LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

Linear Differential Equations of the First Order

• A differential equation in which the dependent

variable and its derivatives enter to the first degree
only is said to be linear. The general solution of a first
order linear differential equation is given by:
+ y P(x) = Q(x) →1
To find the integrating factor of the
above equation, rewrite the eqtn

[ + yP(x) – Q(x) = 0]dx

Let v(x) : Integrating Factor = P(x) dx , Integrate

v(x)[yP(x) – Q(x)]dx + v(x)dy = 0 ln v(x) = dx

Test for exactness: v(x) = : integrating factor

= v(x) P(x) = v’(x)
v(x) P(x) = v’(x) if exact
When equation 1 is multiplied by IF
(y) = Q(x)
The left hand side equation is an exact derivative and
therefore
y = dx + C

where → integrating factor

y
 Find the solution of the following linear differential
equation:
1. (2x3 – y)dx + xdy = 0

Solution: Divide the equation by xdx

+ = 0
- = -2x2 → linear in y
P(x) Q(x)

+ y ( ) = -2x2
= = =
Applying the formula
y
y () = dx + C
y () = dx + C
= -x2 + C general solution
2. y’ = csc x - ycot x

Solution: Putting the equation into standard form

+ ycot x = csc x

where P(x) = cot x Q(x) = csc x

Integrating factor
=
= = sinx
Hence y
ysin x =
ysinx =

ysin x = x + C general solution

3. + ycot x = 5 , if y = -4 where x =
Solution: P(x) = cot x Q(x) = 5
Integrating factor

=
= = sinx
 y

ysin x = + C
ysin x = -5 + C general soln

@ y = -4 x=
-4 sin = -5 + C
C=1

Hence: Particular Solution ysin x = -5 + 1

Activity

Find the solution of the linear differential equation

1. (x4 + 2y)dx – xdy = 0

2. (2ysinx – cos3x)dx + cosxdy = 0

3. + y = 2 + 2x