Using substitution in differential eq

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation of the form x(dy/dx) + y = 1/y^2 using substitution methods. The original poster identifies it as a Bernoulli equation and attempts to manipulate it for a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts a substitution with u = y^3 and expresses the differential equation in terms of u. They raise a question about the validity of their resulting expression and why it does not yield the expected solution.
  • Some participants question the accuracy of the original poster's manipulation and suggest careful attention to the terms and their arrangement.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative substitution of u = xy, prompting further exploration of the problem.
  • One participant notes that the differential equation is separable, suggesting a different approach to solving it.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and suggesting alternative methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach, but various lines of reasoning are being explored, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of maintaining clarity in the manipulation of terms and suggest checking for separability at the outset. There are indications of confusion regarding the treatment of terms in the differential equation.

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xdy/dx+y=1/y^2:using substitution in differential eq

Homework Statement


solve using substitution
xdy/dx+y=1/y^2


The Attempt at a Solution


Thanks to the people who've help me thus far. here's a bernulli problem that I'm having. I change this problem around to...
dy/dx=y^3/xy^2
xy^2dy=y^3dx

using u sub.
u=y^3
du=3y^2dy

substituted problem

1/3xdu=udx
du/dx=3xu
du/dx-3xu=0

then I get e^(integral -3x)=e^(-3x^2/2)

Here's where I'm stuck

e^(-3x^2/2)u=integral 0*e^(-3x^2/2)

doesn't that just have c? which later becomes
u=ce^(3x^2/2)
However, that's not the solution of the equation which is
y^3=1+cx^-3

Can someone explain why?
 
Last edited:
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There are three terms in your original DE, so you have dropped one. Also you need to be careful whether your x is in the numerator or denominator as you work. Use parentheses when there is doubt. After your substitution your DE should look like this:

\frac 1 3 x u' + u = 1

Once you put that in correct form and find the integrating factor, you shouldn't have any ex terms.
 
And what about substituting u=xy?

ehild
 
The DE is separable, which is something you should check for at the start in problems like this.

The original equation is equivalent to
\frac{y^2 dy}{1 - y^3} = \frac{dx}{x}
 

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