Supposedly simple calculus problem.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Darth Frodo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
5 replies · 4K views
Darth Frodo
Messages
211
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Solve the differential equation.

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{xy}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{y}{x}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



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

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] = ([itex]\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex])([itex]\frac{1 + y^{2}}{y}[/itex])

([itex]\frac{y}{1 + y^{2}}[/itex])dy = [itex]\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex]dx

[itex]\oint\frac{y}{1 + y^{2}}[/itex]dy = [itex]\oint\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex]dx

I can't seem to get any further than there
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Darth Frodo said:

Homework Statement



Solve the differential equation.

[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{xy}[/itex] + [itex]\frac{y}{x}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{x + xy^{2}}{x^{2}y}[/itex]
It's simpler to just factor out 1/x, giving
dy/dx = (1/x)(1/y + y) = (1/x)(1 + y2)/y
Darth Frodo said:
[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] = ([itex]\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex])([itex]\frac{1 + y^{2}}{y}[/itex])

([itex]\frac{y}{1 + y^{2}}[/itex])dy = [itex]\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex]dx

[itex]\int\frac{y}{1 + y^{2}}[/itex]dy = [itex]\int\frac{x}{x^{2}}[/itex]dx

I can't seem to get any further than there
The first integral can be done with an ordinary substitution. In the integral on the right, simplify x/x2.
 
lurflurf said:
change variables u=y/x

Ray Vickson said:
Try multiplying both sides of your original DE by y.

RGV
Guys, the equation is separable, and the OP is close to getting a solution. IMO, the best thing to do is help him along the path he's on (which is the simplest), rather than steering him in a different direction.
 
Mark44 said:
Guys, the equation is separable, and the OP is close to getting a solution. IMO, the best thing to do is help him along the path he's on (which is the simplest), rather than steering him in a different direction.

I could not see the rest of his submission on my i-phone at the coffee shop, so that's why I replied.

RGV