Simple differential equation - Finding the solution

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation given in the form \( y + yy' - xy' = 0 \). Participants are exploring methods to find a solution, particularly focusing on substitutions involving \( z = x/y \) or \( y/x = z \). The problem is situated within the context of differential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various substitution methods, including \( y(x) = xv(x) \) and \( z = x/y \). Questions arise about the steps involved in these substitutions and how they lead to the transformed equations. There is a request for clarification on the algebraic manipulation required to reach the final forms of the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights and attempting to clarify the substitution process. Some guidance has been provided regarding the algebraic steps, but there remains a lack of consensus on the clarity of these steps, as multiple participants seek further elaboration.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the substitution methods and the algebra involved, indicating a need for more detailed explanations. There is an emphasis on ensuring that assumptions, such as \( y \neq 0 \), are clearly stated in the context of the problem.

dumbdumNotSmart
Messages
41
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


We are given the following differential equation:

$$ y+yy'-xy'=0 $$

Let's find the solution.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So in my course usually we have to do some sort of substitution by the lines of x/y=z or y/x=z. This equation has proven difficult. I have taken a look at wolfram alpha and the y(x)=xv(x) substitution is not one I am familiar with.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
##y + (y - x ) y' = 0##
Can be written as:
##y' = -\frac{y}{y-x} = -\frac{1}{1 - x/y} ##
So, if you were to use ## z = x/y,## you would get ##z' = \frac{yx' - xy'}{y^2}##.
Then substituting into the original equation would give yy' + y^2 z' = 0.
Assume y is not zero, and you get:
##\frac{y'}{y} = -z' ##
Integrate both sides.
 
Could you give me a more chew down process of the substitution? What goes where to get that lovely equation down there at the bottom of your answer?
 
dumbdumNotSmart said:
Could you give me a more chew down process of the substitution? What goes where to get that lovely equation down there at the bottom of your answer?
I think he did show how he got it.

Work through a bit of algebra.
 
dumbdumNotSmart said:
Could you give me a more chew down process of the substitution? What goes where to get that lovely equation down there at the bottom of your answer?
Here is a bit more information to guide your algebra.
##z' = \frac{yx' - xy'}{y^2} = \frac{1}{y^2}( y - xy') ##. So ##y^2 z' = y - xy'## which matches 2 of the 3 terms in your original equation.
So, substituting into the original equation would give ##yy' + y^2 z' = 0##.
Assume y is not zero, and divide the whole thing by ##y^2##, you get:
##\frac{y'}{y} + z'=0 ## which is the same as ##\frac{y'}{y} = -z' ##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K