct form of the equation and the variables involved in integration.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants clarifying previous statements and correcting typographical errors. Some guidance has been provided regarding the integration of the transformed equation, but there is still uncertainty about the steps leading to the final expression.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential typographical errors in the original problem statement, which may affect the interpretation of the equation. Participants are also questioning the assumptions made during the integration process.

equant
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Homework Statement



I'm reading a chapter out of Elem. DE 6th Edition by Rainville and Bedient (Ch 4 pg 61) titled integrating factors found by inspection. To explain it, the authors start with an equation, which is grouped to become:

[itex]y dx + x dy + x^3y^2 dy = 0[/itex]

which then becomes:

[itex]\frac{d(xy)}{(xy)^3} + \frac{dy}{y} = 0[/itex]

I am unsure of how they get from there to the next step which is this...

[itex]-\frac{1}{2x^2y^2} + ln|y| = -ln|c|[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Trying to figure out the intermediate steps I start by doing this...

[itex]\frac{d(xy)}{x^3y^2} = - \frac{dy}{y}[/itex]

And then I'm guessing they integrate both sides. However, if that's the case, what would I be integrating the left side with respect to? I expected the equation to become this...

[itex]\frac{1}{x^2y^2} + ln|y| = c[/itex]

Thank you.
 
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equant said:

Homework Statement



I'm reading a chapter out of Elem. DE 6th Edition by Rainville and Bedient (Ch 4 pg 61) titled integrating factors found by inspection. To explain it, the authors start with an equation, which is grouped to become:

[itex]y dx + x dy + x^3y^3 dy = 0[/itex]

which then becomes:

[itex]\frac{d(xy)}{x^3y^2} + \frac{dy}{y} = 0[/itex]

No, it doesn't. There is either a typo in the text or in your post. If your original equation was$$
y dx + x dy + x^3y^2 dy = 0$$ and you divided by ##x^3y^3## it would become$$
\frac {d(xy)}{(xy)^3} + \frac {dy}{y}=0$$which gives your desired answer.
I am unsure of how they get from there to the next step which is this...

[itex]-\frac{1}{2x^2y^2} + ln|y| = -ln|c|[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Trying to figure out the intermediate steps I start by doing this...

[itex]\frac{d(xy)}{x^3y^2} = - \frac{dy}{y}[/itex]

And then I'm guessing they integrate both sides. However, if that's the case, what would I be integrating the left side with respect to? I expected the equation to become this...

[itex]\frac{1}{x^2y^2} + ln|y| = c[/itex]

Thank you.
 
LCKurtz said:
No, it doesn't. There is either a typo in the text or in your post.

The typo was in my post. I corrected it. Sorry about that. With that now corrected, I'm still not sure how they get from the one step to the next.
 
It is of the form ##\frac {du}{u^3} = u^{-3}du## which integrates to ##\frac{u^{-2}}{-2}##. And calling the constant of integration ##-\ln c## instead of ##c## is just a convenience. They can both be anything.
 
LCKurtz said:
It is of the form ##\frac {du}{u^3} = u^{-3}du## which integrates to ##\frac{u^{-2}}{-2}##. And calling the constant of integration ##-\ln c## instead of ##c## is just a convenience. They can both be anything.

ok, and in this case u = xy. I was thinking that they had to be dealt with separately, but now I see it.

Thank you very much.
 

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