Differential Equation - should be simple, but?

In summary, the conversation discusses a differential equation and the attempts of the individual to solve it. They try to separate variables, find a multiplying factor, and a suitable transformation, but are not successful. They discuss using an integrating factor to make the equation exact and eventually find a solution through a substitution.
  • #1
QuasarRage
4
0

Homework Statement



I am studying for the exams, and not terribly practiced on DE's yet. From a mock-test I found this DE - it be solved? A complete solution would be appreciated so I can understand the answer and compare it to my notes please...


dy/dx - 2xy = ( y ln (y) ) / x

The Attempt at a Solution



I have attempted so far:

a) Separate variables.
I cannot, I get stuck at something like dy + ( -2XY -(Y ln(y)) ) dx = 0, which I tried to make dy*x/y + (-2x^2 -lny )dx = 0 and cannot find a way to separate further

b) Find a multiplicator (is it how is it called? sorry I am not a native English speaker and not yet very familiar with English mathematics terminology), anyway, something to multiply it with so that it can become directly differentable. I don't know how to go about it at the moment.

c) Find a suitable transformation. No luck...

Thanks for reading, thanks for the solution if you provide it...
 
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  • #2
Write it as:

(x/y)*dy-(2*x^2+ln(y))*dx=0 and think about it again. "Multiplicator"="Integrating factor".
 
  • #3
Thanks for the answer. I actually reached that point, but unless I am a complete dummy, it still is not an exact DE.

...M(x,y)....N(x,y)
(2x^2 + lny)dx + (-x/y)dy = 0

dM/dy = 1/y != dN/dx = -1/y so it is not exact.

.So how do I tackle the minus? Is it still a matter of finding a correct integrating factor? Please take it a step further for me, this is actually the point I am stuck at, it is so frustrating I cannot describe it
 
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  • #4
You are right. I missed the sign. Back to the drawing board.
 
  • #5
i hope it's not bad form to re-use my post from a similar type of question:from this point:

QuasarRage said:
...M(x,y)....N(x,y)
(2x^2 + lny)dx + (-x/y)dy = 0

dM/dy = 1/y != dN/dx = -1/y so it is not exact.

.So how do I tackle the minus? Is it still a matter of finding a correct integrating factor? Please take it a step further for me, this is actually the point I am stuck at, it is so frustrating I cannot describe it
yes, you can convert it to exact by trying:
mybsaccownt said:
Yes...it does look like it would be an exact equation, but it's not quite there.

Is there anything we can do to make it so?

how about finding an integrating factor to multiply through in order to convert it to exact?

if...

[tex]\frac{My-Nx}{N}[/tex]

is a function of x only, then the solution to:

[tex]\frac{d\mu}{dx} = \frac{My-Nx}{N} \mu [/tex]

gives [tex]\mu[/tex] as the appropriate integrating factor

or if

[tex]\frac{Nx-My}{M}[/tex]

is a function of y only, then the solution to:

[tex]\frac{d\mu}{dx} = \frac{Nx-My}{M} \mu[/tex]

gives you the integrating factor, [tex]\mu[/tex]
 
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  • #6
SO you have the equation

[tex] \frac{dy}{dx}=2xy+\frac{y}{x}\ln y [/tex]

Make the substitution
[tex] y(x)=e^{p(x)} [/tex]

The resulting ODE is

[tex] \frac{dp}{dx}=\frac{p}{x}+2x [/tex]

For [itex] x\neq 0 [/itex], we get

[tex] \frac{1}{x}\frac{dp}{dx}-\frac{p}{x^2}=2 [/tex]

which is the same as

[tex] \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{p(x)}{x}\right)=2 [/tex]

The rest is trivial.
 
  • #7
Thank you very much dick, mybsaccownt and dextercioby for the help, I have succeded in solving it both ways proposed (without looking at your solutions while I was doing it ofc :) )

My solution was: -2x + y + (lny)/x = c

Thanks again very much for your help.

For dextercioby's solution, what hinted us to this transformation pls? Was it the presence of lny in the equation?
 
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  • #8
Yes, of course, that way, i got rid of a nasty function of "y".
 

FAQ: Differential Equation - should be simple, but?

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its derivatives. It is used to model natural phenomena and is an essential tool in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, and economics.

How is a differential equation solved?

The solution to a differential equation is a function that satisfies the equation. Depending on the type of differential equation, there are different methods for solving it, such as separation of variables, substitution, or using an integrating factor. In some cases, the solution may only be found numerically using computers.

What is the difference between an ordinary and a partial differential equation?

An ordinary differential equation (ODE) involves a single independent variable and its derivatives, while a partial differential equation (PDE) involves multiple independent variables and their derivatives. ODEs are used to model dynamic systems, while PDEs are used to describe phenomena that vary in space and time, such as heat transfer or wave motion.

What are some real-life applications of differential equations?

Differential equations are used to model a wide range of phenomena in the natural and social sciences, including population growth, chemical reactions, fluid dynamics, and electrical circuits. They are also used in engineering to design and analyze systems, such as bridges, airplanes, and electronic devices.

Are differential equations difficult to understand?

Differential equations can be challenging to understand and solve, especially for those who are new to the subject. However, with proper instruction and practice, they can become easier to grasp. It is important to have a good understanding of calculus and algebra before studying differential equations.

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