Solving the Differential Equation (3xy^2 - y^3)dx - (2x^2y - xy^2)dy = 0
This article will walk through the process of solving the given differential equation:
(3xy^2 - y^3)dx - (2x^2y - xy^2)dy = 0
Identifying the Type of Differential Equation
First, we need to identify the type of differential equation we're dealing with. This equation is a first-order homogeneous differential equation. Here's why:
- First-order: The highest derivative present is the first derivative (dy/dx).
- Homogeneous: All terms in the equation have the same degree (3 in this case).
Solving the Homogeneous Equation
To solve homogeneous equations, we use the substitution:
y = vx
where 'v' is a function of x. This substitution helps simplify the equation and makes it easier to solve.
1. Substitute y = vx and dy = vdx + xdv
Substituting these into the original equation gives us:
(3x(vx)^2 - (vx)^3)dx - (2x^2(vx) - x(vx)^2)(vdx + xdv) = 0
2. Simplify the Equation
Simplifying the equation, we get:
(3v^2x^3 - v^3x^3)dx - (2v^2x^3 - v^2x^3)(vdx + xdv) = 0
Combining like terms:
(3v^2x^3 - v^3x^3 - 2v^3x^3 + v^3x^3)dx - (2v^3x^4 - v^3x^4)dv = 0
Further simplification:
(3v^2x^3 - 2v^3x^3)dx - (v^3x^4)dv = 0
3. Separate the Variables
Now, separate the variables x and v:
(3v^2x^3 - 2v^3x^3) / (v^3x^4) dx = dv
Simplifying:
(3/v - 2/x) dx = dv
4. Integrate Both Sides
Integrate both sides with respect to their respective variables:
∫(3/v - 2/x) dx = ∫dv
This gives us:
3ln|v| - 2ln|x| = v + C
5. Substitute Back y = vx
Substitute back v = y/x:
3ln|y/x| - 2ln|x| = y/x + C
6. Simplify the Solution
The solution can be further simplified using logarithmic properties:
ln|y^3/x^5| = y/x + C
This is the general solution to the differential equation (3xy^2 - y^3)dx - (2x^2y - xy^2)dy = 0.
Finding a Particular Solution
To find a particular solution, you would need an initial condition (e.g., y(1) = 2). This initial condition allows you to solve for the constant C in the general solution.
This step-by-step process demonstrates how to solve a first-order homogeneous differential equation. Remember that the specific solution will depend on the initial conditions provided.