Where Do I Start with First-Order Linear ODEs?

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The discussion focuses on solving a first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) that is not exact or homogeneous. The original equation is y' - 4xy + (2y ln(y))/x = 0, and participants suggest using an integrating factor and transforming the equation. A key insight involves dividing by y, leading to the form d/dx(x^2 ln(y)) = 4x^3, which simplifies the problem. The conversation also touches on the use of substitution and the integration of functions to find the solution. Ultimately, the user expresses gratitude for the assistance received in navigating the complexities of the ODE.
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First-Order Linear ODE help?

This is my first post here. I'm still getting used to LATEX syntax so please forgive any mistakes. My question is on a simple differential equation... it doesn't appear to be exact or homogeneous... where do I start?

thanks in advance.

DD86
 

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HINT: Look for an integrating factor.
 
y'-4xy+2yln(y)/x=0

M(x,y)= -4xy \quad and \quad N(x,y)=2yln(y)/x

err.. I'm taking Calc 3 and diff eq at the same time so I hope my partials are right...

M_{y}=-4x \quad and \quad N_{x}=0

IntegFactor is defined as I(x) = e^{\int (M_{y} - N_{x})/N dx} according to my notes. yeah I'm still stuck. Could someone verify the partial derivatives though?

EDIT: I now have y'+2y(-2x+ln(y)/x)=0 which looks nicer but I am still at a loss for what to do next...

What integrating factor am I looking for?
 
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December, need to put it into the form:

Mdx+Ndy=0

Thus for:

y^{'}-4xy+\frac{2yln(y)}{x}=0

we'd have:

(2yln(y)-4x^2y)dx+xdy=0

But that's not happening for me either. Can't see a way to solve it.

Tide . . . how about another hint? Somebody else too is ok.

Edit: Oh yea, it's not linear because of the ln(y) term.
 
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DecemberDays86, This really doesn't have to do with anything, but, do you post on bodybuilding.com also?
 
thanks for your input saltdog. My prof seems to like asking questions where you need to recognize "chain-ruled" things. For example, I have to get used to identifying a product of two terms as the derivative of some compossite function... not cool hehe
 
How about this?

Divide both sides of your equation by y, note that y'/y = (ln y)', multiply both sides by x and finally arrive at

\frac {d}{dx} \left( x^2 \ln y \right) =4 x^3

then see where you can go from there!
 
Tide said:
How about this?

Divide both sides of your equation by y, note that y'/y = (ln y)', multiply both sides by x and finally arrive at

\frac {d}{dx} \left( x^2 \ln y \right) =4 x^3

then see where you can go from there!

Ok, I get it now. Thanks Tide. You too December . . . PF rocks. :smile:
 
smart trick Tide!

here's my mess of a solution:

xy'+4x^2y-2ylny=0
y'-4xy=(-2ylny)/x

Let \quad y = e^{g(x)} \implies y'=g'e^{g(x)}

g'e^{g(x)}-4xe^{g(x)}= \frac {-2g(x)e^{g(x)}}{x}

divide out e^g(x) and rearrange

g'+\frac {2}{x}g=4x, Let \quad P(x) = 2/x \quad and \quad Q(x)=4x

g(x) = e^{- \int P(x) dx}[\int Q(x)e^{\int P(x) dx} dx + C]

\frac {1}{x^2}[x^4+C] \implies g(x)=x^2 + \frac {C}{x^2}

QUESTION: am I allowed to call the "c/x^2" term just another constant?

back-sub y(x) = e^{g(x)} = e^{(x^2)}*e^{\frac {C}{x^2}}


Thanks for all of your help.
 
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