Where Do I Start with First-Order Linear ODEs?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) that the original poster is attempting to solve. The equation appears to involve terms that complicate its classification, such as a logarithmic function of the dependent variable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of the ODE, questioning its linearity due to the presence of the ln(y) term. There are attempts to identify integrating factors and to manipulate the equation into a solvable form. Some participants verify partial derivatives and suggest alternative approaches to simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and suggestions, including the use of integrating factors and transformations. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and approaches, with no clear consensus on the next steps, but there is a collaborative effort to guide understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the challenge of simultaneously taking calculus and differential equations, which may influence their understanding of the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the classification of the equation and the validity of their manipulations.

decemberdays86
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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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