Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chapter 03 PDF
Chapter 03 PDF
Chapter 9
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
he
He who seeks for methods without having a definite problem in mind
seeks for the most part in vain. – D. HILBERT
is
9.1 Introduction
In Class XI and in Chapter 5 of the present book, we
bl
discussed how to differentiate a given function f with respect
to an independent variable, i.e., how to find f ′(x) for a given
function f at each x in its domain of definition. Further, in
pu
the chapter on Integral Calculus, we discussed how to find
a function f whose derivative is the function g, which may
also be formulated as follows:
be T
dy
= g (x), where y = f (x) ... (1)
dx
An equation of the form (1) is known as a differential Henri Poincare
tt E
In this chapter, we will study some basic concepts related to differential equation,
general and particular solutions of a differential equation, formation of differential
equations, some methods to solve a first order - first degree differential equation and
some applications of differential equations in different areas.
©
he
differential equation.
In general, an equation involving derivative (derivatives) of the dependent variable
with respect to independent variable (variables) is called a differential equation.
is
A differential equation involving derivatives of the dependent variable with respect
to only one independent variable is called an ordinary differential equation, e.g.,
3
d 2 y ⎛ dy ⎞
bl
2 2 + ⎜ ⎟ = 0 is an ordinary differential equation .... (5)
dx ⎝ dx ⎠
Of course, there are differential equations involving derivatives with respect to
pu
more than one independent variables, called partial differential equations but at this
stage we shall confine ourselves to the study of ordinary differential equations only.
Now onward, we will use the term ‘differential equation’ for ‘ordinary differential
be T
equation’.
re
$ Note
o R
dy d2y d3y
= y′ , 2 = y ′′, 3 = y′′′
dx dx dx
C
the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable involved in the given
differential equation.
Consider the following differential equations:
dy
= ex ... (6)
dx
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 381
d2y
+y =0 ... (7)
dx 2
3
⎛ d3y ⎞ 2 ⎛ d2y ⎞
⎜ 3 ⎟+ x ⎜ 2 ⎟ = 0 ... (8)
⎝ dx ⎠ ⎝ dx ⎠
he
The equations (6), (7) and (8) involve the highest derivative of first, second and
third order respectively. Therefore, the order of these equations are 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
is
To study the degree of a differential equation, the key point is that the differential
equation must be a polynomial equation in derivatives, i.e., y′, y″, y″′ etc. Consider the
bl
following differential equations:
2
d 3 y ⎛ d 2 y ⎞ dy
+ 2⎜ 2 ⎟ − + y = 0
pu dx3 ⎝ dx ⎠ dx
... (9)
be T
2
⎛ dy ⎞ ⎛ dy ⎞
⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ − sin y = 0
2
... (10)
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
re
dx dx
o R
dy ⎛ dy ⎞
+ sin ⎜ ⎟ = 0 ... (11)
dx ⎝ dx ⎠
tt E
We observe that equation (9) is a polynomial equation in y″′, y″ and y′, equation (10)
is a polynomial equation in y′ (not a polynomial in y though). Degree of such differential
C
equations can be defined. But equation (11) is not a polynomial equation in y′ and
degree of such a differential equation can not be defined.
no N
(8) and (9) each are of degree one, equation (10) is of degree two while the degree of
differential equation (11) is not defined.
$ Note Order and degree (if defined) of a differential equation are always
positive integers.
382 MATHEMATICS
Example 1 Find the order and degree, if defined, of each of the following differential
equations:
2
dy d2y ⎛ dy ⎞ dy
(i) − cos x = 0 (ii) xy 2 + x ⎜ ⎟ − y =0
dx dx ⎝ dx ⎠ dx
(iii) y ′′′ + y 2 + e y′ = 0
he
Solution
dy
(i) The highest order derivative present in the differential equation is , so its
dx
is
dy
order is one. It is a polynomial equation in y′ and the highest power raised to
dx
bl
is one, so its degree is one.
d2y
(ii) The highest order derivative present in the given differential equation is , so
dx 2
pu
d2y dy
its order is two. It is a polynomial equation in 2 and and the highest
be T
dx dx
re
d2y
o R
order is three. The given differential equation is not a polynomial equation in its
derivatives and so its degree is not defined.
C
EXERCISE 9.1
Determine order and degree (if defined) of differential equations given in Exercises
no N
1 to 10.
4
d4y ⎛ ds ⎞ d 2s
1. + sin( y′′′) = 0 2. y′ + 5y = 0 3. ⎜ ⎟ + 3s 2 = 0
dx 4 ⎝ dt ⎠ dt
©
2
⎛ d2y ⎞ ⎛ dy ⎞ d2y
4. ⎜ 2 ⎟ + cos ⎜ ⎟ = 0 5. = cos3 x + sin 3 x
⎝ dx ⎠ ⎝ dx ⎠ dx 2
he
12. The order of the differential equation
d2y dy
2 x2 2
− 3 + y = 0 is
dx dx
is
(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 0 (D) not defined
9.3. General and Particular Solutions of a Differential Equation
bl
In earlier Classes, we have solved the equations of the type:
pu x2 + 1 = 0 ... (1)
2
sin x – cos x = 0 ... (2)
Solution of equations (1) and (2) are numbers, real or complex, that will satisfy the
given equation i.e., when that number is substituted for the unknown x in the given
be T
function φ that will satisfy it i.e., when the function φ is substituted for the unknown y
(dependent variable) in the given differential equation, L.H.S. becomes equal to R.H.S..
The curve y = φ (x) is called the solution curve (integral curve) of the given
C
where a, b ∈ R. When this function and its derivative are substituted in equation (3),
L.H.S. = R.H.S.. So it is a solution of the differential equation (3).
π
Let a and b be given some particular values say a = 2 and b = , then we get a
©
4
⎛ π⎞
function y = φ1(x) = 2sin ⎜ x + ⎟ ... (5)
⎝ 4⎠
When this function and its derivative are substituted in equation (3) again
L.H.S. = R.H.S.. Therefore φ1 is also a solution of equation (3).
384 MATHEMATICS
he
The solution free from arbitrary constants i.e., the solution obtained from the general
solution by giving particular values to the arbitrary constants is called a particular
solution of the differential equation.
Example 2 Verify that the function y = e– 3x is a solution of the differential equation
is
d 2 y dy
+ − 6y = 0
dx 2 dx
bl
Solution Given function is y = e– 3x. Differentiating both sides of equation with respect
to x , we get
dy
= −3 e −3 x
pu dx
... (1)
d2y
= 9 e – 3x
re
dx 2
o R
d 2 y dy
Substituting the values of , and y in the given differential equation, we get
dx 2 dx
tt E
dx 2
Solution The given function is
y = a cos x + b sin x ... (1)
©
d2y
Substituting the values of and y in the given differential equation, we get
dx 2
L.H.S. = (– a cos x – b sin x) + (a cos x + b sin x) = 0 = R.H.S.
Therefore, the given function is a solution of the given differential equation.
he
EXERCISE 9.2
In each of the Exercises 1 to 10 verify that the given functions (explicit or implicit) is a
solution of the corresponding differential equation:
1. y = ex + 1 : y″ – y′ = 0
is
2
2. y = x + 2x + C : y′ – 2x – 2 = 0
3. y = cos x + C : y′ + sin x = 0
bl
xy
4. y = 1 + x2 : y′ =
1 + x2
xy′ = y (x ≠ 0)
pu
5. y = Ax :
y2
(xy ≠ 1)
re
7. xy = log y + C : y′ =
1 − xy
o R
dy
10. y = a 2 − x 2 x ∈ (–a, a) : x+y
dx
= 0 (y ≠ 0)
C
11. The number of arbitrary constants in the general solution of a differential equation
of fourth order are:
no N
dy x +1
= (y ≠ 2) ... (2)
dx 2− y
which is a differential equation. You will find later on [See (example 9 section 9.5.1.)]
that this equation represents the family of circles and one member of the family is the
he
circle given in equation (1).
Let us consider the equation
x2 + y2 = r 2 ... (3)
By giving different values to r, we get different members of the family e.g.
is
x2 + y2 = 1, x2 + y2 = 4, x2 + y2 = 9 etc. (see Fig 9.1).
Thus, equation (3) represents a family of concentric
circles centered at the origin and having different radii.
bl
We are interested in finding a differential equation
that is satisfied by each member of the family. The
pu
differential equation must be free from r because r is
different for different members of the family. This
equation is obtained by differentiating equation (3) with
be T
respect to x, i.e.,
re
dy dy
o R
y=x (m = 1, c = 0)
y= 3x (m = 3 , c = 0)
y=x+1 (m = 1, c = 1)
©
y=–x (m = – 1, c = 0)
y=–x–1 (m = – 1, c = – 1) etc. ( see Fig 9.2).
Thus, equation (5) represents the family of straight lines, where m, c are parameters.
We are now interested in finding a differential equation that is satisfied by each
member of the family. Further, the equation must be free from m and c because m and
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 387
he
The equation (6) represents the family of straight
lines given by equation (5).
Note that equations (3) and (5) are the general Y’
is
solutions of equations (4) and (6) respectively.
Fig 9.2
9.4.1 Procedure to form a differential equation that will represent a given
bl
family of curves
(a) If the given family F1 of curves depends on only one parameter then it is
represented by an equation of the form
pu F1 (x, y, a) = 0 ... (1)
For example, the family of parabolas y2 = ax can be represented by an equation
be T
(b) If the given family F2 of curves depends on the parameters a, b (say) then it is
represented by an equation of the from
no N
he
the family of curves.
Example 4 Form the differential equation representing the family of curves y = mx,
where, m is arbitrary constant.
is
Solution We have
y = mx ... (1)
Differentiating both sides of equation (1) with respect to x, we get
bl
dy
=m
dx
dy
pu
Substituting the value of m in equation (1) we get y
dx
x
dy
x
be T
or –y=0
dx
which is free from the parameter m and hence this is the required differential equation.
re
o R
Solution We have
y = a sin (x + b) ... (1)
Differentiating both sides of equation (1) with respect to x, successively we get
C
dy
= a cos (x + b) ... (2)
dx
no N
d2y
= – a sin (x + b) ... (3)
dx 2
©
he
x2 y 2
+ =1 ... (1)
a 2 b2 Fig 9.3
2 x 2 y dy
Differentiating equation (1) with respect to x, we get + =0
is
a 2 b 2 dx
y ⎛ dy ⎞ −b 2
bl
or ⎜ ⎟= 2 ... (2)
x ⎝ dx ⎠ a
Differentiating both sides of equation (2) with respect to x, we get
pu
dy
2 x y
y d y dx dy
be T
=0
x dx 2 x 2
dx
re
o R
2
d2y dy dy
or xy x –y =0 ... (3)
dx 2 dx dx
tt E
dy
x y
dy dy dx
or x y = a or a = ... (2)
dx dx dy
dx
Substituting the value of a from equation (2) in equation (1), we get
he
dy
x y
dx
x2 + y2 = 2 y
dy
dx
is
dy 2 dy
or (x y 2 ) = 2 xy 2 y 2
dx dx
bl
dy 2 xy
or = 2 2
dx x –y
pu
This is the required differential equation of the given family of circles.
Example 8 Form the differential equation representing the family of parabolas having
be T
focus of a member of the given family, where a is an arbitrary constant. Therefore, equation
of family P is
tt E
dy
2y = 4a ... (2)
dx
Substituting the value of 4a from equation (2)
no N
⎛ dy ⎞
y2 = ⎜ 2 y ⎟ ( x)
⎝ dx ⎠
©
dy
or y 2 − 2 xy =0
dx
which is the differential equation of the given family
of parabolas. Fig 9.5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 391
EXERCISE 9.3
In each of the Exercises 1 to 5, form a differential equation representing the given
family of curves by eliminating arbitrary constants a and b.
x y
1. + =1 2. y2 = a (b2 – x2) 3. y = a e3x + b e– 2x
a b
he
4. y = e2x (a + bx) 5. y = ex (a cos x + b sin x)
6. Form the differential equation of the family of circles touching the y-axis at
origin.
7. Form the differential equation of the family of parabolas having vertex at origin
is
and axis along positive y-axis.
8. Form the differential equation of the family of ellipses having foci on y-axis and
centre at origin.
bl
9. Form the differential equation of the family of hyperbolas having foci on x-axis
and centre at origin.
pu
10. Form the differential equation of the family of circles having centre on y-axis
and radius 3 units.
11. Which of the following differential equations has y = c1 ex + c2 e–x as the general
be T
solution?
re
d2y d2y d2y d2y
+ = − = + = −1 = 0
o R
d2y dy d2y dy
(A) 2
− x2 + xy = x (B) 2
+x + xy = x
C
dx dx dx dx
d 2 y 2 dy d2y dy
(C) x xy 0 (D) + x + xy = 0
dx 2 2
no N
dx dx dx
9.5. Methods of Solving First Order, First Degree Differential Equations
In this section we shall discuss three methods of solving first order first degree differential
equations.
©
he
1
dy = g (x) dx ... (3)
h( y )
Integrating both sides of (3), we get
is
1
∫ h( y) dy = ∫ g ( x) dx ... (4)
bl
Thus, (4) provides the solutions of given differential equation in the form
pu H (y) = G (x) + C
1
Here, H (y) and G (x) are the anti derivatives of h( y ) and g (x) respectively and
C is the arbitrary constant.
be T
dy x + 1
re
Example 9 Find the general solution of the differential equation = , (y ≠ 2)
o R
dx 2 − y
Solution We have
tt E
dy x +1
= ... (1)
dx 2− y
C
∫ (2 − y) dy = ∫ ( x + 1) dx
©
y2 x2
or 2y − = + x + C1
2 2
or x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y + 2 C1 = 0
or x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y + C = 0, where C = 2C1
which is the general solution of equation (1).
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 393
dy 1 + y 2
Example 10 Find the general solution of the differential equation = .
dx 1 + x 2
Solution Since 1 + y2 ≠ 0, therefore separating the variables, the given differential
equation can be written as
he
dy dx
2 = ... (1)
1+ y 1 + x2
Integrating both sides of equation (1), we get
dy dx
∫ 1 + y2 ∫ 1 + x2
is
=
or tan–1 y = tan–1x + C
bl
which is the general solution of equation (1).
dy
Example 11 Find the particular solution of the differential equation = − 4 xy 2 given
pu dx
that y = 1, when x = 0.
Solution If y ≠ 0, the given differential equation can be written as
be T
dy
re
= – 4x dx ... (1)
y2
o R
1
C
or − = – 2x2 + C
y
1
no N
or y= ... (2)
2x − C 2
1
given differential equation as y = .
2x + 1
2
Example 12 Find the equation of the curve passing through the point (1, 1) whose
differential equation is x dy = (2x2 + 1) dx (x ≠ 0).
394 MATHEMATICS
2 x2 1
dy* = dx*
x
⎛ 1⎞
or dy = ⎜ 2x + ⎟ dx ... (1)
⎝ x⎠
he
Integrating both sides of equation (1), we get
⎛ 1⎞
∫ dy
= ∫ ⎜ 2x + ⎟ dx
⎝ x⎠
is
2
or y = x + log | x | + C ... (2)
Equation (2) represents the family of solution curves of the given differential equation
bl
but we are interested in finding the equation of a particular member of the family which
passes through the point (1, 1). Therefore substituting x = 1, y = 1 in equation (2), we
get C = 0.
pu
Now substituting the value of C in equation (2) we get the equation of the required
curve as y = x2 + log | x |.
Example 13 Find the equation of a curve passing through the point (–2, 3), given that
be T
2x
re
the slope of the tangent to the curve at any point (x, y) is .
y2
o R
dy
Solution We know that the slope of the tangent to a curve is given by .
dx
tt E
dy 2x
so, = 2 ... (1)
dx y
C
∫y ∫ 2 x dx
2
dy =
y3
©
or = x2 + C ... (3)
3
dy
* The notation due to Leibnitz is extremely flexible and useful in many calculation and formal
dx
transformations, where, we can deal with symbols dy and dx exactly as if they were ordinary numbers. By
treating dx and dy like separate entities, we can give neater expressions to many calculations.
Refer: Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, volume-I page 172, By Richard Courant,
Fritz John Spinger – Verlog New York.
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 395
he
Solution Let P be the principal at any time t. According to the given problem,
dp ⎛ 5 ⎞
= ⎜ ⎟×P
dt ⎝ 100 ⎠
is
dp P
or = ... (1)
dt 20
bl
separating the variables in equation (1), we get
dp dt
= ... (2)
P 20
pu
Integrating both sides of equation (2), we get
t
+ C1
be T
log P =
20
t
re
e 20 ⋅ eC1
o R
or P=
t
or P = C e 20 (where e C1 = C ) ... (3)
tt E
gives
t
P = 1000 e 20
no N
EXERCISE 9.4
For each of the differential equations in Exercises 1 to 10, find the general solution:
dy 1 − cos x dy
1. = 2. = 4 − y 2 (−2 < y < 2)
dx 1 + cos x dx
396 MATHEMATICS
dy
3. + y = 1 ( y ≠ 1) 4. sec2 x tan y dx + sec2 y tan x dy = 0
dx
dy
5. (ex + e–x) dy – (ex – e–x) dx = 0 6. = (1 + x 2 ) (1 + y 2 )
dx
dy
= − y5
he
7. y log y dx – x dy = 0 8. x5
dx
dy
9. = sin −1 x 10. ex tan y dx + (1 – ex) sec2 y dy = 0
dx
is
For each of the differential equations in Exercises 11 to 14, find a particular solution
satisfying the given condition:
bl
dy
11. ( x + x + x + 1)
3 2
= 2x2 + x; y = 1 when x = 0
dx
dy
12.
pu
x ( x 2 − 1)
dx
= 1 ; y = 0 when x = 2
⎛ dy ⎞
be T
dy
14. = y tan x ; y = 1 when x = 0
dx
tt E
15. Find the equation of a curve passing through the point (0, 0) and whose differential
equation is y′ = ex sin x.
C
dy
16. For the differential equation xy = ( x + 2) ( y + 2) , find the solution curve
dx
passing through the point (1, –1).
no N
17. Find the equation of a curve passing through the point (0, –2) given that at any
point (x, y) on the curve, the product of the slope of its tangent and y coordinate
of the point is equal to the x coordinate of the point.
©
18. At any point (x, y) of a curve, the slope of the tangent is twice the slope of the
line segment joining the point of contact to the point (– 4, –3). Find the equation
of the curve given that it passes through (–2, 1).
19. The volume of spherical balloon being inflated changes at a constant rate. If
initially its radius is 3 units and after 3 seconds it is 6 units. Find the radius of
balloon after t seconds.
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 397
20. In a bank, principal increases continuously at the rate of r% per year. Find the
value of r if Rs 100 double itself in 10 years (loge2 = 0.6931).
21. In a bank, principal increases continuously at the rate of 5% per year. An amount
of Rs 1000 is deposited with this bank, how much will it worth after 10 years
(e0.5 = 1.648).
22. In a culture, the bacteria count is 1,00,000. The number is increased by 10% in 2
he
hours. In how many hours will the count reach 2,00,000, if the rate of growth of
bacteria is proportional to the number present?
dy
23. The general solution of the differential equation = e x + y is
is
dx
(A) ex + e–y = C (B) ex + ey = C
bl
(C) e–x + ey = C (D) e–x + e–y = C
⎛ y⎞
F3 (x, y) = cos ⎜ ⎟ , F4 (x, y) = sin x + cos y
⎝x⎠
re
o R
If we replace x and y by λx and λy respectively in the above functions, for any nonzero
constant λ, we get
tt E
⎛ λy ⎞ ⎛ y⎞
F3 (λx, λy) = cos ⎜ ⎟ = cos ⎜ ⎟ = λ0 F3 (x, y)
⎝ λx ⎠ ⎝x⎠
no N
definition:
A function F(x, y) is said to be homogeneous function of degree n if
F(λx, λy) = λn F(x, y) for any nonzero constant λ.
We note that in the above examples, F1, F2, F3 are homogeneous functions of
degree 2, 1, 0 respectively but F4 is not a homogeneous function.
398 MATHEMATICS
he
⎛ 3y ⎞ ⎛ y⎞
F2(x, y) = x1 ⎜ 2 − ⎟ = x1h3 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ x ⎠ ⎝x⎠
1⎛ x ⎞ ⎛x⎞
F2(x, y) = y ⎜ 2 − 3 ⎟ = y h4 ⎜ ⎟
1
is
or
⎝ y ⎠ ⎝ y⎠
⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
⎟ = x h5 ⎜ ⎟
0 0
F3(x, y) = x cos ⎜
bl
⎝ x⎠ ⎝x⎠
n ⎛ y⎞
F4(x, y) ≠ x h6 ⎜ ⎟ , for any n ∈ N
⎝x⎠
pu
n ⎛x⎞
or F4 (x, y) ≠ y h7 ⎜ ⎟ , for any n ∈ N
⎝ y⎠
be T
n ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ x⎞
F (x, y) = x g ⎜ ⎟ or ynh ⎜ ⎟
⎝x⎠ ⎝ y⎠
tt E
dy
A differential equation of the form = F (x, y) is said to be homogenous if
dx
C
⎛ y⎞
no N
dy
= F ( x, y ) = g ⎜ ⎟ ... (1)
dx ⎝x⎠
We make the substitution y = v.x ... (2)
Differentiating equation (2) with respect to x, we get
©
dy dv
= v+x ... (3)
dx dx
dy
Substituting the value of from equation (3) in equation (1), we get
dx
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 399
dv
v+x = g (v)
dx
dv
or x = g (v) – v ... (4)
dx
Separating the variables in equation (4), we get
he
dv dx
= ... (5)
g (v ) − v x
Integrating both sides of equation (5), we get
is
dv 1
∫ g (v ) − v = ∫ x dx + C ... (6)
bl
Equation (6) gives general solution (primitive) of the differential equation (1) when
y
we replace v by .
x
pu dx
$Note If the homogeneous differential equation is in the form
dy
= F( x , y )
be T
x
= v i.e., x = vy and we proceed further to find the general solution as discussed
y
dx ⎛ x⎞
= F( x, y ) = h ⎜ ⎟ .
tt E
above by writing
dy ⎝ y⎠
dy
C
x 2y
Let F (x, y) =
x y
( x 2 y) 0
Now F (λx, λy) = F ( x, y )
( x y)
400 MATHEMATICS
Therefore, F (x, y) is a homogenous function of degree zero. So, the given differential
equation is a homogenous differential equation.
Alternatively,
⎛ 2y ⎞
1+
dy ⎜ x ⎟ g⎛ y ⎞
=⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ ⎟ ... (2)
dx ⎜ 1− y ⎟ ⎝x⎠
he
⎝ x ⎠
y
R.H.S. of differential equation (2) is of the form g and so it is a homogeneous
x
is
function of degree zero. Therefore, equation (1) is a homogeneous differential equation.
To solve it we make the substitution
bl
y = vx ... (3)
Differentiating equation (3) with respect to, x we get
dy dv
pu dx
= v+x
dx
... (4)
dy
be T
dv 1 + 2v
v+x =
dx 1− v
tt E
dv 1 + 2v
or x = −v
dx 1− v
C
dv v2 v 1
or x =
dx 1 v
no N
v 1 dx
or 2
dv =
v v 1 x
Integrating both sides of equation (5), we get
©
v 1 dx
2
dv =
v v 1 x
1 2v 1 3
or dv = – log | x | + C1
2 v2 v 1
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 401
1 2v 1 3 1
or dv dv log x C1
2 v2 v 1 2
2 v v 1
1 3 1
or log v 2 v 1 2
dv log x C1
2 2 1
2
3
v
2 2
he
1 3 2 2v 1
or log v 2 v 1 . tan 1
log x C1
2 2 3 3
is
1 1 2v 1
or log v 2 v 1 log x 2 3 tan 1
C1 (Why?)
2 2 3
bl
y
Replacing v by , we get
pu x
1 y2 y 1 2y x
or log 2 1 log x 2 3 tan 1
C1
2 x x 2 3x
be T
1 ⎛ y2 y ⎞ ⎛ 2y + x ⎞
log ⎜ 2 + + 1⎟ x 2 = 3 tan −1 ⎜ ⎟ + C1
re
or 2 ⎝x x ⎠ ⎝ 3x ⎠
o R
⎛ 2y + x ⎞
or log ( y 2 + xy + x 2 ) = 2 3 tan −1 ⎜ ⎟ + 2C1
⎝ 3x ⎠
tt E
⎛ x + 2y ⎞
log ( x 2 + xy + y 2 ) = 2 3 tan −1 ⎜ ⎟ +C
C
or
⎝ 3x ⎠
which is the general solution of the differential equation (1)
no N
⎛ y ⎞ dy ⎛ y⎞
Example 16 Show that the differential equation x cos ⎜ ⎟ = y cos ⎜ ⎟ + x is
⎝ x ⎠ dx ⎝x⎠
homogeneous and solve it.
©
dy
It is a differential equation of the form = F( x, y ) .
dx
⎛ y⎞
y cos ⎜ ⎟ + x
⎝ x⎠
Here F (x, y) =
⎛ y⎞
x cos ⎜ ⎟
he
⎝x⎠
Replacing x by λx and y by λy, we get
⎛ y⎞
λ [ y cos ⎜ ⎟ + x]
is
⎝x⎠ = λ 0 [F( x, y )]
F (λx, λy) =
⎛ y⎞
λ ⎜ x cos ⎟
⎝ ⎠
bl
x
Thus, F (x, y) is a homogeneous function of degree zero.
Therefore, the given differential equation is a homogeneous differential equation.
pu
To solve it we make the substitution
y = vx ... (2)
be T
v+x =
dx cos v
dv v cos v + 1
−v
no N
or x =
dx cos v
dv 1
or x =
dx cos v
©
dx
or cos v dv =
x
1
Therefore ∫ cos v dv = ∫ x dx
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 403
he
⎝x⎠
which is the general solution of the differential equation (1).
⎛ x x
⎞
Example 17 Show that the differential equation 2 y e dx + ⎝ y − 2 x e y ⎟⎠ dy = 0 is
⎜ y
is
homogeneous and find its particular solution, given that, x = 0 when y = 1.
Solution The given differential equation can be written as
bl
x
dx 2x e − yy
= ... (1)
pu dy x
2y e y
be T
2 xe − y
y
re
Let F(x, y) =
o R
2 ye y
tt E
⎛ x
⎞
λ ⎜ 2 xe y − y ⎟
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠ = λ 0 [F( x, y )]
C
x = vy ... (2)
Differentiating equation (2) with respect to y, we get
dx dv
= v+ y
dy dy
404 MATHEMATICS
dx
Substituting the value of x and in equation (1), we get
dy
dv 2v ev − 1
v+ y =
dy 2ev
he
dv 2v ev − 1
or y = −v
dy 2ev
dv 1
or y = − v
is
dy 2e
− dy
or 2ev dv =
bl
y
dy
or ∫ 2e
v
⋅ dv = − ∫
pu y
or 2 ev = – log |y| + C
be T
x
and replacing v by y , we get
re
x
o R
y
2 e + log | y | = C ... (3)
Substituting x = 0 and y = 1 in equation (3), we get
tt E
2 e0 + log | 1| = C ⇒ C = 2
Substituting the value of C in equation (3), we get
C
x
y
2 e + log | y | = 2
which is the particular solution of the given differential equation.
no N
Example 18 Show that the family of curves for which the slope of the tangent at any
2 xy
dy
Solution We know that the slope of the tangent at any point on a curve is .
dx
dy x2 + y2
Therefore, =
dx 2 xy
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 405
y2
1+
dy x2
or = ... (1)
dx 2y
x
Clearly, (1) is a homogenous differential equation. To solve it we make substitution
he
y = vx
Differentiating y = vx with respect to x, we get
dy dv
= v+x
is
dx dx
dv 1 + v 2
bl
or v+x =
dx 2v
dv 1 − v 2
or
pu x
dx
=
2v
be T
2v dx
dv =
1− v 2
x
re
o R
2v dx
or dv = −
v −1
2
x
tt E
2v 1
Therefore ∫ v 2 − 1 dv = −∫ x dx
C
or (v2 – 1) x = ± C1
y
Replacing v by , we get
©
⎛ y2 ⎞
⎜ 2 − 1 ⎟ x = ± C1
⎝x ⎠
or (y2 – x2) = ± C1 x or x2 – y2 = Cx
406 MATHEMATICS
EXERCISE 9.5
In each of the Exercises 1 to 10, show that the given differential equation is homogeneous
and solve each of them.
x+ y
1. (x2 + xy) dy = (x2 + y2) dx 2. y′ =
x
he
2 2
3. (x – y) dy – (x + y) dx = 0 4. (x – y ) dx + 2xy dy = 0
dy
5. x2 = x 2 − 2 y 2 + xy 6. x dy – y dx = x 2 + y 2 dx
dx
is
⎧ ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y ⎞⎫ ⎧ ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y ⎞⎫
7. ⎨ x cos ⎜ ⎟ + y sin ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ y dx = ⎨ y sin ⎜ ⎟ − x cos ⎜ ⎟ ⎬ x dy
⎩ ⎝x⎠ ⎝ x ⎠⎭ ⎩ ⎝ x⎠ ⎝ x ⎠⎭
bl
dy ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
8. x − y + x sin ⎜ ⎟ = 0 9. y dx + x log ⎜ ⎟ dy − 2 x dy = 0
dx ⎝ x⎠ ⎝x⎠
pu x x
y y x
10. 1 e dx e 1 dy 0
be T
y
re
For each of the differential equations in Exercises from 11 to 15, find the particular
o R
⎛ y⎞
no N
dy y
14. − + cosec ⎜ ⎟ = 0 ; y = 0 when x = 1
dx x ⎝x⎠
dy
15. 2 xy + y − 2 x = 0 ; y = 2 when x = 1
2 2
©
dx
dx ⎛x⎞
16. A homogeneous differential equation of the from = h ⎜ ⎟ can be solved by
dy ⎝ y⎠
making the substitution.
(A) y = vx (B) v = yx (C) x = vy (D) x = v
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 407
he
9.5.3 Linear differential equations
A differential equation of the from
dy
+ Py = Q
dx
is
where, P and Q are constants or functions of x only, is known as a first order linear
differential equation. Some examples of the first order linear differential equation are
bl
dy
+ y = sin x
dx
dy ⎛ 1 ⎞
+ ⎜ ⎟ y = ex
pu dx ⎝ x ⎠
dy ⎛ y ⎞ 1
+⎜
be T
⎟
dx ⎝ x log x ⎠
=
x
re
Another form of first order linear differential equation is
o R
dx
+ P1 x = Q 1
dy
tt E
where, P1 and Q1 are constants or functions of y only. Some examples of this type of
differential equation are
C
dx
+ x = cos y
dy
no N
dx −2 x
+ = y2e – y
dy y
To solve the first order linear differential equation of the type
©
dy
Py = Q ... (1)
dx
Multiply both sides of the equation by a function of x say g (x) to get
dy
g (x) + P. (g (x)) y = Q . g (x) ... (2)
dx
408 MATHEMATICS
dy dy
or g (x) + P. g (x) y = g (x) + y g′ (x)
dx dx
he
⇒ P. g (x) = g′ (x)
g ′ ( x)
or P=
g ( x)
is
Integrating both sides with respect to x, we get
g ′ ( x)
∫ Pdx = ∫ g ( x) dx
∫ P ⋅ dx = log (g (x))
bl
or
pu
or g (x) = e ∫ P dx
be T
On multiplying the equation (1) by g(x) = e ∫ , the L.H.S. becomes the derivative
P dx
re
o R
P dx dy P dx P dx
C
e Pe y = Q e
dx
d P dx
no N
P dx
or ye = Qe
dx
Integrating both sides with respect to x, we get
©
P dx P dx
y e = Qe dx
P dx P dx
or y= e Qe dx C
he
(iii) Write the solution of the given differential equation as
y (I.F) = Q × I.F dx C
dx
In case, the first order linear differential equation is in the form dy + P1 x = Q1 ,
is
P1 dy
where, P1 and Q1 are constants or functions of y only. Then I.F = e and the
bl
solution of the differential equation is given by
x . (I.F) = ∫ ( Q1 × I.F) dy + C
pu dy
Example 19 Find the general solution of the differential equation − y = cos x .
dx
be T
Therefore
Multiplying both sides of equation by I.F, we get
C
dy − x
e− x − e y = e–x cos x
dx
no N
or
dy
( y e− x ) = e–x cos x
dx
On integrating both sides with respect to x, we get
ye– x = ∫ e cos x dx + C
−x
©
... (1)
I = ∫ e cos x dx
−x
Let
⎛ e− x ⎞
⎝ −1 ⎠ ∫
−x
= cos x ⎜ ⎟ − ( − sin x) (−e ) dx
410 MATHEMATICS
= − cos x e − ∫ sin x e dx
−x −x
he
or 2I = (sin x – cos x) e–x
(sin x − cos x) e − x
or I=
2
is
Substituting the value of I in equation (1), we get
⎛ sin x − cos x ⎞ − x
ye– x = ⎜ ⎟e + C
⎝ 2 ⎠
bl
⎛ sin x − cos x ⎞
⎟ + Ce
x
or y= ⎜
⎝ 2 ⎠
pu
which is the general solution of the given differential equation.
dy
be T
dy
+ 2y = x2
x ... (1)
dx
tt E
dx x
dy 2
+ Py = Q , where P = and Q = x.
no N
So I.F = e ∫ x dx = e2 log x = e
log x
= x 2 [as elog f ( x ) = f ( x)]
Therefore, solution of the given equation is given by
©
y . x2 = ∫ ( x) ( x ) dx + C = ∫ x dx + C
2 3
x2
or y=+ C x −2
4
which is the general solution of the given differential equation.
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 411
dx 1
he
This is a linear differential equation of the type + P1 x = Q1 , where P1 = − and
dy y
1
∫ − y dy −1 1
Q1 = 2y. Therefore I.F = e = e − log y = elog ( y ) =
is
y
Hence, the solution of the given differential equation is
⎛1⎞
bl
= ∫ (2 y ) ⎜ ⎟ dy + C
1
x
pu y ⎝ y⎠
x
or = ∫ (2dy ) + C
y
be T
x
or = 2y + C
y
re
o R
or x = 2y2 + Cy
which is a general solution of the given differential equation.
tt E
dx
π
given that y = 0 when x = .
no N
2
dy
Solution The given equation is a linear differential equation of the type + Py = Q ,
dx
©
he
π
Substituting y = 0 and x = in equation (1), we get
2
2
⎛π⎞ ⎛π⎞
is
0 = ⎜ ⎟ sin ⎜ ⎟ + C
⎝2⎠ ⎝2⎠
− π2
bl
or C=
4
Substituting the value of C in equation (1), we get
pu y sin x = x sin x −
2 π2
4
be T
π2
or y = x2 − (sin x ≠ 0)
re
4 sin x
o R
of the tangent to the curve at any point (x, y) is equal to the sum of the x coordinate
(abscissa) and the product of the x coordinate and y coordinate (ordinate) of that point.
C
dy
Solution We know that the slope of the tangent to the curve is .
dx
no N
dy
Therefore, = x + xy
dx
dy
or − xy = x ... (1)
©
dx
dy
This is a linear differential equation of the type + Py = Q , where P = – x and Q = x.
dx
− x2
I . F = e∫
− x dx
Therefore, =e 2
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 413
= ∫ ( x) ( e ) dx + C
− x2 − x2
y ⋅e 2 2 ... (2)
− x2
Let I = ∫ ( x) e 2 dx
he
− x2
Let = t , then – x dx = dt or x dx = – dt.
2
− x2
I = − ∫ e dt = −e = –
is
t t
Therefore, e 2
Substituting the value of I in equation (2), we get
bl
− x2 x2
y e 2 = e 2 +C
x2
or
pu y = −1 + C e2 ... (3)
Now (3) represents the equation of family of curves. But we are interested in
be T
finding a particular member of the family passing through (0, 1). Substituting x = 0 and
y = 1 in equation (3) we get
re
1 = – 1 + C . e0 or C = 2
o R
y = −1 + 2e2
which is the equation of the required curve.
C
EXERCISE 9.6
no N
For each of the differential equations given in Exercises 1 to 12, find the general solution:
dy dy dy y
1. + 2 y = sin x 2. + 3 y = e−2 x 3. + = x2
dx dx dx x
©
dy ⎛ π⎞ dy ⎛ π⎞
4. + (sec x) y = tan x ⎜ 0 ≤ x < ⎟ 2
5. cos x + y = tan x ⎜ 0 ≤ x < ⎟
dx ⎝ 2⎠ dx ⎝ 2⎠
dy dy 2
6. x+ 2 y = x 2 log x 7. x log x + y = log x
dx dx x
8. (1 + x ) dy + 2xy dx = cot x dx (x ≠ 0)
2
414 MATHEMATICS
dy dy
9. x + y − x + xy cot x = 0 ( x ≠ 0) 10. ( x + y ) = 1
dx dx
dy
12. ( x + 3 y )
= y ( y > 0) .
2
11. y dx + (x – y2) dy = 0
dx
For each of the differential equations given in Exercises 13 to 15, find a particular
he
solution satisfying the given condition:
dy π
13. + 2 y tan x = sin x; y = 0 when x =
dx 3
dy 1
is
14. (1 + x ) + 2 xy = ; y = 0 when x = 1
2
dx 1 + x2
dy π
− 3 y cot x = sin 2 x; y = 2 when x =
bl
15.
dx 2
16. Find the equation of a curve passing through the origin given that the slope of the
tangent to the curve at any point (x, y) is equal to the sum of the coordinates of
pu
the point.
17. Find the equation of a curve passing through the point (0, 2) given that the sum of
be T
the coordinates of any point on the curve exceeds the magnitude of the slope of
the tangent to the curve at that point by 5.
re
o R
dy
The Integrating Factor of the differential equation x − y = 2 x is
2
18.
dx
1
tt E
dx
(1 − y 2 )
+ yx = ay ( 1 y 1) is
dy
no N
1 1 1 1
(A) 2 (B) (C) (D)
y 1 y −1
2
1 − y2 1 − y2
Miscellaneous Examples
©
Example 24 Verify that the function y = c1 eax cos bx + c2 eax sin bx, where c1, c2 are
arbitrary constants is a solution of the differential equation
d2y
− 2a + ( a 2 + b 2 ) y = 0
dy
2
dx dx
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 415
he
dy
or = e ax [(b c2 + a c1 ) cos bx + (a c2 − b c1 )sin bx] ... (2)
dx
Differentiating both sides of equation (2) with respect to x, we get
is
d2y
= e ax [(b c2 a c1 ) ( b sin bx) (a c2 b c1 ) (b cos bx)]
dx 2
bl
+ [(b c2 + a c1 ) cos bx + ( a c2 − b c1 ) sin bx] e ax . a
( )
⎡ a 2 c2 − 2abc1 − b 2 c2 − 2a 2 c2 + 2abc1 + a 2 c2 + b 2 c2 sin bx ⎤
C
= e ⎢ ⎥
ax
dy dy X’ X
2x + 2 y + 2 a − 2a =0 O
he
dx dx
dy ⎛ dy ⎞
or x+ y = a ⎜ − 1⎟
dx ⎝ dx ⎠
Y’
is
x + y y′
or a= Fig 9.6
y′ − 1
bl
Substituting the value of a in equation (1), we get
x + y y′ ⎤ ⎡ x + y y′ ⎤ ⎡ x + y y′ ⎤
2 2 2
⎡
⎢ x + y′ − 1 ⎥ + ⎢ y − y′ − 1 ⎥ = ⎢ y′ − 1 ⎥
pu ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
or [xy′ – x + x + y y′] + [y y′ – y – x – y y′] = [x + y y′]2
2 2
⎛ dy ⎞
Example 26 Find the particular solution of the differential equation log ⎜ ⎟ = 3 x + 4 y
⎝ dx ⎠
tt E
dx
dy
or = e3x . e4y ... (1)
dx
©
∫e dy = ∫ e3x dx
−4 y
Therefore
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 417
e− 4 y e3 x
or = +C
−4 3
or 4 e3x + 3 e– 4y + 12 C = 0 ... (2)
Substituting x = 0 and y = 0 in (2), we get
−7
he
4 + 3 + 12 C = 0 or C =
12
Substituting the value of C in equation (2), we get
4 e3x + 3 e– 4y – 7 = 0,
which is a particular solution of the given differential equation.
is
Example 27 Solve the differential equation
bl
⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
(x dy – y dx) y sin ⎜ ⎟ = (y dx + x dy) x cos ⎜ ⎟ .
⎝ x⎠ ⎝x⎠
Solution The given differential equation can be written as
pu
⎡ ⎛ y⎞ 2 ⎛ y ⎞⎤ ⎡ ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y ⎞⎤
⎢ x y sin ⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ − x cos ⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ ⎥ dy = ⎢ xy cos ⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ + y sin ⎜⎝ x ⎟⎠ ⎥ dx
2
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
be T
⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
re
xy cos ⎜ ⎟ + y 2 sin ⎜ ⎟
o R
dy ⎝ ⎠
x ⎝x⎠
or =
dx ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
xy sin ⎜ ⎟ − x 2 cos ⎜ ⎟
⎝x⎠ ⎝x⎠
tt E
⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y ⎞ ⎛ y⎞
2
y
cos ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ 2 ⎟ sin ⎜ ⎟
dy x ⎝ x⎠ ⎝x ⎠ ⎝x⎠
= ... (1)
dx y ⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
no N
sin ⎜ ⎟ − cos ⎜ ⎟
x ⎝x⎠ ⎝x⎠
dy ⎛ y⎞
Clearly, equation (1) is a homogeneous differential equation of the form = g⎜ ⎟.
©
dx ⎝x⎠
To solve it, we make the substitution
y = vx ... (2)
dy dv
or = v+x
dx dx
418 MATHEMATICS
dv v cos v + v 2 sin v
or v+x = (using (1) and (2))
dx v sin v − cos v
dv 2v cos v
or x =
dx v sin v − cos v
⎛ v sin v − cos v ⎞
he
2 dx
or ⎜ ⎟ dv =
⎝ v cos v ⎠ x
⎛ v sin v − cos v ⎞ 1
Therefore ∫ ⎜⎝ v cos v
⎟ dv = 2 ∫ dx
⎠ x
is
1 1
or ∫ tan v dv − ∫ v dv = 2 ∫ x dx
bl
or log sec v − log | v | = 2log | x | + log | C1 |
sec v
log
or
pu v x2
= log | C1 |
secv
be T
or = ± C1 ... (3)
v x2
re
y
o R
sec ⎜ ⎟
⎝x⎠
= C where, C = ± C1
⎛ y⎞ 2
⎜ ⎟ (x )
C
⎝x⎠
⎛ y⎞
sec ⎜ ⎟ = C xy
no N
or
⎝x⎠
which is the general solution of the given differential equation.
Example 28 Solve the differential equation
©
dx x tan −1 y
+ = ... (1)
dy 1 + y 2 1 + y2
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 419
dx
Now (1) is a linear differential equation of the form + P1 x = Q1,
dy
1 tan −1 y .
where, P1 = 2 and Q1 =
1+ y 1 + y2
he
1
Therefore, I . F = ∫ 1+ y 2 dy −1
e = e tan y
Thus, the solution of the given differential equation is
⎛ tan−1 y ⎞ tan −1 y
= ∫⎜
is
tan −1 y 2 ⎟
e dy + C ... (2)
⎝ 1+ y ⎠
xe
⎛ tan −1 y ⎞ tan −1 y
bl
Let
pu I= ∫ ⎜⎝ 1 + y 2 ⎟⎠ e dy
⎛ 1 ⎞
Substituting tan–1 y = t so that ⎜ 2 ⎟
dy = dt , we get
⎝1+ y ⎠
be T
∫ t e dt = t e
t
I= t
– ∫1 . et dt = t et – et = et (t – 1)
re
−1
o R
x . e tan y
= e tan y
(tan −1 y − 1) + C
−1
or x = (tan −1y − 1) + C e− tan y
C
2 3 2
d2y ⎛ dy ⎞ ⎛ dy ⎞ ⎛ dy ⎞
(i) + 5 x ⎜ ⎟ − 6 y = log x (ii) ⎜ ⎟ − 4 ⎜ ⎟ + 7 y = sin x
dx 2
⎝ dx ⎠ ⎝ dx ⎠ ⎝ dx ⎠
d4y ⎛ d3y ⎞
(iii) − sin ⎜ 3 ⎟=0
dx 4 ⎝ dx ⎠
420 MATHEMATICS
2. For each of the exercises given below, verify that the given function (implicit or
explicit) is a solution of the corresponding differential equation.
d2y dy
x –x
(i) y = a e + b e + x 2
: x 2
+ 2 − xy + x 2 − 2 = 0
dx dx
d2y dy
− 2 + 2y = 0
he
x
(ii) y = e (a cos x + b sin x) : 2
dx dx
d2y
(iii) y = x sin 3x : + 9 y − 6cos3 x = 0
dx 2
is
dy
: (x + y ) − xy = 0
2 2
(iv) x2 = 2y2 log y
dx
bl
3. Form the differential equation representing the family of curves given by
(x – a)2 + 2y2 = a2, where a is an arbitrary constant.
4. Prove that x2 – y2 = c (x2 + y2)2 is the general solution of differential equation
pu
(x3 – 3x y2) dx = (y3 – 3x2y) dy, where c is a parameter.
5. Form the differential equation of the family of circles in the first quadrant which
be T
dy y 2 + y + 1
7. Show that the general solution of the differential equation + = 0 is
dx x 2 + x + 1
C
⎛ π⎞
8. Find the equation of the curve passing through the point ⎜ 0, ⎟ whose differential
⎝ 4⎠
no N
x
⎛ x ⎞
10. Solve the differential equation y e y dx = ⎜⎝ x e y + y 2 ⎟⎠ dy ( y ≠ 0) .
11. Find a particular solution of the differential equation (x – y) (dx + dy) = dx – dy,
given that y = –1, when x = 0. (Hint: put x – y = t)
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 421
⎡ e −2 x y ⎤ dx
12. Solve the differential equation ⎢ − ⎥ = 1 ( x ≠ 0) .
⎣ x x ⎦ dy
dy
13. Find a particular solution of the differential equation + y cot x = 4x cosec x
dx
he
π.
(x ≠ 0), given that y = 0 when x =
2
dy
14. Find a particular solution of the differential equation (x + 1) = 2 e–y – 1, given
is
dx
that y = 0 when x = 0.
15. The population of a village increases continuously at the rate proportional to the
bl
number of its inhabitants present at any time. If the population of the village was
20, 000 in 1999 and 25000 in the year 2004, what will be the population of the
village in 2009?
pu
y dx − x dy
16. The general solution of the differential equation = 0 is
be T
y
(A) xy = C (B) x = Cy2 (C) y = Cx (D) y = Cx2
re
o R
dx
17. The general solution of a differential equation of the type + P1 x = Q1 is
dy
tt E
(A) y e ∫
P1 dy
(
= ∫ Q1e ∫
P1 dy
) dy + C
C
(B) y . e ∫
P1 dx
(
= ∫ Q1e ∫
P1 dx
) dx + C
no N
(C) x e ∫
P1 dy
(
= ∫ Q1e ∫
P1 dy
) dy + C
(D) x e ∫ (
= ∫ Q1e ∫ ) dx + C
©
P1 dx P1 dx
Summary
An equation involving derivatives of the dependent variable with respect to
independent variable (variables) is known as a differential equation.
Order of a differential equation is the order of the highest order derivative
occurring in the differential equation.
he
Degree of a differential equation is defined if it is a polynomial equation in its
derivatives.
Degree (when defined) of a differential equation is the highest power (positive
integer only) of the highest order derivative in it.
is
A function which satisfies the given differential equation is called its solution.
The solution which contains as many arbitrary constants as the order of the
differential equation is called a general solution and the solution free from
bl
arbitrary constants is called particular solution.
To form a differential equation from a given function we differentiate the
function successively as many times as the number of arbitrary constants in
pu
the given function and then eliminate the arbitrary constants.
Variable separable method is used to solve such an equation in which variables
be T
dx dy
functions of degree zero is called a homogeneous differential equation.
C
dy
A differential equation of the form
dx
+ Py Q , where P and Q are constants
Historical Note
©
Leibnitz was actually interested in the problem of finding a curve whose tangents
were prescribed. This led him to discover the ‘method of separation of variables’
1691. A year later he formulated the ‘method of solving the homogeneous
differential equations of the first order’. He went further in a very short time
to the discovery of the ‘method of solving a linear differential equation of the
first-order’. How surprising is it that all these methods came from a single man
he
and that too within 25 years of the birth of differential equations!
In the old days, what we now call the ‘solution’ of a differential equation,
was used to be referred to as ‘integral’ of the differential equation, the word
being coined by James Bernoulli (1654 - 1705) in 1690. The word ‘solution was
is
first used by Joseph Louis Lagrange (1736 - 1813) in 1774, which was almost
hundred years since the birth of differential equations. It was Jules Henri Poincare
(1854 - 1912) who strongly advocated the use of the word ‘solution’ and thus the
bl
word ‘solution’ has found its deserved place in modern terminology. The name of
the ‘method of separation of variables’ is due to John Bernoulli (1667 - 1748),
a younger brother of James Bernoulli.
pu
Application to geometric problems were also considered. It was again John
Bernoulli who first brought into light the intricate nature of differential equations.
be T
In a letter to Leibnitz, dated May 20, 1715, he revealed the solutions of the
differential equation
re
o R
x2 y″ = 2y,
which led to three types of curves, viz., parabolas, hyperbolas and a class of
cubic curves. This shows how varied the solutions of such innocent looking
tt E
differential equation can be. From the second half of the twentieth century attention
has been drawn to the investigation of this complicated nature of the solutions of
differential equations, under the heading ‘qualitative analysis of differential
C
——
©