Variable Separation: Solving x^2y'=1-x^2+y^2-x^2y^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the differential equation given by x^2y' = 1 - x^2 + y^2 - x^2y^2, focusing on the separation of variables technique.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss attempts to separate the y terms from the x terms, with one participant expressing difficulty in achieving this separation. There are questions about the implications of dividing by y^2 and whether it applies to all terms in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared their attempts and frustrations with the problem, while others have suggested factoring as a potential approach. There is a recognition of the challenge in manipulating the equation, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the methods they are willing to explore. There is an ongoing discussion about the validity of certain algebraic manipulations.

erok81
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Homework Statement



[tex]x^2y'=1-x^2+y^2-x^2y^2[/tex]

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to separate the y terms on one side and the x terms on the other so I can solve this differential equation. I've tried everything I can think of, but cannot get them on their respective sides.

Any hints starting in the right direction?
 
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erok81 said:

Homework Statement



[tex]x^2y'=1-x^2+y^2-x^2y^2[/tex]

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to separate the y terms on one side and the x terms on the other so I can solve this differential equation. I've tried everything I can think of, but cannot get them on their respective sides.

Any hints starting in the right direction?

[tex]x^2y'=(1-x^2)+(1-x^2)y^2[/tex]
 
That was actually what I tried in the beginning.

Next I tried dividing everything by x^2 to get y' alone. Then tried subtracting (1-x^2)y^2. Then spent the next ten minutes moving things back and forth until I started over.

This is really stupid, but say I am dividing both sides by y^2. It has to go into all three pieces, correct? It doesn't just get canceled out one the one side, does it?
 
hmm, you can factorize [tex] (1-x^2)[/tex]

[tex] (1-x^2)(1+y^2)[/tex]

;P
 
Haha, thanks.

I love spending forever on some problems, only to find out the easiest method is the correct answer. I always get stuck on the easiest ones. I don't get it. :smile:[tex](1-x^2)(1+y^2) = 1-x^2+y^2-x^2y^2[/tex] aka the original problem. I don't think they make factoring problems easier than that.:-p
 
Last edited:

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