How can I solve this non-linear first order differential equation?

In summary, ehild was able to integrate the right side of the equation to obtain a solution. She is stuck, however, because she does not know what to do with the x/y substitution.
  • #1
DryRun
Gold Member
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Homework Statement
http://s1.ipicture.ru/uploads/20120128/U1SBMa6O.jpg

The attempt at a solution
I expanded the equation and got:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{ylny-ylnx+y}{x}[/tex]
I can't use the method of separation of variables, nor is this a homogeneous equation. It's not a 1st order linear ODE nor in the Bernoulli format. I'm stuck.
 
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  • #2
Hi sharks,
The right side of the equation is function of y/x. Try new variable y/x=u.

ehild
 
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  • #3
Hi ehild!

So, i guess this is a homogeneous equation.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u(lny-lnx+1)[/tex]
I'm supposed to eliminate all y and x on the R.H.S. and replace by u only.
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u(lny-lnx+1)=u(lnu+1)=ulnu+u[/tex]
From [itex]y=ux[/itex], [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}=u+x\frac{du}{dx}[/itex]. Then, [itex]u+x\frac{du}{dx}=ulnu+u[/itex].

So, [itex]x\frac{du}{dx}=ulnu[/itex]
[tex]\frac{dx}{x}=\frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
 
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  • #4
And what is dy/dx in terms of u and x?

ehild
 
  • #5
I have edited my previous post but then I'm stuck at integrating the R.H.S. of: [tex]\int \frac{dx}{x}=\int \frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
[tex]lnx=\int \frac{1}{ulnu}\,.du[/tex]
If i consider integrating [itex]1/u[/itex] then i get [itex]lnu[/itex].
 
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  • #6
1/u is the differential of ln(u). So the integrand is of form 1/ln(u) (lnu)'
I just can not understand what you did.

ehild
 
  • #7
The integration result would then be [itex]ln(lnu)+lnA[/itex], where lnA is the arbitrary real constant of integration.
Therefore, [itex]lnx=ln(lnu)+lnA[/itex] or [itex]x=Alnu[/itex] or [itex]\frac{x}{A}=lnu[/itex]
[tex]\frac{x}{A}=ln\frac{y}{x}[/tex]
[tex]\huge e^\frac{x}{A}=\frac{y}{x}[/tex]
So, the final answer is (i'm using big font to make the power fraction more visible):
[tex]\huge y=xe^\frac{x}{A}[/tex]
Is that correct?
 
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  • #8
Try to substitute it back into the original equation.

ehild
 
  • #9
Yes, i get the same L.H.S and R.H.S. that is,
[tex]\huge \frac{xe^\frac{x}{A}}{A}+e^\frac{x}{A}[/tex]
So, i assume this is the proof. Thanks, ehild.:smile:
 
  • #10
You are welcome:smile: Remember that y/x substitution.

ehild
 

FAQ: How can I solve this non-linear first order differential equation?

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between a function and its derivatives. It involves the use of derivatives, which represent the rate of change of a function, and is commonly used to model physical systems in science and engineering.

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

An ordinary differential equation involves only one independent variable and its derivatives, while a partial differential equation involves multiple independent variables and their derivatives. Ordinary differential equations are generally easier to solve than partial differential equations.

How do you solve a differential equation?

The process of solving a differential equation involves finding a function that satisfies the equation. This can be done analytically, using mathematical techniques such as separation of variables, substitution, or series solutions. It can also be solved numerically using computational methods.

What are the applications of differential equations?

Differential equations have a wide range of applications in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and engineering. They are used to model and study complex systems, such as the motion of objects, population growth, heat transfer, and electrical circuits.

Why are differential equations important in science and engineering?

Differential equations provide a powerful tool for understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems. They allow scientists and engineers to create mathematical models that can be used to make predictions, design experiments, and solve real-world problems. Many fundamental laws and principles in science and engineering, such as Newton's laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics, are described by differential equations.

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