# Partial Differential Equation with square roots

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Hi everyone,
I have encountered a partial differential equation with square roots which I don't have a clue in solving it. After letting z=F(x)+G(y), I can't really figure out the next step. I tried squaring both sides but the square root still exists. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

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BvU
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2019 Award
Hello Johnson,

Please post in a homework forum and use the template. See Guidelines . We need an attempt at solution (posted) to be allowed to help out.

In the mean time:
How would you solve $\sqrt{\partial z\over \partial x} = x$ ?

\begin{aligned}\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial x}=x^{2}\\ \partial z=x^{2}\partial x\\ z=\dfrac {x^{3}}{3}+c\end{aligned}
My attempt to my problem are as follow:
I try to reproduce the equation to a 1st order differential equation,
Let z(x,y)= F(x)+G(y)
Therefore the equation becomes (F'(x))^1/2+(G'(y))^1/2=x
Taking square on both sides still doesn't eliminate the the square root and squaring it one more time involves F'(x)^2.

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BvU
Homework Helper
2019 Award
Good. Notice anything remarkable in relation to your problem ?

Sorry I don't quite understand the relation, but my attempt on continuing the question with your hint:
\begin{aligned}\sqrt {\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial x}}+\sqrt {\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial y}}=x\\
\sqrt {\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial x}}=x\ & \sqrt {\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial y}}=0\\
\therefore \dfrac {\partial z}{\partial x}=x^{2},\dfrac {\partial z}{\partial y}=0\\
z=\dfrac {x^{3}}{3}+G\left( y\right) =\dfrac {x^{3}}{3}+C\end{aligned}

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BvU
I must say that the separation of variables thing is useful but a bit confusing: you were supposed to conclude that if $z = F(x) + G(y)$ then $\sqrt{\partial z\over \partial y}$ is a function of $y$ and the right hand side of the equation is only a function of x, square root or no square root on the left. In other words, satisfied if $G(y) = 0$.
I must say that the separation of variables thing is useful but a bit confusing: you were supposed to conclude that if $z = F(x) + G(y)$ then $\sqrt{\partial z\over \partial y}$ is a function of $y$ and the right hand side of the equation is only a function of x, square root or no square root on the left. In other words, satisfied if $G(y) = 0$.