MODULE 1 Differential Equations

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
Sta. Lucia, Sta. Ana, Pampanga

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, COMPUTER AND LIBRARY STUDIES
Institute of Civil Engineering
1
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
2
Course Description
This course is intended for all engineering students to have a firm foundation on
differential equations in preparation for their degree-specific advanced mathematics
courses. It covers first order differential equations, nth order linear differential equations
and systems of first order linear differential equations. It also introduces the concept of
Laplace Transforms in solving differential equations. The students are expected to be
able to recognize different kinds of differential equations, determine the existence and
uniqueness of solution, select the appropriate methods of solution and interpret the
obtained solution. Students are also expected to relate differential equations to various
practical engineering and scientific problems as well as employ computer technology
in solving and verifying solutions.
Module 1: Chapter 1: Week 2 – 4
Objectives:
At the end of the chapter, the students would be able to:
 Determine the number of independent variables in a given DE

 State the order or degree of a DE
 Tell whether the given DE is Ordinary or Partial DE
 Describe if a given DE is linear or non linear
 State the DV and IV of any given DE
 solve for the differential equation of a given relation/function by eliminating arbitrary
constants
 show that a given relation/function is a solution to a given differential equation
 Obtain the differential equation of the family of plane curves described
 Sketch several representative members of the family
Pre Test:
I. Describe the following Differential Equations.
1. ( ) [ ( )] ( )
Dependent Variable: _________

Number of IV: _________
Independent Variable(s): _________
Order of DE: _________
Degree of DE: _________
ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
2.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
3
3.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
4. ( )

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
5.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
II. Eliminate the Arbitrary Constants and Solve for the DE of the following functions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
4
7.
8.
9.
10.
III. Obtain the differential equation of the family of plane curves described and sketch
several representative members of the family.
1. Straight lines passing through the point (2, 5)
3. Straight lines passing through the point (1, – 2)

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
5
Module 1: Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Lesson 1: Definition and Classifications of Differential Equations (DE)
Definitions of Differential Equation

 Differential Equation is mainly used in fields such as physics, engineering, biology,
businesses and so on.
 Its main purpose is the study of solutions that satisfy the equations and properties of
solutions.
 Any equation which contains derivative, either ordinary derivatives or partial derivatives
 An equation that contains one or more functions with its derivatives.
 An equation containing term(s) which involves the derivatives of one variable (i.e.,
dependent variable) with respect to other variable (i.e., independent variable).
Illustration #1:
( )
Where:
Differential operator
y: Dependent variable
x: Independent variable
A term containing derivative
( ) A function
Observations:
The given example contains a derivative
The given example contains a function
The given example contains a dependent and independent variable.
Thus, the given example is an example of DE
Illustration #2:
Where:
y: Function
: A term containing the first derivative
: A term containing the second derivative
Observations:
The given example contains derivatives.
The given example contains a function.
The given example contains terms involving dependent variable and independent variable.
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
6
Illustration #3:
Where:
x, z & p: Independent variables
y: is a function
Observations:
The given example contains terms involving dependent variable and independent variables.
Important Notes:
( )
( )
( )
Illustration #4:
Where:
y: Function
: A term containing the second derivative
: A term containing the third derivative
Observations:
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
7
Illustration #5:
( ) ( ) ( )
Where:
y: Function
( ): A term containing the second derivative
( ): A term containing the third derivative
( ): A term containing the first derivative
Observations:
Additional Examples of Differential Equation
1.
2. ( )
3. ( ) ( )
4. ( ) [ ( )] ( )
5. ( ) ( )
TYPES OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

1. Ordinary Differential Equation
2. Partial Differential Equation
3. Linear Differential Equation
4. Non Linear Differential Equation
5. Homogeneous Differential Equation
6. Non Homogeneous Differential Equation
Ordinary Differential Equation

An ordinary differential equation involves function and its derivatives. It contains only one
independent variable and one dependent variable.
Examples:
1. ( )
Dependent Variable: y
Independent Variable: x
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
8
2. ( ) [ ( )] ( )
Dependent Variable: y Independent Variable: x
3. ( ) ( )
Dependent Variable: y Independent Variable: x
Partial Differential Equation

A partial differential equation commonly denoted as PDE is a differential equation containing
partial derivatives of one dependent variable with more than one independent variables
Examples:
1.
Dependent Variable: y Independent Variables: x&z
2.
Dependent Variable: y Independent Variables: x, z & p
Order of Differential Equation

The order of differential equation is the order of the highest ordered derivative present in the
equation
Examples:
1. The order of DE is at1st Order
2. ( ) The order of DE is at 3rd Order
3. ( ) [ ( )] ( ) The order of DE is at 5th Order
Degree of Differential Equation

The degree of differential equation is the order of the highest order derivative, where the
original equation is represented in the form of a polynomial equation in derivatives such as; y’,
y’’, y’’’, and so on.
Examples:
1. ( ) [ ( )] ( )
The order of DE is at 5th Order
The degree of DE is at 2nd degree
2. ( ) ( )
The order of DE is at 3rd Order
The degree of DE is at 2nd degree
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
9
Additional Examples of the Order and Degree of Differential Equation
Differential Equation Order Degree
( ) Not a Polynomial 1st Undefined
( ) 3rd 1st Degree

2nd 1st Degree
( ) [ ( )] ( ) 5th 2nd Degree
Linear Differential Equation (LDE)

A linear differential equation is a differential equation that is defined by a linear polynomial in
the unknown function and its derivatives
A Differential Equation is said to be a linear differential equation if the following rules are not
violated by any given differential equation.
Rules:
1. Degree of DE must be at 1st degree

2. Exponent of each dependent variable is equal to one.
3. Exponent of each differential quotient is equal to one
4. No term contains the product of dependent variable y and its differential coefficient
dy/dx.
Non Linear Differential Equation (NDE)

Non-linear differential equation has a product containing y and its differential coefficient
dy/dx
Examples of Linear and Non – Linear Differential Equation

Differential Equation Order Degree LDE/NDE
( ) Not a Polynomial 1st Undefined NDE
( ) 3rd 1st Degree LDE

2nd 1st Degree LDE
( ) [ ( )] ( ) 5th 2nd Degree NDE
Additional Examples:
1. ( ) ( )
Dependent variable: y
No. of Independent variables: 1
Independent variable: x
Ordinary DE or Partial DE: Ordinary Differential Equation
Order of DE: 3rd Order
Degree of DE: 2nd Degree
LDE or NDE: NDE
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
10
2.
Order of DE: 1st Order
Degree of DE: 1st Degree
LDE or NDE: LDE
3. ( ) [ ( )] ( )
Order of DE: 5th Order
Degree of DE: 2nd Degree
LDE or NDE: LDE
4.
Order of DE: 2nd Order
Degree of DE: 1st Degree
LDE or NDE: LDE
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
11
Learning Activity 1
1. ( ) [ ( )] ( )

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
2.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
3.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
4. ( )

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
12
5.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
13
Lesson 2: Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Elimination of Arbitrary Constants
The differential equation of the function is a differential equation of order n that results from
the elimination of the n arbitrary constants present in the relation. The process of finding the
differential equation of the relation is the reverse process of solving a differential equation and
to determine the differential equation corresponding to the given relation. Thus, the need to
perform successive differentiation and elimination of arbitrary constants is a must. To
understand this process better, here are the following examples.
Solution of a Differential Equation

Any relation / function (implicit or explicit) which is free of derivatives and which when
substituted to the given differential equation makes it into an identity is a solution of the given
differential equation.
General or Complete Solution of a Differential Equation

A general or complete solution of a differential equation of order n is a solution which contains
n arbitrary constants.
Particular solution of a differential equation

A particular solution of a differential equation of order n is a solution which can be obtained
from the general solution by giving specific values to the ―n‖ arbitrary constants.
Example #1:
Eliminate the arbitrary constant for:
Solution:
Consider the given equation above and call this as equation #1:
Equation # 1
Take the derivative with respect to x and call this as equation #2:
Equation # 2
since there are two arbitrary constants in the given equation, then take the derivative of the
given equation twice with respect to x. So, take the derivative of the above equation again
with respect to x and call this as equation # 3:
Equation # 3
Using the equations #1 and #2:

Equation # 1
Equation # 2
Multiply equation #1 by 2 and multiply equation #2 by -1. Add the two equations in order to
eliminate c1 and call this as equation #4:
—————————————————
Equation # 4
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
14
Using the equations #1 and #3:
Multiply equation #1 by 4 and multiply equation #3 by -1. Add the two equations in order to
eliminate c1 and call this as equation #5:
—————————————————
Equation # 5
Equate equations #4 and #5:
Equate: And
Multiply both sides of the equation by 5:
[ ]
Therefore,
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
15
Example #2:
Solution:
Consider the given equation above:
Take the derivative on both sides of the equation with respect to x:
[ ]
( ) ( )
Since there are two constants in the given equation, then we need to take the derivative with
respect to x twice. Again, take the derivative on both sides of the equation with respect to x:
[ ]
( ) ( )
Substitute the value of c2 to the first derivative equation. Therefore, the final answer is:
[ ]
[ ]
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
16
Example # 3:
Find the differential equation of the relation
Solution:
The given relation / function is

Equation # 1
The derivative of the relation equation 1 is:
Equation # 2
To eliminate the constant B, we multiply equation (1) by a factor 2 and add equations (1) and
(2) afterwards. The resulting equation is:
[ ]( ) Multiply equation # 1 by 2
2y + y’ = 5Ae3x + 4Ce2x Equation # 3
Differentiating equation # 3, the result is:
Equation # 4
To eliminate the constant A, we multiply equation (3) by a factor 3 and subtract equation (4)
from the resulting equation. The result is:
6y + y’ – y’’ = 4Ce2x Equation # 5
Differentiating (5), the result is: 6y’ + y’’ – y’‖ = 8Ce2x Equation # 6
To eliminate the last remaining constant C, we multiply equation (5) by a factor 2 and subtract
equation (6) from the resulting equation. The result is:
12y – 4y’ – 3y‖ + y‖’ = 0
Or, by just rearranging the terms so that we start with the highest derivative down to the lowest
from left to right, we finally have the resulting differential equation of the relation below.
1y’’’ – 3y’’ – 4y’ + 12y = 0 (answer)
Example # 4:
The relation is a solution of the following differential equation:

( )
To verify or show that the relation above is a solution of the given differential equation, all we
need to do is to substitute back the given relation and its associated derivatives to the
differential equation.
By implicit differentiation and substitutions, we can obtain the derivatives in the equation. The
entire process is shown next.
The given relation is,
By implicit differentiation we arrive at,

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
17
Solving for y’, we have,

( ) Equation # 1
Solving for y‖, the result is,
( ) ( ) Equation # 2
Since we have solved for equation 1, we can now substitute it to equation 2:
( ) ( )( )
( )
( )
Equation # 3
Now we can substitute (1) and (3) to the given differential equation and see if it becomes an
identity:
The given differential equation is:
( )
Substituting (1) and (3) to the differential equation we have the following result,
( )
( )
Finally, it results into an identity.
( )
( )
We have just verified that the relation:
( )
Example # 5:
Show that y = C1 + C2 x + C3 x2 is a general solution of y‖’ = 0. Obtain a particular solution

satisfying y (0) = 1, y (1) = 2, y (2) = 9.
Solution:
This problem consists of two parts.

First, show that the given relation is a general solution of the differential equation.
The second part, determine a particular solution satisfying the given conditions.
Similar to the previous example solve for y‖’ and substitute it back to the equation and see if it
becomes an identity.
Function
First Derivative
Second Derivative
Third Derivative
Substituting the derivative (y‖’) back to the differential equation obviously results to an identity.
0 = 0.
To obtain a particular solution satisfying the conditions y(0) = 1, y(1) = 2, and y(2) = 9,
Substitute x = 0 & y = 1, x = 1 & y = 2, x = 2 & y = 9 to the solution y = C 1 + C2 x + C3 x2.
This will result to a system of three equations with three unknowns (C 1, C2, and C3).
Then, solve for the three unknowns and substitute it back to the general solution to obtain the
required particular solution.
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
18
This process is shown below.
Substituting x = 0 & y = 1 to the solution y = C1 + C2 x + C3 x2 results to:

1 = C1 + C2 (0) + C3 (0)2
1 = C1 (1)

2 = C1 + C2 (1) + C3 (1)2
2 = C1 + C 2 + C3
Since C1 = 1 from (1), then

2 – 1= C2 + C3
1 = C2 + C 3 (2)
9 = C1 + C2 (2) + C3 (2)2
9 = 1 + 2C2 + 4C3
8 = 2C2 + 4C3 (divide by 2 both sides of this equation)
4 = C2 + 2C3 (3)
To determine the value of c2 and c3, solve for the equations (2) and (3).
Solving equations (2) and (3) results to:
c2 = -2 and c3 = 3
Finally, substitute the values of C1, C2, and C3 to the general solution:
y = C1 + C2 x + C3 x2
To obtain the particular solution satisfying the conditions y(0) = 1, y(1) = 2, y(2) = 9
y = (1) + (-2) x + (3) x2
y = 1 – 2x + 3x2 (Answer)
Additional Examples
Example # 6:
Given:
No. of Arbitrary Constants: 5
Arbitrary Constants: A, B, C, D & E
Nth Derivative: 5th Derivative
Solution:
Function
First Derivative
Second Derivative
Third Derivative
Fourth Derivative
Fifth Derivative
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
19
Example # 6:
No. of Arbitrary Constants: 2

Arbitrary Constants: A&B
Nth Derivative: 2nd Derivative
Solution:
Equation 1
Equation 2
Equation 3
Solving for Equation 4 using Equation 1 and 2:
Using Elimination Method (Systems of Linear Equation)
To eliminate Arbitrary Constant A, Multiply Equation 1 by – 2
Equation 4
Solving for equation 5 using equation 1 and 3:
Using Elimination Method (Systems of Linear Equation)

To eliminate Arbitrary Constant A, Multiply by – 4
Divide the entire equation by 5

Equation 5
Equate equation 4 and 5:
Multiply the equation by 5
Differential Equation
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
20
Learning Activity 2
I. Eliminate the Arbitrary Constants and Solve for the DE of the following functions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
21
Lesson 3: Family of Curves

Family of Curves
Obtain the differential equation of the family of plane curves described and sketch several
representative members of the family.
Example # 1:
Straight lines through the origin
Solution:
The general equation of lines passing through the origin is y = mx
Where:
m = slope
(0, 0)
Then,
Thus,
DE
Example # 2:
Straight lines, through the fixed point (h, k); h and k not to be eliminated
Solution:
The general equation for these lines is:
( )
Where:
Thus,
And
(h, k)
Therefore:
( ) ( )
( ) ( ) DE
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
22
Example # 3:
Straight lines with slope and y – intercept equal
Solution:
But m = b, then
Thus,
( )
( )
Therefore:
( ) DE
Example # 4:
Straight lines with slope and x – intercept equal
Solution:
General Equation: ( )
But, m = a
Thus, ( )
Important Notes:
Thus,
( )
Or
( ) DE
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
23
Example # 5:
Circles with center at the origin
Solution:
General Solution:
Where:
Thus:
DE
Example # 6
Circles with center on the x – axis
Solution:
General Equation
( )
Differentiate:
( )
( )
( )
Differentiate again:
( ) ( )
( ) ( )( )
Thus,
( )
And so:
( ) DE
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
24
Learning Activity 3
I. Obtain the differential equation of the family of plane curves described and sketch
1. Circles with fixed radius r and tangent to the x – axis
2. Circles with fixed radius r and tangent to the y – axis.
3. Circles with center at the y – axis
4. Circles with center at point A (3, 2).
5. Circles with center at the point (1, – 2)
8. Straight lines passing through the point (1, – 3)

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
25
Assessment

1. ( ) [ ( )]

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
2.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
3.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
4. ( )

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
26
5.

ODE or PDE: _________
LDE or NDE: _________
II. Eliminate the Arbitrary Constants and Solve for the DE of the following functions,
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
III. Obtain the differential equation of the family of plane curves described and sketch
1. Straight lines passing through the fixed point (h, k); h and k not to be eliminated.
2. Circles with fixed radius r and tangent to the y – axis
3. Circles with fixed radius and tangent to the x – axis
4. The differential equation for the family of two-parameter plane curves:
5. A family of curves is given by the expression: ( ) where C is an arbitrary
angle. Determine the differential equation for this family of plane curves.
6. Find the diff equation of family of circles with center on the line y= -x and passing
through the origin.
7. Parabolas with axis parallel to the y – axis with distance vertex to focus fixed as a.
8. Parabolas with axis parallel to the x – axis with distance vertex to focus fixed as a.
9. All ellipses with center at the origin and axes on the coordinate axes.
10. Family of cardioids.
HOLY CROSS COLLEGE
27
References
Asin Et Al. Elementary Differential Equations (A Reviewer/Text) ISBN 971 – 30 – 0816 – 2 Meriam
Webster Bookstore
Byjus’s the learning app. https://byjus.com/maths/differential-calculus/ copyright 2020. Date

retrieved: May 2020
Derivatives: http://www.mathematics2.com/Calculus/Derivative. Copyright 2011, Date

retrieved: May 2020
Differential Equations https://mathalino.com/reviewer/elementary-differential-

equations/elementary-applications Retrieval Date: July 2020
Free Mathematics Tutorial,

https://www.analyzemath.com/calculus/limits/find_limits_functions.html, Date retrieved:
June 2020
Garret P. Tangent and Normal Lines, Calculus Refresher

https://mathinsight.org/tangent_normal_lines_refresher#:~:text=The%20normal%20line%20t
o%20a,and%20perpendicular%20to%20the%20tangent.&text=Thus%2C%20just%20changin
g%20this%20aspect,(x−xo) Date retrieved: June 2020
Higher Order Derivatives, https://www.ck12.org/calculus/higher-order-

derivatives/lesson/Higher-Order-Derivatives-CALC/, Date retrieved: June 2020
https://www.swl.k12.oh.us/Downloads/5-6%20Growth%20and%20Decay.pdf Retrieval Date:

July 2020
Limit of a Function and Limit Laws

https://math.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_California%2C_Davis/UCD_Mat_2A%3A_Di
fferential_Calculus/2%3A_Limits_and_Continuity/2.2%3A_Limit_of_a_Function_and_Limit_La
ws, Updated 2019: Date retrieved: June 2020
Lucero J. et al: Limits by Factoring, https://brilliant.org/wiki/limits-by-factoring/ Date retrieved:

June 2020
Orthogonal Trajectories, Differential Equations https://www.math24.net/orthogonal-

trajectories-page-2/ Retrieval Date: July 2020
Partial Derivatives
https://www.analyzemath.com/calculus/multivariable/partial_derivatives.html Date
Retrieved: June 2020
Philip L. Difference between Explicit and Implicit Differentiation.

https://www.quora.com/What-is-an-implicit-function. Date retrieved: June 2020
Tolstov G., Differential Calculus, Encyclopaedia of Mathematics

https://encyclopediaofmath.org/wiki/Differential_calculus. Copyright 2012, Date retrieved:
May 2020
Ymas. S. Differential Equations. Ymas Publishing House

MODULE 1 Differential Equations

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

MODULE 1 Differential Equations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Sta. Lucia, Sta. Ana, Pampanga

Module 1: Chapter 1: Week 2 – 4

 Determine the number of independent variables in a given DE

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

1. Straight lines passing through the point (2, 5)

2. Straight lines passing through the point (1, 3)

3. Straight lines passing through the point (1, – 2)

4. Straight lines passing through the point (1, 0)

5. Straight lines passing through the point (0, 9)

Lesson 1: Definition and Classifications of Differential Equations (DE)

Definitions of Differential Equation

Additional Examples of Differential Equation

TYPES OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Ordinary Differential Equation

Dependent Variable: y Independent Variable: x

Partial Differential Equation

Order of Differential Equation

2. ( ) The order of DE is at 3rd Order

3. ( ) [ ( )] ( ) The order of DE is at 5th Order

Degree of Differential Equation

Additional Examples of the Order and Degree of Differential Equation

Differential Equation Order Degree

( ) Not a Polynomial 1st Undefined

( ) 3rd 1st Degree

( ) [ ( )] ( ) 5th 2nd Degree

Linear Differential Equation (LDE)

1. Degree of DE must be at 1st degree

Non Linear Differential Equation (NDE)

Examples of Linear and Non – Linear Differential Equation

( ) Not a Polynomial 1st Undefined NDE

( ) 3rd 1st Degree LDE

( ) [ ( )] ( ) 5th 2nd Degree NDE

I. Describe the following Differential Equations.

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Dependent Variable: _________

Lesson 2: Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

Solution of a Differential Equation

General or Complete Solution of a Differential Equation

Particular solution of a differential equation

Using the equations #1 and #2:

Using the equations #1 and #3:

Equate equations #4 and #5:

Multiply both sides of the equation by 5:

Take the derivative on both sides of the equation with respect to x:

The given relation / function is

The derivative of the relation equation 1 is:

2y + y’ = 5Ae3x + 4Ce2x Equation # 3

Differentiating equation # 3, the result is:

6y + y’ – y’’ = 4Ce2x Equation # 5

The relation is a solution of the following differential equation:

The given relation is,

By implicit differentiation we arrive at,

Solving for y’, we have,

Show that y = C1 + C2 x + C3 x2 is a general solution of y‖’ = 0. Obtain a particular solution

This problem consists of two parts.