Solving 2nd Order PDE for dx/ds in d^2x/ds^2 - (2/y)(dx/ds)(dy/ds) = 0

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the second-order partial differential equation (PDE) represented as d²x/ds² - (2/y)(dx/ds)(dy/ds) = 0. The user attempts to isolate dx/ds and proposes the rearrangement dx/ds = (y/2)(ds/dy)(d²x/ds²). Additionally, the user inquires about the possibility of solving for dx/ds through integration and highlights a useful transformation involving the logarithmic derivative: d²x/ds² / dx/ds = d/ds ln(dx/ds).

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Homework Statement


Need to solve for dx/ds in the following equation, keeping dy/ds.


Homework Equations


d^2x/ds^2 - (2/y)(dx/ds)(dy/ds) = 0


The Attempt at a Solution



I can just rearrange to get:

dx/ds = (y/2)(ds/dy)(d^2x/ds^2)

But, this is not clean to use for some later calculations.

Is there any way to solve for dx/ds by integration?
 
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Would it help you if I noticed that

\frac{d^2x}{ds^2} / \frac{dx}{ds} = \frac{d}{ds} \ln\left( \frac{dx}{ds} \right)
?
 

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