Solving the Homogeneous DE: x^2y'+y^2=xyy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the homogeneous differential equation x^2y' + y^2 = xyy'. Participants explore various approaches to tackle the problem, including substitutions and transformations, while questioning the correctness of their methods and results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to define a new variable z = y^2 and checks if the equation is homogeneous, leading to the substitution v = y/x. Some participants suggest dividing both sides by x^2 to simplify the equation. Others question why certain integrals were left unevaluated and discuss alternative approaches to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their attempts and questioning each other's reasoning. There is recognition of the homogeneous nature of the equation, and while some guidance has been offered regarding substitutions, there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the results obtained from their calculations, particularly regarding the satisfaction of the original differential equation. There are indications of fatigue affecting the clarity of reasoning, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

fluidistic
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Homework Statement


I must solve x^2y'+y^2=xyy'.

Homework Equations


Not sure but I think that f(tx,ty)=t^nf(x,y) could help.

The Attempt at a Solution


My first reflex was to define a new variable z=y^2 but I was stuck a few steps further.
So I checked out if it was homogeneous and I found out that yes it is, of order 2.
So I called a new variable v=y/x.
After some algebra, I reached v(x)=Ae^{\int \frac{x^2-1}{x}dx} where A is a constant. Now to get y(x), I'd multiply v(x) by x.
I'm not asking if my result is correct (I might have made some errors but overall I think the method does work. I'll check the result tomorrow since it's already too late), rather if there's a nicer or faster way to solve the exercise.
What would you have done in order to solve the DE?
 
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I have absolutely no idea how you found it was exact and I have to leave soon.

My advice is to divide both sides by x^2 and see what you recognize. I have to sleep now my friend.

*disappears from the shadows*
 
It is a homogenous equation. Therefore, it should be alright if you substitute v=y/x
 
Well, both flyingpig and icystrike tell you this equation is homogenous and recommend the substitution v= y/x. But your post says that is exactly what you did!

The only question is why you left
\int \frac{x^2- 1}{x}dx= \int x dx- \int\frac{dx}{x}
as an integral rather than actually integrating it!
 
Thank you all guys, so my way was ok and it seems it's efficient.
flyingpig said:
I have absolutely no idea how you found it was exact and I have to leave soon.

My advice is to divide both sides by x^2 and see what you recognize. I have to sleep now my friend.

*disappears from the shadows*
Well I said "homogeneous", not exact. I guess you were tired like me. :)
icystrike said:
It is a homogenous equation. Therefore, it should be alright if you substitute v=y/x
I see. That's exactly what I've done so I'm happy it seems I'm grasping it.
HallsofIvy said:
Well, both flyingpig and icystrike tell you this equation is homogenous and recommend the substitution v= y/x. But your post says that is exactly what you did!

The only question is why you left
\int \frac{x^2- 1}{x}dx= \int x dx- \int\frac{dx}{x}
as an integral rather than actually integrating it!
Yes... about the integral, I was so tired that when I saw the quotient I didn't even think 1 s about solving the integral. Now that I look at it, it looks like a piece of cake.
Thanks once again guys, problem solved.
 
Hmm I'm turning insane.
I reached v(x)=\frac{C}{x}e^{\frac{x^2}{2}} which indeed satisfy the DE x^2(xv'+v)+v^2x^2-x^2v(xv'+v)=0 as it should.
Now to get y(x), I thought I simply had to multiply v(x) by x, but this didn't work.
If I do so, I reach y(x)=Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}. This doesn't satisfy the original DE... I really don't understand why.
The left hand side of the original DE becomes x^3Ce^{\frac{x^2}{2}}+C^2e^{x^2}. The right hand side (which should be equal to the left hand side but isn't) is x^2C^2e^{x^2}.

If you're interested in my y', it's y'(x)=xCe^{\frac{x^2}{2}}. I have no idea what's going on!
 
Hey guys I still don't know what I did wrong. I posted my work in my last post and the answer doesn't satisfy the original DE...
On the other hand I attacked the problem by a friend's approach.
I divided the original DE by xy to get y' \left ( 1 - \frac{x}{y} \right ) -\frac{y}{x}=0. Then y'=\frac{y}{x} \cdot \frac{1}{1-\frac{x}{y}} which is separable. I get the implicit solution for y: \frac{y}{x}-\ln \left ( \frac{y}{x} \right )=\ln x+C.
But I still haven't figured out my error(s) in my last post.
 

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