Solving for dy/dx: x/(x2y + y3)

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SUMMARY

The differential equation dy/dx = x/(x²y + y³ requires advanced techniques for solving. The discussion highlights that the Lambert W function is essential for finding a solution, as the equation can be transformed into a form involving z + ln(z) = c. Substituting u = y² simplifies the equation into a separable form, leading to v - ln(v) = g(x), where the Lambert W function becomes applicable. Alternative methods include finding a function h such that x = h(y) if the Lambert W function is not preferred.

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Homework Statement



dy/dx = x/(x2y + y3)

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



The middle term is what's throwing me off. I can't put it in terms of y = vx (Dividing by x2 means that the y term gets screwed up. (It would turn it into yv2). Out of curiosity, I tried flat-out substituting y = vx (and turning dy/dx into x*dv/dx + v), but that didn't work either. It's obviously not exact, and I don't see how it could be made linear, so I'm not sure where to begin.
 
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checkmatechamp said:

Homework Statement



dy/dx = x/(x2y + y3)

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



The middle term is what's throwing me off. I can't put it in terms of y = vx (Dividing by x2 means that the y term gets screwed up. (It would turn it into yv2). Out of curiosity, I tried flat-out substituting y = vx (and turning dy/dx into x*dv/dx + v), but that didn't work either. It's obviously not exact, and I don't see how it could be made linear, so I'm not sure where to begin.

Doesn't look like there's an elementary solution to this: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=dy/dx=x/(x^2y+y^3)
 
The answer will involve the Lambert W function. Is this something you are familiar with? Basically, one arrives at something like ##z + \ln z = c## (or ##c = ze^z##) and needs to solve for ##z##.

Start by substituting ##u = y^2## and then do another substitution. This should give you a separable equation which, after you solve it, gives you something like ##v - \ln v = g(x)##. This would be where the Lambert W function comes into play.

Edit: If you don't like Lambert's W function, you can find a function ##h## such that ##x = h(y)##.
 
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