Solving a differential equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form (xy+y²+x²) dx - (x²) dy = 0. Participants are exploring methods to approach this problem, particularly focusing on substitution techniques and the verification of exactness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of substitution, specifically y = ux, and express confusion regarding the factorization of terms in the equation. There are attempts to verify if the differential equation is exact and to understand the implications of it not being exact. Some participants question the reasoning behind taking derivatives and the methods taught in their respective resources.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into their thought processes and questioning each other's approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of substitution and the nature of the differential equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of the problem, including the complexity of the substitution method and the verification of exactness. There is mention of stress related to upcoming exams, which may influence the clarity of understanding.

MarcL
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Homework Statement


Solve (xy+y2+x2) dx -( x2 )dy = 0

Homework Equations


to verify if exact [PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngM/[B][PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngy = [PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngN/[B][PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngx[/B][/B][/B][/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


So I can see it isn't separable and linear, so I thought of solving it through substitution

i did y=ux and dy= u dx + x du
and I substituted them in my first equation giving me
(xu+u2+x^2) dx - x2(udx + xdu) = 0]

I'm stuck here... the answer key factors out x^2 from the first equation leaving it with x^2(u+u^2+1), which doesn't make sense to me.. because if I factored out x^2 I would be left with (x-1u+x-2u2+1)
So any help on how I am seeing this wrong?
 
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## \partial_y M=\partial_y(xy+y^2+x^2)=x+2y ##
## \partial_x N=\partial_x(-x^2)=-2x ##
## \partial_y M \neq \partial_x N! ##
 
I know how to verify if exact, hence why I chose substitution, but I am kinda stuck at how to factor my xα. Unless I didn't understand your answer correctly, to me it seems as if you're solving to see whether or not if exact.
 
That means your differential isn't exact which means it can't be integrated in this form, so you should turn it into an exact differential. There is such a method in your toolbox which you can't integrate the differential without it. You remember it?
 
Well I know I can use substitution to reach a separable equation. If not, I know I can use υ(x,y) and multiply it to my equation. My question was more towards the substitution method because I don't completely grasp the subject.
 
By some manipulation, you can get ## y'=\frac{y}{x}+\frac{y^2}{x^2}+1 ##. Now try your substitution!
 
I'm sorry, I'm not understanding. why you took the derivative of y. I was taught ( and my book explains) a different way. For instance, we just have to find a coeffiecient of xα to then create a separable DE. anyway, I'll check again later, maybe this will help getting a clearer answer? :/
 
## M dx+N dy=0 \Rightarrow N dy=-M dx \Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx}=- \frac{M}{N}##
 
MarcL said:

Homework Statement


Solve (xy+y2+x2) dx -( x2 )dy = 0

Homework Equations


to verify if exact [PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngM/[B][PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngy = [PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngN/[B][PLAIN]http://upload.wikimedia.org/math/5/2/c/52cc749bb1c32abf1dccf613bd847a6e.pngx[/B][/B][/B][/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


So I can see it isn't separable and linear, so I thought of solving it through substitution

i did y=ux and dy= u dx + x du
and I substituted them in my first equation giving me
(xu+u2+x^2) dx - x2(udx + xdu) = 0]

I'm stuck here... the answer key factors out x^2 from the first equation leaving it with x^2(u+u^2+1), which doesn't make sense to me.. because if I factored out x^2 I would be left with (x-1u+x-2u2+1)
So any help on how I am seeing this wrong?


If you substitute ##y = x u## into the DE
[tex]x^2 \frac{dy}{dx} = x^2 + xy + y^2 \; \Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx} = 1 + \frac{y}{x} + \left(\frac{y}{x}\right)^2[/tex]
the resulting DE for ##u## is very simple and is straightforward to solve.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
Yeah it was a stupid mistake, I was going fast and stressing out over an exam. I should've noticed that replacing y = ux into the equation can allow me to factor out x^2 because the function is homogeneous.
 

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