Solving a Tricky Second-Order Differential Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation of the form (x^2 + y^2 - y)dx + x dy = 0, specifically for positive values of x and y. Participants are exploring various methods to approach this equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the equation in terms of dy/dx and considers whether it can be transformed into a second-order differential equation. Some participants suggest using substitutions, such as y = vx, to simplify the problem. Others explore rewriting the equation in different forms to identify potential functions or relationships.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding substitutions and transformations, but there is no explicit consensus on a single method or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the original problem statement and are questioning the appropriateness of various methods and substitutions without resolving the underlying complexities of the equation.

thorjj
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Homework Statement



Solve (x^2 + y^2 - y)dx + x dy = 0 when x > 0, y > 0.

Homework Equations



(x^2 + y^2 - y)dx + x dy = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



dy/dx = - (x^2 + y^2 - y) / x
That seems like a tricky one. Can I make it a second-order diff. eq.?
Well, with the topic we have had about vectorfields I can backwards engineer it into
F(x,y) = (x^2 + y^2 - y)i + (-x)j
But that dosn't make much sense to me.
 
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(Hmm, I miss an edit-button...)

I shorted it down to x dy/dx = -x^2 - y^2 + y or dy/dx = -x -y^2/x + y/x
 
You don't have to complicate this one unnecessarily. The substitution y=vx works fine here.
 
[tex](x^2+y^2)dx + (xdy-ydx) = 0 =><br /> dx + \frac{xdy-ydx}{x^2+y^2} = 0.[/tex]

Whenever you get (xdy-ydx), see if you can make it into the form

[tex]\frac{xdy-ydx}{x^2}[/tex], since that is equal to [tex]d(\frac{y}{x}).[/tex]

See if you can spot a function of (y/x) with the d(y/x) here.
 

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