Who can find the solution to this ODE?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the solution to a specific ordinary differential equation (ODE) given by \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x^2y^2 - y}{x}\). Participants explore different methods for solving this equation, including the Bernoulli equation approach and the use of exact differentials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the ODE and seeks a solution.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the ODE in a form suitable for a Bernoulli equation and references external material for further reading.
  • A different participant proposes an alternative method using exact differentials, leading to a derived solution.
  • One participant expresses approval of the solution provided by another, indicating a positive reception of the method used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present different methods for solving the ODE, with no consensus on a single approach. The discussion includes multiple competing views on how to tackle the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some methods rely on specific mathematical transformations, and the discussion does not resolve the effectiveness or preference for one method over another.

Cody Palmer
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Looking for the solution to the following ODE:
\[<br /> \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x^2y^2 - y}{x}<br /> \]
 
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rewrite it as

\frac{dy}{dx}=xy^2-\frac{y}{x} \Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx}+\frac{y}{x}=xy^2


then read about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli_differential_equation"
 
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I had not thought of turning it into a Bernoulli equation. Actually though I found out another, more elementary way of doing it using exact differentials:
\[<br /> \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x^2y^2 - y}{x} \Rightarrow x dy = x^2y^2 dx - y dx<br /> \]
Divide through by y^2
\[<br /> x\frac{1}{y^2} dy = x^2 dx - \frac{1}{y} dx \Rightarrow x\frac{1}{y^2} dy - (- \frac{1}{y}) dx = x^2 dx<br /> \]<br /> \[<br /> \frac{x\frac{1}{y^2} dy - (- \frac{1}{y}) dx}{x^2} = dx<br /> \]
The LHS is the exact differential for the quotient \frac{-\frac{1}{y}}{x}
So we can integrate both sides to get
\[<br /> -\frac{1}{xy} = x + c \Rightarrow y=-\frac{1}{x^2 + cx}<br /> \]
 
Nice Cody Palmer, very nice :approve:

coomast
 

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