Second order non-linear differential equation involving log

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second order non-linear differential equation involving logarithmic functions, specifically the equation x y'' = y' log(y'/x). Participants are exploring various methods and substitutions to approach the problem, which is part of an undergraduate applications course in differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting u = y' and explore the implications of this substitution. Some suggest rewriting the logarithmic expression and consider variable changes to make the equation separable. Others express difficulty in progressing with their attempts and question the nature of the transformations being used.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different substitution methods and transformations. Some participants have shared their attempts and insights, while others have provided suggestions for alternative approaches. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of the equation without reaching a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a course where specific techniques for solving second order non-linear equations have been taught, which influences their approaches. There are also mentions of potential missing constants in integration steps and the need for careful tracking of variables during substitutions.

5hassay
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EDIT: my problem is solved, thank you to those who helped

Homework Statement



Solve:

x y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} \log (\frac{y^{\prime}}{x})

Note: This is the first part of an undergraduate applications course in differential equations. We were taught to solve second order non-linear equations by doing tricks such as substituting u = y^{\prime}, factoring, and then dealing with the two cases that result.

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried u := y^{\prime}, so u^{\prime} = y^{\prime \prime}, and so substitution gives

x u^{\prime} = u \log(\frac{u}{x})

but I can't seem to be able to do anything with that.

I also I noticed that

y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} x^{-1} \log(y^{\prime} x^{-1})

which I thought was interesting. But I couldn't really do anything with it.

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
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How about log (y'/x) = log (y') - log (x)?
 
5hassay said:

Homework Statement



Solve:

x y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} \log (\frac{y^{\prime}}{x})

Note: This is the first part of an undergraduate applications course in differential equations. We were taught to solve second order non-linear equations by doing tricks such as substituting u = y^{\prime}, factoring, and then dealing with the two cases that result.

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried u := y^{\prime}, so u^{\prime} = y^{\prime \prime}, and so substitution gives

x u^{\prime} = u \log(\frac{u}{x})

but I can't seem to be able to do anything with that.

I also I noticed that

y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} x^{-1} \log(y^{\prime} x^{-1})

which I thought was interesting. But I couldn't really do anything with it.

Thank you.

You want to try and find a variable change that will make it separable. Since you have u/x in the log, substituting xv=u might be a good thing to try.
 
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Likes   Reactions: 1 person
5hassay said:

Homework Statement



Solve:

x y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} \log (\frac{y^{\prime}}{x})

Note: This is the first part of an undergraduate applications course in differential equations. We were taught to solve second order non-linear equations by doing tricks such as substituting u = y^{\prime}, factoring, and then dealing with the two cases that result.

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried u := y^{\prime}, so u^{\prime} = y^{\prime \prime}, and so substitution gives

x u^{\prime} = u \log(\frac{u}{x})

but I can't seem to be able to do anything with that.

I also I noticed that

y^{\prime \prime} = y^{\prime} x^{-1} \log(y^{\prime} x^{-1})

which I thought was interesting. But I couldn't really do anything with it.

Thank you.
You have x u^{\prime} = u \log(\frac{u}{x}). This can be rewritten as
\frac{d \ln u}{d\ln x}=\ln(u)-\ln(x)
Let ln(u) = w and ln(x) = z
 
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Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Dick said:
You want to try and find a variable change that will make it separable. Since you have u/x in the log, substituting xv=u might be a good thing to try.

thanks for the help.

OK, that was productive. Here's what I did:

v := \frac{y^{\prime}}{x} \Longrightarrow v^{\prime} = \frac{x y^{\prime \prime} - y^{\prime}}{x^2} \Longrightarrow x^2 v^{\prime} + y^{\prime} = x y^{\prime \prime}

Substituting,

x^2 v^{\prime} + y^{\prime} = y^{\prime} \log(v) \Longrightarrow x v^{\prime} + v = v \log(v)
\Longrightarrow \frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v \log(v) - v}{x} \Longrightarrow (v - v \log(v)) dx + x dv = 0

M := v - v \log(v)
N := x

M_v = 1 - \log(v) - 1 = -\log(v) \neq 1 = N_x

so the equation is not exact. But

\displaystyle{\frac{N_x - M_v}{M} = \frac{1 + log(v)}{v(1 - \log(v))} \neq f(v)}
\displaystyle{\frac{M_v - N_x}{N} = -\frac{\log(v) + 1}{x} \neq f(x)}
\displaystyle{\frac{N_x - M_v}{x M - v N} = -\frac{1 + \log(v)}{x v \log(v)} \neq f(xv)}

so I am stuck (one of those works when we are given a separable equation in my course).
 
5hassay said:
thanks for the help.

OK, that was productive. Here's what I did:

v := \frac{y^{\prime}}{x} \Longrightarrow v^{\prime} = \frac{x y^{\prime \prime} - y^{\prime}}{x^2} \Longrightarrow x^2 v^{\prime} + y^{\prime} = x y^{\prime \prime}

Substituting,

x^2 v^{\prime} + y^{\prime} = y^{\prime} \log(v) \Longrightarrow x v^{\prime} + v = v \log(v)
\Longrightarrow \frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v \log(v) - v}{x} \Longrightarrow (v - v \log(v)) dx + x dv = 0

M := v - v \log(v)
N := x

M_v = 1 - \log(v) - 1 = -\log(v) \neq 1 = N_x

so the equation is not exact. But

\displaystyle{\frac{N_x - M_v}{M} = \frac{1 + log(v)}{v(1 - \log(v))} \neq f(v)}
\displaystyle{\frac{M_v - N_x}{N} = -\frac{\log(v) + 1}{x} \neq f(x)}
\displaystyle{\frac{N_x - M_v}{x M - v N} = -\frac{1 + \log(v)}{x v \log(v)} \neq f(xv)}

so I am stuck (one of those works when we are given a separable equation in my course).

xv'+v=vlog(v) is already separable. Just separate it and go from there.
 
Chestermiller said:
You have x u^{\prime} = u \log(\frac{u}{x}). This can be rewritten as
\frac{d \ln u}{d\ln x}=\ln(u)-\ln(x)
Let ln(u) = w and ln(x) = z

thanks for the help.

I don't know how to evaluate

\frac{d \log(u)}{d \log(x)}

I understand that I would be differentiating \log(u) as a function of \log(x), but I don't see how that is a function of \log(x).
 
Dick said:
xv'+v=vlog(v) is already separable. Just separate it and go from there.

true. OK, then

\displaystyle{\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v \log(v) - v}{x} \Longrightarrow \int{\frac{1}{v} \cdot \frac{1}{\log(v) - 1}} dv = \int{\frac{1}{x}}} dx
\displaystyle{\Longrightarrow \log(\log(v) - 1) = \log(x) + C \Longrightarrow \log(v) - 1 = C x \Longrightarrow v = \frac{y^{\prime}}{x} = e^{C x + 1}}
\displaystyle{\Longrightarrow y = \int{x e^{C x + 1}} dx = x \frac{1}{C} e^{C x + 1} - \frac{1}{C} \int{e^{C x + 1}} dx = \frac{1}{C^2} e^{C x + 1} (C x - 1) + D}

where I just re-used C for e^C.

I haven't verified it yet by substituting
 
Last edited:
5hassay said:
true. OK, then

\displaystyle{\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v \log(v) - v}{x} \Longrightarrow \int{\frac{1}{v} \cdot \frac{1}{\log(v) - 1}} dv = \int{\frac{1}{x}}} dx
\displaystyle{\Longrightarrow \log(\log(v) - 1) = \log(x) + C \Longrightarrow \log(v) - 1 = C x \Longrightarrow v = \frac{y^{\prime}}{x} = e^{C x + 1}}
\displaystyle{\Longrightarrow y = \int{x e^{C x + 1}} dx = x \frac{1}{C} e^{C x + 1} - \int{e^{C x + 1}} dx = \frac{1}{C} e^{C x + 1} (x - 1) + D}

where I just re-used C for e^C.

I haven't verified it yet by substituting

Looks fine for v, but I think you dropped a C when you were integrating by parts.
 
  • #10
5hassay said:
thanks for the help.

I don't know how to evaluate

\frac{d \log(u)}{d \log(x)}

I understand that I would be differentiating \log(u) as a function of \log(x), but I don't see how that is a function of \log(x).
If u is a function of x, then it is a function of ln(x).
 
  • #11
Dick said:
Looks fine for v, but I think you dropped a C when you were integrating by parts.

awesome. Also, I also think you are correct about the missing C, thank you--I shall update that post. Thank you for your help!
 
  • #12
5hassay said:
awesome. Also, I also think you are correct about the missing C, thank you--I shall update that post. Thank you for your help!

Very welcome! If you want some extra practice you should try doing it Chestermiller's way as well, it's very nice if you don't mind keeping track of a few extra substitution variables.
 

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