Solving y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2}: An Alternative Approach

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In summary, the conversation discussed solving the differential equation y' = (1+y)^2 / (x(y+1) - x^2) and the individual tried using different methods such as substitution and the method of successive approximations. The conversation also touched on the assumption of y' being positive or negative in a certain domain and how to interpret it.
  • #1
estro
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I want to solve:
[itex] y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2} [/itex]

What I tried:
I have no basis to think that y' is positive or negative in some domain, but if I do, I can write:
[itex] x'(y)=\frac {x(y+1)-x^2}{(1+y)^2}=\frac{x}{(1+y)} +\frac{x^2}{(1+y)^2}[/itex]

and then I can substitute [itex]z=\frac{x}{(1+y)}[/itex]

And I get the following ODE: [itex](y+1)\frac{dz}{dy}+z=z-z^2[/itex].

So the solution is [itex]\frac{1}{z}=\frac{(y+1)}{x}=\ln|y+1|+C [/itex].

Then I can mark all this as "draft" and write: Let's notice that if [itex]F(x,y)=\frac{(y+1)}{x}-\ln|y+1|=C [/itex] is a potential, so this is indeed the solution.

Is this solution legit?
How can I solve this problem alternatively?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
estro said:
And I get the following ODE: [itex](y+1)\frac{dz}{dy}+z=z-z^2[/itex].
You might want to check that. I get something a little simpler.
Then I can mark all this as "draft" and write: Let's notice that if [itex]F(x,y)=\frac{(y+1)}{x}-\ln|y+1|=C [/itex] is a potential, so this is indeed the solution.
Sorry, I don't follow your logic there. Did you check that your solution satisfies the original equation?
Try substituting z = (y+1)/x straight off.
 
  • #3
This is what I've got: attached pdf document.
Can you help me to spot what I did wrong?
 

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  • #4
Hmm I only looked at this for a moment, but it looks like a POSSIBLE candidate for the method of successive approximations.
 
  • #5
estro said:
I want to solve:
[itex] y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2} [/itex]

What I tried:
I have no basis to think that y' is positive or negative in some domain, but if I do, I can write:
[itex] x'(y)=\frac {x(y+1)-x^2}{(1+y)^2}=\frac{x}{(1+y)} +\frac{x^2}{(1+y)^2}[/itex]

This is a Bernoulli ODE with n = 2, with respect to [itex]x(y)[/itex] and is transformed to a linear ODE with the substitution:
[tex]
z = x^{1 - n} = x^{-1}
[/tex]
The derivative is:
[tex]
x' = -x^{-2} \, x'
[/tex]
So, multiply the equation by [itex](-x^{-2})[/itex], and see what you get.
 
  • #6
Dickfore said:
This is a Bernoulli ODE with n = 2, with respect to [itex]x(y)[/itex] and is transformed to a linear ODE with the substitution:
[tex]
z = x^{1 - n} = x^{-1}
[/tex]
The derivative is:
[tex]
x' = -x^{-2} \, x'
[/tex]
So, multiply the equation by [itex](-x^{-2})[/itex], and see what you get.

Thanks!

But, can I assume that y' is positive or negative in some domain?
How can I explain this?
 
  • #7
[itex]x'[/itex] and [itex]y'[/itex] have the same sign.
 
  • #8
I understand this. but how I can understand that any of one of the tho preserve sign in any domain?
 
  • #9
estro said:
I understand this. but how I can understand that any of one of the tho preserve sign in any domain?

Ok, so:
[tex]
y' = \frac{(1 + y)^2}{x (y + 1) - x^2} = \frac{(1 + y)^2}{x (y + 1 - x)}
[/tex]
The sign of [itex]y'[/itex] is the same as the sign of [itex]x (y + 1 - x)[/itex]. You may draw the regions in the x-y plane where this is positive, negative, or zero. When it is zero, [itex]y'[/itex] diverges, but [itex]x' = 0[/itex] (unless [itex]y = -1[/itex]).

When you find the general solution, try and see if any particular solution crosses from one region to another.
 
  • #10
Thank you very much!
 

FAQ: Solving y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2}: An Alternative Approach

What is the purpose of "Solving y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2}: An Alternative Approach"?

The purpose of this approach is to find a solution for the differential equation y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2} that differs from the standard methods of separation of variables or using an integrating factor. This alternative approach may be useful in certain situations where the standard methods do not work or are difficult to apply.

How does this alternative approach differ from the standard methods of solving differential equations?

This approach involves rewriting the differential equation in a different form and then using a substitution to simplify it. It differs from the standard methods of separation of variables and using an integrating factor because it does not require the equation to be in a specific form or involve any integration. Instead, it relies on algebraic manipulation and substitution to find a solution.

What are the advantages of using this alternative approach?

One advantage is that it may provide a solution in cases where the standard methods do not work or are difficult to apply. It also does not require any integration, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Additionally, this approach can be used to find solutions for a wider range of differential equations, not just those of the form y'=\frac{(1+y)^2} {x(y+1)-x^2}.

Are there any limitations to this alternative approach?

As with any method, there are limitations to this approach. It may not work for all types of differential equations and it may not always provide the most efficient solution. It also requires a certain level of algebraic manipulation skills, which may be challenging for some individuals.

In what situations would it be beneficial to use this alternative approach?

This approach may be beneficial when the standard methods of solving differential equations are not applicable or when a quick, algebraic solution is desired. It may also be useful for students learning about differential equations, as it provides an alternative perspective and approach to solving them.

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