Solving the Differential Equation: (x²y² + xy + 1)ydx + (x²y² - xy + 1)xdy = 0
This article aims to guide you through the process of solving the given differential equation:
(x²y² + xy + 1)ydx + (x²y² - xy + 1)xdy = 0
This equation is a non-exact differential equation, meaning it cannot be directly integrated. However, we can make it exact by finding an integrating factor. Let's break down the solution step-by-step:
1. Identifying the Equation as Non-Exact
A differential equation of the form M(x,y)dx + N(x,y)dy = 0 is exact if:
∂M/∂y = ∂N/∂x
In our case:
- M(x,y) = (x²y² + xy + 1)y
- N(x,y) = (x²y² - xy + 1)x
Calculating the partial derivatives:
- ∂M/∂y = 2x²y² + 3xy + 1
- ∂N/∂x = 2x²y² - y + 1
Since ∂M/∂y ≠ ∂N/∂x, the equation is not exact.
2. Finding an Integrating Factor
We can find an integrating factor μ(x,y) to make the equation exact. There are two common methods:
- Method 1: If (∂M/∂y - ∂N/∂x)/N is a function of x alone, then μ(x) = exp(∫(∂M/∂y - ∂N/∂x)/N dx)
- Method 2: If (∂N/∂x - ∂M/∂y)/M is a function of y alone, then μ(y) = exp(∫(∂N/∂x - ∂M/∂y)/M dy)
In our case:
(∂M/∂y - ∂N/∂x)/N = (4xy + 2)/[(x²y² - xy + 1)x]
This expression is not a function of x alone. Let's check the other method:
(∂N/∂x - ∂M/∂y)/M = (-4xy - 2)/[(x²y² + xy + 1)y]
This is also not a function of y alone. Therefore, we cannot use the standard methods to find an integrating factor directly.
3. Alternative Approach: Grouping Terms
We can manipulate the equation to make it easier to solve. Notice that the terms in the equation can be grouped as follows:
(x²y² + xy + 1)ydx + (x²y² - xy + 1)xdy = 0
(x²y² + 1)(ydx + xdy) + xy(ydx - xdy) = 0
Now, let's introduce new variables:
- u = xy
- v = x²y² + 1
We can rewrite the equation as:
v(du) + u(dv) = 0
This equation is now exact!
4. Solving the Exact Equation
Since the equation is exact, we can integrate both sides:
∫v(du) + ∫u(dv) = C
Where C is the constant of integration.
Integrating both sides:
vu = C
Substituting back the original variables:
(x²y² + 1)(xy) = C
5. Final Solution
Therefore, the general solution to the differential equation is:
(x²y² + 1)(xy) = C
Where C is an arbitrary constant. This represents a family of curves that satisfy the original differential equation.
This approach demonstrates how to solve a non-exact differential equation using an alternative method of grouping terms and introducing new variables to achieve an exact form.