Solving a Homogeneous ODE: Finding the Solution | Steps and Techniques

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Homework Help Overview

This thread discusses a problem involving homogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs), specifically the equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2xy}{x^2+y^2}\). Participants are tasked with finding the solution and exploring various methods to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution \(v = \frac{y}{x}\) as a method for solving the ODE. There are attempts to separate variables and integrate, with specific integrals causing confusion. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the integrals and the implications of the substitutions made.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to tackle specific integrals and questioning the validity of certain steps taken in the solution process. There is recognition of the need to clarify signs and ensure that the correct integrals are being addressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a class exercise, and there are indications of confusion regarding the formulation of the original versus corrected equations. This has led to discussions about the implications of these changes on the solution approach.

Mechdude
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Homework Statement


this i a problem on homogeneous ode given as an exercise in class
[tex]\frac {dy} {dx} = \frac {2xy} {x^2+y^2}[/tex]
im supposed to find the solution,

Homework Equations


substitute [tex]v= \frac {y} {x}[/tex]
do it as a homogeneous ode and on and on

The Attempt at a Solution


i worked all the way to this point
[tex]\int \frac {dv} {dx} = \int \frac {v+v^3} {1+v^2}[/tex] after the trivial substitution for homogeneous odes and stuff [itex]v= \frac {y} {x}[/itex]
which then i tried separation of variables on it,
[tex]\int \frac {1+v^2} {v+v^3}dv = \int \frac {dx} {x}[/tex]
the right side is trivial so i will not continue to blabber about it,
now separating the left into two equations ;
[tex]\int \frac {1} {v+v^3} dv +\int \frac{v^2} {v+v^3} dv =...[/tex]
the first integral there has me stumped the second well seems doable by substitution, unless its more deceptive than i think since i got an ans of [itex]\frac {1} {2} \ln (1+v^2)[/itex] after doing the substitution [itex]u=1+v^2[/itex] , who can help me with that first integral [itex]\int \frac {1} {v+v^3} dv[/itex] ?
 
Last edited:
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Welcome to Physics Forums.

For your first integral, try taking a factor of v out of the denominator and then using the substitution v = tan(theta).
 
thanks man,
 
Mechdude said:

Homework Statement


this i a problem on homogeneous ode given as an exercise in class
[tex]\frac {dy} {dx} = \frac {2xy} {x+x^3}[/tex]
im supposed to find the solution,

Homework Equations


substitute [tex]v= \frac {y} {x}[/tex]
do it as a homogeneous ode and on and on

The Attempt at a Solution


i worked all the way to this point
[tex]\int \frac {dv} {dx} = \int \frac {v+v^3} {1+v^2}[/tex] after the trivial substitution for homogeneous odes and stuff [itex]v= \frac {y} {x}[/itex]
which then i tried separation of variables on it,
[tex]\int \frac {1+v^2} {v+v^3}dv = \int \frac {dx} {x}[/tex]
the right side is trivial so i will not continue to blabber about it,
now separating the left into two equations ;
[tex]\int \frac {1} {v+v^3} dv +\int \frac{v^2} {v+v^3} dv =...[/tex]
the first integral there has me stumped the second well seems doable by substitution, unless its more deceptive than i think since i got an ans of [itex]\frac {1} {2} \ln (1+v^2)[/itex] after doing the substitution [itex]u=1+v^2[/itex] , who can help me with that first integral [itex]\int \frac {1} {v+v^3} dv[/itex] ?

Yes, but why? In addition to being "homogeneous", that de is separable and it is easier doing it that way. In fact, it is probably a good idea to recognize immediately that, for [itex]x\ne 0[/itex],
[tex]\frac{2xy}{x+ x^3}= \frac{2y}{1+ x^2}[/tex]

So this "separates" as
[tex]\frac{dy}{y}= 2\frac{dx}{x^2+ 1}[/tex]
and both sides are easy to integrate.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, but why? In addition to being "homogeneous", that de is separable and it is easier doing it that way. In fact, it is probably a good idea to recognize immediately that, for [itex]x\ne 0[/itex],
[tex]\frac{2xy}{x+ x^3}= \frac{2y}{1+ x^2}[/tex]

So this "separates" as
[tex]\frac{dy}{y}= 2\frac{dx}{x^2+ 1}[/tex]
and both sides are easy to integrate.

you ask why?
because its a class exercise for the method :) , and i realize i wrote the wrong question but the working for the right question so here is the correct question [tex]\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{2xy} {x^2+y^2}[/tex] i will correct the posting too
 
Hootenanny said:
Welcome to Physics Forums.




For your first integral, try taking a factor of v out of the denominator and then using the substitution v = tan(theta).


is this what you mean? : [tex]\frac{1}{v(1+v^2)}[/tex] and substituting [itex]v=tan(\theta)[/itex]
[tex]dv= tan^2(\theta) + 1[/tex] now we have [tex]\int \frac{tan^2(\theta) + 1 }{tan\theta (1 + tan^2 (\theta))} d\theta[/tex] after cancelling :
[tex]\int \frac {d\theta} {tan(\theta)}[/tex] but tan is identical to [itex]\frac{sin}{cos}[/itex] using [itex]u=sin(\theta)[/itex] we got now: [tex]\int \frac{du} {u}[/tex] and the grand finale [tex]\ln(sin(\theta))[/tex]
 
Mechdude said:
is this what you mean? : [tex]\frac{1}{v(1+v^2)}[/tex] and substituting [itex]v=tan(\theta)[/itex]
[tex]dv= tan^2(\theta) + 1[/tex] now we have [tex]\int \frac{tan^2(\theta) + 1 }{tan\theta (1 + tan^2 (\theta))} d\theta[/tex] after cancelling :
[tex]\int \frac {d\theta} {tan(\theta)}[/tex] but tan is identical to [itex]\frac{sin}{cos}[/itex] using [itex]u=sin(\theta)[/itex] we got now: [tex]\int \frac{du} {u}[/tex] and the grand finale [tex]\ln(sin(\theta))[/tex]
That is indeed what I mean. However, you should note that this integral no longer applies to your "corrected" question.
 
Hootenanny said:
That is indeed what I mean. However, you should note that this integral no longer applies to your "corrected" question.

why? The working i gave was for the corrected question , not the first erroneous one
 
Mechdude said:
why? The working i gave was for the corrected question , not the first erroneous one
Starting from your corrected ODE,

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]

and substituting y=vx yields,

[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{2v}{1+v^2} - v[/tex]

[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v - v^3}{1+v^2}[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{1+v^2}{v\left(1-v^2\right)}\;dv = \int\frac{dx}{x}[/tex]

Which does not match your integrals. It seems that you have dropped a sign.
 
  • #10
Hootenanny said:
Starting from your corrected ODE,




[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]


and substituting y=vx yields,

[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{2v}{1+v^2} - v[/tex]

[tex]x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v - v^3}{1+v^2}[/tex]

[tex]\int\frac{1+v^2}{v\left(1-v^2\right)}\;dv = \int\frac{dx}{x}[/tex]

Which does not match your integrals. It seems that you have dropped a sign.

thanks, my signs need some more work,
from here is this how this would be done: [tex]\int\frac{1}{v\left(1-v^2\right)}\;dv[/tex]
let [itex]v= sin\theta[/itex] , [itex]dv= cos\theta d\theta[/itex] and we have,
[tex]\int \frac {cos\theta}{sin\theta cos^2 \theta }d\theta[/tex]
eventually
[tex]2\int \frac {1}{sin2\theta}d\theta[/tex] and
[tex]2\int csc2\theta d\theta[/tex]
 
  • #11
From here
Mechdude said:
[tex]2\int \frac {1}{sin2\theta}d\theta[/tex]
note that

[tex]\sin2\theta = \frac{2\tan\theta}{1+tan^2\theta} = \frac{2\tan\theta}{\sec^2\theta}[/tex]

Hence,

[tex]2\int \frac {1}{sin2\theta}d\theta = \int\frac{\sec^2\theta}{\tan\theta}d\theta[/tex]

And note that,

[tex]\frac{d}{d\theta}\tan\theta = \sec^2\theta[/tex]

From here, your integral is trivial.
 
  • #12
[tex] \frac{1+v^2}{v\left(1-v^2\right)}\ = \frac{1}{v}+\frac{1}{1-v}-\frac{1}{1+v}[/tex]

ehild
 
  • #13
Thanks, i get the method now
 

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