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2.3 Linear Equations

The document defines and provides examples of linear first-order differential equations. It explains that a linear equation is of the form a1(x)dy/dx + a0(x)y = g(x). If g(x) = 0 it is homogeneous, and if g(x) ≠ 0 it is nonhomogeneous. The standard form is presented as dy/dx + p(x)y = f(x). Finally, the document outlines the method for solving linear first-order differential equations, which involves finding the integrating factor and integrating both sides.

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439 views2 pages

2.3 Linear Equations

The document defines and provides examples of linear first-order differential equations. It explains that a linear equation is of the form a1(x)dy/dx + a0(x)y = g(x). If g(x) = 0 it is homogeneous, and if g(x) ≠ 0 it is nonhomogeneous. The standard form is presented as dy/dx + p(x)y = f(x). Finally, the document outlines the method for solving linear first-order differential equations, which involves finding the integrating factor and integrating both sides.

Uploaded by

Faraa Bella
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.3 2.3.

LINEAR EQUATION Definition: A first-order differential equation of the form


a1 ( x) dy + a0 ( x) y = g ( x) dx (1)

is said to be a linear equation in the dependent variable y . Note: The equation in (1) fulfills the three characteristics of a linear equation as discussed in section 1.1. 2.3.2 If g ( x) = 0 , the equation in (1) is said to be a first-order homogeneous linear differential equation. Example, xy + y = 0 .
If g ( x) 0 , the equation in (1) is said to be a first-order nonhomogeneous linear differential equation. Example, xy + y = e x . 2.3.3

Standard form of a first-order linear differential equation


Divide both sides of (1) by the leading coefficient, a1 ( x) , so that the coefficient of dy is one. dx dy a0 ( x) g ( x) + y= (2) dx a1 ( x) a1 ( x)

Let

a0 ( x) g ( x) = p ( x) and let = f ( x) . Then (2) can be written as (3). a1 ( x) a1 ( x) dy + p ( x) y = f ( x ) dx (3)

Equation (3) is known as the standard form of a first-order linear differential equation.

Example, the standard form of the linear equation, xy + y = e x , is y + y ex = x x


1

2.3.4

Method for solving a linear first-order differential equation


(i) Check to make sure that the linear equation is in the standard form as given in (3). (ii) Identify p ( x) and evaluate the integrating factor (IF), IF = e (iii)Multiply each side of (3) by the IF, as given in (4) e
p ( x ) dx p ( x ) dx dy p ( x ) dx p( x) y = e f ( x) +e dx

p ( x ) dx

(4)

The left hand side of (4) is automatically the derivative of the IF and the dependent variable y , that is,
p ( x ) dx d p ( x ) dx e y = e f ( x) dx

(5)

(iv) Integrate both sides of Equation (5) and solve for y to obtain the general solution of the given differential equation. (The general solution is the most general form that the solution can take and does not take into account any initial conditions). 2.3.5

Constant of integration
It is unnecessary to include the constant of integration, c , when evaluating the indefinite p ( x ) dx . The constant of integration will be eventually cancelled at integral in the IF = e some point during the process of the solution. Hence, disregard the constant.

2.3.6

Exercises:
(a) Find the general solution of the given differential equation. (i) x dy 4 y = x6e x dx Ans: Ans: y = x5 e x x 4 e x + cx 4

(ii) ( x + 1) y + ( x + 2) y = 2 xe x (b) Solve the given initial-value problem. (i) ( x + 1) dy + y = ln x , y (1) = 10 dx (ii) y + (tan x) y = sin 2 x , y (0) = 1

y=

x2 c + x x e ( x + 1) e ( x + 1)

Ans: Ans:

x ln x x 21 + ( x + 1) ( x + 1) ( x + 1) y = 2 cos 2 x + 3cos x y=
2

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