SOLUTIONS TO ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

OVERVIEW
In mathematics, a differential equation is an equation that relates
one or more function and their derivatives. In application, the f unction
generally present physical quantities, the derivatives represent their
rates of change, and the differential equati on defines relationship
between the two. Such relationship is common, therefore dif ferential
equation plays a prominent role in many disciplines including
engineering, physics, economics, and biology.
T his course, obtaining the general or particular solut ion of t he
given differential equation using different method is essential in
different geometric or physical quantities such as finding the orthogonal
or isogonal trajectories of different curves. Basic application of this
course used on finding the growt h and decay of any particular element s
or object such as population, bacter ia or radioactive decomposition,
Newton’s second law of motion and law of cooling, problem on chemical
solution, and many other applications on different field of study.
Mainly the study of differential equations consists of the study of
their solution and of the properties of their solution. Only the simplest
differential equations are solvable by explicit formulas; however, man y
properties of solutions of a given differential equat ion may be
determined without computing them exactly.
In this module, we will discuss the different method of solving the
general or particular solution of the given first order differential
equation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this module , you should be able to:
1. state the basic concept, definition and notation of differential
equation
2. identif y the order and degree of given first order differential
equation
3. determine the type of first order differential equation
4. determine the appropriate method on finding the general or
particular solution of given first order differential equation.
5. obtain the general or particular solution of the given first order
differential equation
LESSON 1
INTRODUCTION │DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS
A “differential equation” (abbreviated as D.E) is one which contains at least
one derivative. most often, a D.E. is written in terms of differentials – a more
convenient form for analysis and solution.
The “order” of a D.E. is the same as the order of the highest-ordered derivative
in the equation.
The “degree” of a D.E. is the same as the power (or exponent) to which the
derivative of the highest order in the equation is raised.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Determine the DEGREE and ORDER of the following D.E.
d2 y dy 3
(a) x − y( ) = 4
dx2 dx

4
d3 y dy 5
(b) (dx3 ) + (dx) − y = 0

(c) (y")2 + 4y′ + 3y = x

ANSWER:
D.E. ORDER DEGREE
(a) 2nd 1st
(b) 3rd 4th
(c) 2nd 2nd

A D.E. may be ordinary or partial as to the type of derivative/s or differentials

appearing in the equation.
The solution to a D.E. is the relation involving only the variables and arbitrary
constants, free of any derivatives or differentials, and consistent with, or satisfying,
the given D.E.
EXAMPLE NO. 2
Show that the following equations are the solutions of the accompanying D.E.
(a) y = A sin 5x + B cos 5x ; y′′ + 25y = 0

(b) y = e−x (x + 1) ; y′ + y − e−x = 0

SOLUTION:
(a) From y = A sin 5x + B cos 5x,
y′ = 5A cos 5x − 5B sin 5x
 y" = −25A sin 5x − 25B cos 5x
Substitute y" and y into y" + 25y = 0,
-25A sin 5x – 25B cos 5x + 25(A sin 5x + B cos 5x) = 0
0=0
therefore, the equation is the solution of the given differential equation

(b) From y = e−x (x + 1),

y′ = e−x (1) + (x + 1)(−e−x )
= −X e−x
Substitute y′ and y into y′ + y − e−x = 0,
−xe−x + e−x (x + 1) − e−x = 0
0=0
therefore, the equation is the solution of the given differential equation

The “most general solution” of a D.E. of the nth-order contains n arbitrary

constants. (If particular values are assigned to these arbitrary constants, the solution
is called “particular solution. Arbitrary constants may be obtained from known
“boundary conditions.”)
The functional notation for the nth-order D.E. of the ordinary type is:

𝑑 𝑛 𝑦 𝑑 𝑛−1 𝑑𝑦
F ( 𝑛 , 𝑛−1 , … … , , 𝑥, 𝑦) = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

A “first-ordered D.E.” is written in either of the following common forms:

𝑑𝑦
(a) Implicit-Derivative: F ( , 𝑥, 𝑦) = 0
𝑑𝑥

(b) Implicit-Differential: 𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

𝑑𝑦
(c) Explicit-Derivative: = 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑑𝑥

SOLUTIONS TO FIRST ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Obtaining the general or particular solution of the given differential equation
used five basic methods depends upon the type of the given D.E.
Method 1. Separation of Variables
Method 2. Homogeneous Differential Equation
Method 3. Exact Differential Equation
Method 4. Non-exact Differential Equation
Method 5. First order linear differential equation

LESSON 2 : SEPARATION OF VARIABLES

(a) If the variables in M (x, y) dx + N (x, y) dy = 0 can be separated into

the form
𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔 (𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0
the solution is by integration
∫ 𝑓 (𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 𝑔(𝑦) 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶
(b) TEST: The variables are separable if the functions M and N are
factorable as follows:

𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐹 (𝑥 ) 𝐺 (𝑦)
𝑁 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐻 (𝑥 ) Ø (𝑦)
EXAMPLE NO. 3
Find the complete solutions of the following D.E.:
(a) x cos 2 y dx + tan y dy = 0
(b) xy3 lnx dx − 2 dy = 0
2x+2xy2
(c) y′ = y+2x2 y

SOLUTION:

(a) x cos 2 y dx + tan y dy = 0 is reduced by dividing each term by cos 2 y,

x dx + tan y sec2 y dy = 0
Both terms are integrable by the “power” formula,
x2 tan2 y
+ = C 𝑜𝑟 x 2 +tan2 y = C1
2 2

Answer
(b) In xy3 ln x dx − 2 dy = 0, division by y3 separates the variables into,
x ln x dx − 2 y−3 dy = 0
 (i) The second term is integrated by the “power” formula, while the
first is by “integration by parts”,

Let u = ln x du = dx/x
dv = x dx v = x 2 /2
(ii) Substitution gives,
x2 x 2 dx
ln x − ∫ − 2 ∫ y−3 dy = C
2 2 x
x2 x2
or ln x − + y−2 = C
2 4

(iii) Simplification gives,

x 2 (ln x 2 − 1) + 4y−2 = C1
Answer
(c) The given D.E. may be written as,
dy 2x(1+y2 )
= y(1+2x2 )
dx

and the variables are separated into,

2xdx ydy
− =0
1+2x2 1+y2

(i) Integration leads to the ln function,

1 1
ln(1 + 2x 2 ) − ln(1 + y2 ) = C
2 2

(ii) Further simplification gives,

1 + 2x 2
= C1
1 + y2
Answer

LESSON 3 : HOMOGENEOUS D.E.

(a) In 𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

𝑀 (𝑟𝑥, 𝑟𝑦) = 𝑟 𝑛 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)

and 𝑁 (𝑟𝑥, 𝑟𝑦) = 𝑟 𝑛 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)

such that n = m, then the D.E. is said to be “homogeneous” of

“degree n”. Here, r can
either be a variable or a constant.
 (b) The solution of such type of D.E. is by either of the following
substitution methods:

First: Let y = vx
dy = v dx + x dv

Here, y is eliminated and v introduced into the D.E. In the final

analysis, the D.E.
takes the form in which the variables are separable. After the
solution, the variable y is substituted back to the equation.

Second: Let x = uy
dx = u dy + y du
Solution is similar to that of the previous method, except that here x is
eliminated.
(c) Suggested Solution

If M is simpler than N : Use x = uy

If N is simpler than M : Use y = vx

EXAMPLE NO. 4
Determine the solution of the following:
(a) (x 3 + y 3 )dx − 3xy2 dy = 0

(b) xy dy − (x + 2y)2 dy = 0

y x
(c) (x + y sin x) dx − x sin y dy = 0

SOLUTION:
(a) (x 3 + y3 )dx − 3xy𝟐 dy = 0 is “homogeneous of degree 3”
Here N = −3xy2 is SIMPLER than M = x 3 + y3 ,
USE: y = vx and dy = v dx + x dv
(i) Substitute to the given D.E.,

(x 3 + v3 x 3 )dx − 3x(v2 x 2 )(v dx + x dv) = 0

(ii) Divide each term by x 3 and simplify,

(1 + v3 )dx − 3v2 (v dx + x dv) = 0

dx 3v2 dv
or − =0
x 1−2v3

(iii) Integration leads to the ln functions,

 1
ln x + ln(1 − 2v3 ) = C
2

(iv) Since y=xv and v=y/x, then

1 2y3
ln x + ln (1 − 3 ) = C
2 x

(v) Simplification finally gives,

x 3 − 2y3 = C1 x
Answer

(b) 𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 + 2𝑦)𝟐 𝑑𝑦 = 0 is “homogeneous of degree 2”.

Here, M = xy is SIMPLER than 𝑁 = −(𝑥 + 2𝑦)2
USE: x = uy and dx = u dy + y du

(i) Substitute to the given D.E.,

𝑦𝑢2 (𝑢 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑢) − (𝑢𝑦 + 2𝑦)2 𝑑𝑦 = 0

(ii) Divide each term by 𝑦 2 and simplify,

𝑢2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦𝑑𝑢 − (𝑢 + 2)2 𝑑𝑦 = 0

𝑢2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦𝑑𝑢 − (𝑢2 + 4𝑢 + 4)𝑑𝑦 = 0

and 𝑢𝑦 𝑑𝑢 − 4(𝑢 + 1)𝑑𝑦 = 0

(iii) Separation of variables gives,

𝑢 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑦
− =0
4(𝑢 + 1) 𝑦
1 1 𝑑𝑦
(1 − ) 𝑑𝑢 − =0
4 𝑢+1 𝑦

1
(iv) Integrate: {𝑢 − 𝑙𝑛(𝑢 + 1)} − ln 𝑦 = 𝐶
4

(v) Substitute x = uy or u = x/y and simplify,

 𝑥 − 𝑦 ln(𝑥 𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4 ) = 𝐶1 𝑦
Answer

𝑦 𝑦
(c) (𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = 0 is “homogeneous of degree 1”

USE: y = vx or v = y/x
dy = v dx + x dv

(i) Substitute to the D.E.,

(𝑥 + 𝑣𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑣 )𝑑𝑥 − 𝑥 sin 𝑣 (𝑣 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑣 ) = 0
(ii) Divide each term by x and simplify,
dx – x sin v dv = 0
or dx/x – sin v dv = 0
(iii) Integration gives,

ln x + cos v = C
𝑦
(iv) Finally, using 𝑣 = 𝑥 ,

𝑦
ln 𝑥 + cos=𝐶
𝑥
_______________ Answer
LEARNING EXERCISE No. 1

Determine the complete solution of the following ordinary differential equation:

1. 1  x  dy  1  y 
1 1
2 2 2 2
dx  0
dy dy dy
2.  xy 2  x  0 10. x 2  y2  x2 y
dx dx dx
dy sin 2 x
3. 
dx sin y
4. sin x cos 2 ydx  cos 2 xdy  0

5. 1  x   
1
2 dy  1  y 2 dx  0

6. e x 1  y 
1
2 2
dx  yx 1dy  0
dy 1  y
7. 
dx 1  x
dy
8. e x  y  y2  0
dx
9. sinh xdy  cosh ydx  0
LESSON 4: EXACT DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

(a) The equation 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 is to be “exact” if

Partial derivative of M with respect to y is equal to partial derivative of N with
respect to x. in this method, the student is expected that they have knowledge in
partial differentiation which are discussed in differential calculus.
Ә𝑀 Ә𝑁
=
Ә𝑦 Ә𝑥
(b) Solutions:
Ә
(i) Direct : ∫ 𝑀𝑑𝑥 + ∫(𝑁 − Ә𝑦 ∫ 𝑀𝑑𝑥) 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶
(ii) Indirect : ∫ 𝑀 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐶 or ∫ 𝑁 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
Using direct or indirect method the student is expected that they have
knowledge in partial integration which are discussed in integral calculus.

REMARK:
(a) The unknown functions f(y) and g(x) are obtained from the
comparison of these two (2) possible solutions.

(b) In Integrating the functions M and N, “partial” integration is

applied integration is applied, that is, to hold
y constant when integrating relative to x or to hold x constant in
integrating with respect to y. Same is true in partial differentiation.
EXAMPLE NO. 5
Find the solutions to the following D.E.
(a) (2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

(b) (cos 𝑦 + 𝑦 cos 𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 sin 𝑦 − sin 𝑥 )𝑑𝑦 = 0

𝑦 𝑥
(c) (𝑒 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 + 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑦 + ln 𝑥 + sin 𝑦) 𝑑𝑦 = 0

SOLUTIONS:
(a): (2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 is first tested for “exactness”

𝜕𝑀
(i) 𝑀 = 2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 ; 𝜕𝑦 = 2𝑥
𝜕𝑁
𝑁 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑦; = 2𝑥
𝜕𝑥
 so, given D.E. is exact.

(ii) USE the Direct Method,

𝜕
∫ 𝑀 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ {𝑁 − ∫ 𝑀 𝑑𝑥} 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶
𝜕𝑦

𝜕
∫(2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥 + ∫ {𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 − ∫(2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑥} 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶
𝜕𝑦

𝜕 2
𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + ∫ {𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 − (𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 )} 𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶
𝜕𝑦

𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + ∫(𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 − 𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑦 = 𝐶

(iii) Finally, 𝑥 2𝑦 + 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 2 = 𝐶
Answer
(b): In the given D.E.,
M = cos y + y cos x
𝜕𝑀
= - sin y + cos x
𝜕𝑦

and N = - x sin y + sin x

𝜕𝑁
= - sin y + cos x
𝜕𝑦

(i) Here, we use the Indirect Method,

(1) ∫ 𝑀 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
∫(cos 𝑦 + 𝑦 cos 𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
x cos y + y sin x + f(y) = C

(2) ∫ 𝑁 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
∫(−𝑥 sin 𝑦 + sin 𝑥 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
x cos y + y sin x + g(x) = C

(ii) Comparison of the two (2) possible solutions (1) and (2), shows
that
f(y) = g(y) = 0, so

x cos y + y sin x = C
Answer
 (c) Here, the D.E. has
𝑦 𝜕𝑀 1 1
𝑀 = 𝑒 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 + 𝑥 ; = 𝑦+𝑥
𝜕𝑦

𝑥 𝜕𝑁 1 1
𝑁 = + ln 𝑥 + sin 𝑦 ; = +
𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝑦 𝑥

(i) Use the Indirect Method,

(1) ∫ 𝑀 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
𝑦
∫ (𝑒 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 + ) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
𝑥
𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 ln 𝑦 + 𝑦 ln 𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
(2) ∫ 𝑁 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
𝑥
∫ ( + ln 𝑥 + sin 𝑦) 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
𝑦
x ln y + y ln x – cos y + g(x) = C

(ii) Comparison of solutions (1) and (2) shows that f(y) = - cos y and
g(x) = 𝑒 𝑥 , so

𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑥 ln 𝑦 + 𝑦 ln 𝑥 − cos 𝑦 = 𝐶
Answer

LESSON 5: NON-EXACT DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

(a) If, in M (x, y) dx + N (x, y) dy = 0

∂M ∂N
≠
∂y ∂x
then the D.E. in “non-exact”.

(b) Solution: A “non-exact” D.E. is solved by other methods or more

often by reducing it to an “exact” form through the determination of
an “integrating factor” which, when multiplied to the D.E., reduces it
to

𝑀 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

such that
 ∂M∅ ∂N∅
=
∂y ∂x

where: ∅ = ∅(𝑥, 𝑦) is the integrating factor.

(c) Special Cases for Finding ∅

CASE I: When ∅ is a function x alone,

∅ = ∅ (𝑥 ).

1 𝜕M 𝜕N
TEST: If ( − 𝜕x ) = 𝑓(𝑥)
N 𝜕y

then ∅ = e∫ f(x)dx

CASE 2: When ∅ is a function of y alone,

∅ = ∅(𝑦)

1 𝜕N 𝜕M
TEST: If ( − ) = 𝑔(𝑦)
M 𝜕𝑥 𝜕y

then ∅ = e∫ g(y)dy

CASE 3: When ∅ = x m yn .

Mn Nm 𝜕N 𝜕M
TEST: If − = −
y x 𝜕𝑥 𝜕y

reduces to an “identity” equation (one wherein the

terms at the left side are the same as on the right
side) the exponents m and n may be obtained by
the comparison of terms from both sides of the
equation – that is, by equating coefficients of like
terms.
EXAMPLE NO. 6
Find the solutions of the following D.E.:
(a) (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 1)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

(b) (2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑥 )𝑑𝑦 = 0

(c) 2𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 − 𝑥 3 𝑦 3 )𝑑𝑦 = 0

SOLUTIONS:
(a): In (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 1)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0
 𝜕𝑀
𝑀 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 1; = 2𝑦
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑁
𝑁 = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦; = 2𝑥 − 2𝑦
𝜕𝑥

so, D.E. is non-exact.

(i) This is under CASE 1 with the “integrating factor”,

∅ = 𝑒 ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥
1 𝜕𝑀 𝜕𝑁
and 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑁 ( 𝜕𝑦 − 𝜕𝑥 )
1
= 𝑥2 −2𝑥𝑦 (2𝑦 − 2𝑥 + 2𝑦)
2(−𝑥+2𝑦) 2
= 𝑥(𝑥−2𝑦)
𝑜𝑟 − 𝑥

so, ∅ = 𝑒 ∫(−2/𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 𝑒 −2𝑙𝑛𝑥 = 𝑥 −2

(ii) Multiply the given D.E. by ∅ = 𝑥 −2 ,
(1 + 𝑥 −2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 −2 )𝑑𝑥 + (1 − 2𝑥 −1 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0
The new M and N functions are,
𝜕𝑀𝑛
𝑀𝑛=1 + 𝑥 −2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 −2 ; = 2𝑥 −2 𝑦
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑁𝑛
𝑁𝑛 = 1 − 2𝑥 −1 𝑦 ; = 2𝑥 −2 𝑦
𝜕𝑥

so, the reduced D.E. is now exact.

(iii) Use the Indirect Method,

(1) ∫ 𝑀𝑛 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
∫(1 + 𝑥 −2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 −2 ) 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
𝑥 − 𝑥 −1 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 −1 + 𝑓 (𝑦) = 𝐶
(2) ∫ 𝑁𝑛 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
∫(1 − 2𝑥 −1 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
𝑦 − 𝑥 −1 𝑦 2 + 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝐶
(iv) Comparison of (1) and (2), shows that f(y) = y and g(x) = x - 𝑥 −1 ,
so

𝑥 − 𝑥 −1 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 −1 + 𝑦 = 𝐶
Answer
 (b) In this D.E.
𝜕𝑀
𝑀 = 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 2 + 𝑦 ; = 2𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 1
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑀
𝑁 = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥𝑦 + 3𝑥 ; = 6𝑥 − 4𝑦 + 3
𝜕𝑦

(i) This “non-exact” D.E. can be solved under CASE 2 with the
‘integrating factor”

∅ = 𝑒 ∫ 𝑔(𝑦)𝑑𝑦
1 𝜕𝑀 𝜕𝑀
where: 𝑔(𝑦) = 𝑀 ( 𝜕𝑥 − )
𝜕𝑦
1
= 2𝑥𝑦−𝑦2 +𝑦 (4𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2)
2(2𝑥−𝑦+1) 2
= 𝑦(2𝑥−𝑦+1) = 𝑦

so, ∅ = 𝑒 ∫(2/𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 𝑒 2 ln 𝑦 = 𝑦 2
(ii) Multiply each term in the given D.E. by ∅ = 𝑦 2
(2𝑥𝑦 3 − 𝑦 4 + 𝑦 3 )𝑑𝑥 + (3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥𝑦 3 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = 0
the new M and N functions are,
𝜕𝑀𝑛
𝑀𝑛 = 2𝑥𝑦 3 − 𝑦 4 + 𝑦 3 ; = 6𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑁𝑛
𝑁𝑛 = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥𝑦 3 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 ; = 6𝑥𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 3 + 3𝑦 2
𝜕𝑥

(iii) Having been reduced to an exact form, the D.E. may now be
solved either by the Direct or Indirect method, as in Exercise (a),
to give the final answer,

𝑥 2 𝑦 3 − 𝑥𝑦 4 + 𝑥𝑦 3 = 𝐶
Answer
(c) In 2𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 − 𝑥 3 𝑦 3 )𝑑𝑦 = 0,
𝜕𝑀
𝑀 = 2𝑦 ; =2
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑁
𝑁 = 𝑥 − 𝑥 3𝑦 3 ; = 1 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3
𝜕𝑥

(i) This non-exact D.E falls under Case 3 where the “integrating
factor” is
∅ = 𝑥𝑚𝑦𝑛
with m and n obtained from
𝑀𝑛 𝑁𝑚 𝜕𝑁 𝜕𝑀
− = −
𝑦 𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

2𝑦 𝑛 (𝑥−𝑥 3 𝑦 3 )𝑚
or − = 1 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 − 2
𝑦 𝑥
 2𝑛 − 𝑚 + 𝑚𝑥 2 𝑦 3 = −1 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3
(ii) Note that this is an “identity” equation,

where: 2𝑛 − 𝑚 = −1
and 𝑚 = −3
so, 𝑛 = −2
and ∅ = 𝑥 −3 𝑦 −2

(iii) Multiply the given D.E. by ∅ = 𝑥 −3 𝑦 −2 ,

2𝑥 −3 𝑦 −1 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 −2 𝑦 −2 − 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0
The new M and N functions are,
𝜕𝑀𝑛
𝑀𝑛 = 2𝑥 −3 𝑦 −1 ; = −2𝑥 −3 𝑦 −2
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑁𝑛
𝑁𝑛 = 𝑥 −2 𝑦 −2 − 𝑦 ; = −2𝑥 −3 𝑦 −2
𝜕𝑥

(iv) This is now an exact D.E. which can be solved by either the
Direct or Indirect method; as in Exercise (a), to give
2𝑥 −2 𝑦 −1 + 𝑦 2 = 𝐶
Answer
LEARNING EXERCISE No. 2

Determine the complete solution of the following ordinary differential equation:

 
1
y
1. y 2  x 2 2 dx  yarc csc dy  0
x
2. x 4
 y4 dx  2x 3
ydy  0 ; x = 1, y = 0
y
dy
3. x  y  xe x
dx

4. xdy  xy  2 dy  ydx

1

 3 1 
5.  x 2 y 2  xy dx  x 2 dy  0
 
6. 3x  6xy dx  3x  2 ydy  0
2 2

7. y  1dx  2xy  sin y dy  0

2

   
 xx  y   y  dx   y x  y 
1 1
8. 2 2 2 2 2 2
 x  dy  0
   
9.  y cos xy  2 x dx  x cos xydy  0
y y
10. yx 2 cos dx  x 1 cos dy  0
x x
LESSON 6: FIRST-ORDERED LINEAR D.E. (FOLDE)

(a) This is a D.E. which is “first order” in the derivative and “linear” in
the dependent variables. In the standard form, it is written as

dy
+ y P(x) = Q(x)
dx

(b) Solution: y∅ = ∫ Q(x)∅ dx + C

where: ∅ = e∫ P(x)dx
NOTE: FOLDE is actually a “non-exact” D.E. where Ø is obtained
under CASE 1.

REMARK: For the case where the dependent variable is x, FOLDE

is written in its standard form as
dy
+ x P(y) = Q(y)
dx

having a solution: x∅ = ∫ Q(y)∅ dy + C

where: ∅ = e∫ P(y)dy
EXAMPLE NO. 7
Determine the solution of the following D.E.:
𝑑𝑦
(a) + 2𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥

(b) 𝑡 𝑑𝑠 − (𝑡 3 𝑒 3𝑡 + 3𝑠𝑡 + 𝑠)𝑑𝑡 = 0

𝑑𝑥
(c) 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 + 2 = 0

SOLUTION
𝑑𝑦
(a) + 2𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑥 = 0, the standard form of this D.E. in the FOLDE form is,
𝑑𝑥

dy
 2 xy  4 x where P = 2x and Q = 4x
dx

There the integrating factor,   e   e

Pdx 2 xdx
 ex
2

(i) Solution is y   Qdx  c

ye x   4 x e x dx  c
2 2
(ii) integration gives,

ye x  2e x  c
2 2

y  2  ce  x
2

Answer

(b) 𝑡 𝑑𝑠 − (𝑡 3 𝑒 3𝑡 + 3𝑠𝑡 + 𝑠)𝑑𝑡 = 0

This D.E. is divided by t dt and reduced to the FOLDE form,
ds
dt
 
 s 3  t 1  t 2 e 3t

Where P   3  t 1  
Q  t 2 e3t
 
And   e   e
Pdt  3t 1 dt
 e 3t ln t  t 1e 3t

(i) Solution is s   Qdt  c


st 1e 3t   t 2 e3t t 1e 3t  c 
(ii) Integration leads to,

1 3t t2
st e  c
2
And

t 3 e 3t
s  cte 3t
2
Answer

𝑑𝑥
(c) 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 + 2 = 0, divide the given D.E. by y,

dx 2
 x  3 y  2 y 1
dy y
Which is now in the FOLDE form with,
2
P ; Q  3 y  2 y 1
y
And

  2 y  dy
  e
Pdy
e  e 2 ln y
Or   y 2

(i) Solution is x   Qdy  c

xy 2   3 y  2 y 1 y 2 dy  c

(ii) Integration gives,

xy 2  3 ln y  y 2  C
Which simplifies to,

x  y 2 ln y 3  1  cy 2
Answer

LEARNING EXERCISE No. 3

Determine the complete solution of the following ordinary differential equation:

1. 1  xy 2 dx  y 2  x2 1  xy 2 dy  0 ; when x = 0 , y = 1

2. 
ydx  x 2  x dy  0 
3. x  y dx  2xydy  0
2 2

4. x y  ydx  2x y  xdy  0

2 2 3

5. y  xy dx  xdy  0
2

6. xdy   y  ln x dx  0

7. 1  x dy  xy  x dx  0

2 1

8. e x2

 2 xy dx  dy  0

9. y' y cot x  sin 2 x

10. y'ky  e kx
Feedback
How did you go on so far with this module? Did you enjoy answering the
learning exercises of different topics? You are just on the basic method of solving
first order differential equation. If you have encountered difficulties in solving the
general solution, maybe your prior knowledge on differentiation and integration in
calculus were not enough to proceed this course. Therefore, I suggest you must
review your differential and integral calculus while you are reading some example of
different lesson.

Summary
 A “differential equation” (abbreviated as D.E) is one which contains at least
one derivative. most often, a D.E. is written in terms of differentials – a more
convenient form for analysis and solution.
 The “order” of a D.E. is the same as the order of the highest-ordered
derivative in the equation.
 The “degree” of a D.E. is the same as the power (or exponent) to which the
derivative of the highest order in the equation is raised.
 A D.E. may be ordinary or partial as to the type of derivative/s or differentials
appearing in the equation.
 The solution to a D.E. is the relation involving only the variables and arbitrary
constants, free of any derivatives or differentials, and consistent with, or
satisfying, the given D.E.
 The “most general solution” of a D.E. of the nth-order contains n arbitrary
constants. (If particular values are assigned to these arbitrary constants, the
solution is called “particular solution. Arbitrary constants may be obtained
from known “boundary conditions.”)
 Separation of variable method will be used on finding the general solution
when the given D.E. are factorable.
 Homogeneous D.E. method will be used on finding the general solution when
the given implicit differential equation, both M and N were in the same degree.
 Exact differential equation method will be used on finding the general solution
when the given implicit differential equation, the partial derivative of M and N
are equal. In this method, partial differentiation and partial integration is
necessary.
 Non-Exact Differential Equation and First Order Linear D.E. requires to find
the integrating factor in order to obtain the complete general or particular
solution of the given first order differential equation.
Suggested Readings
For more exercises on the topics in this module, you may log on to the
following links:
http:www.cse.salford.ac.uk/physics/gsmcdonald/pp/PPLATORESOURCE/h-
flap/M6_2t.pdf
https: services.math.duke.edu>diffeq

References
Differential and Integral Calculus 6th Edition by Clyde E. Love and Earl D. Rainville
Calculus with analytic geometry A Harper International Edition by Thurman S.
Peterson
Differential equations – made easy 1st Edition by Dela Fuente, Templo and Tejada