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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 6
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

TOPIC 6
EXACT DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

It was discussed in the first module how to classify a differential equation according to its type, degree, order
and linearity. In Chapter 2, we are going to study all the different solutions in solving a differential equation in the
first order and first degree. There are several solutions in solving these types of differential equations but each one
must follow a particular condition in order to use the solution.

A differential equation may also be solved in more than one solution and it is up to you, students, what to use
for as long as the equation satisfies the condition for the particular solution. Each solution will be presented then
according to the level of difficulty.

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. examine the applicable solution to solve a first-order first-degree differential equation;

2. perform the solution for exact differential equations.

1.1 Exact Differential Equations

From differential calculus,

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓
𝜕𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

In the equation, the right member is called an exact differential and if the right member is equated to zero, it is
called an exact differential equation.

An exact differential equation is written in the form 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 where,

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)
=
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

1.2 Solutions to Exact Differential Equation

Solution 1:

1. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥, treating 𝑦 as constant.

2. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑥).
3. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑥) from the given equation.
4. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑦).
5. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

Alternative Solution:

1. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦, treating 𝑥 as constant.

2. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑦).
3. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑦) from the given equation.
4. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑥).
5. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

The solution to the exact differential equation must be the same at either process.

ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 1 | Page

Cagayan State University–Carig Campus
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 6
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

Example 1:

Solve (3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 6𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 3 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0.

Solution:

Check whether the differential equation is exact.

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 6𝑥) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(𝑥 3 + 2𝑦)

= =
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)
= 3𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 2
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥,𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥,𝑦)
Since 𝜕𝑦
= 𝜕𝑥
, then the equation is an exact differential equation. Using solution 1,

a. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥, treating 𝑦 as constant.

𝑓(𝑥) = ∫(3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 6𝑥)𝑑𝑥

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑦 ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 − ∫ 6𝑥𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2

b. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑑𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑑(𝑥 3 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 − 6𝑥𝑑𝑥

c. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑥) from the given equation.

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = [𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = [(3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 6𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 3 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − [3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 − 6𝑥𝑑𝑥]
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 6𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑑𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + 6𝑥𝑑𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 2𝑦𝑑𝑦

d. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑦).

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 2𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑦) = ∫ 2𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑦 2

e. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 and 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑦 2 , then the solution of the exact differential equation is,

𝒙𝟑 𝒚 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝑪

Now, let us try solving the problem using the alternative solution. We must be getting the same answer.

a. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦, treating 𝑥 as constant.

𝑓(𝑦) = ∫(𝑥 3 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦

𝑓(𝑦) = ∫ 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + ∫ 2𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑥 3 𝑦 + 𝑦 2

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 6
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

b. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑦).

𝑑𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑑(𝑥 3 𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑑𝑦

c. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑦) from the given equation.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = [𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − 𝑓 ′ (𝑦)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = [(3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 6𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 3 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − [3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑑𝑦]
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 6𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑑𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −6𝑥𝑑𝑥

d. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑥).

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = −6𝑥𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = ∫ −6𝑥𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 2

e. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

Since 𝑓(𝑥) = −3𝑥 2 and 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑥 3 𝑦 + 𝑦 2 , then the solution of the exact differential equation is,

−3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 3 𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 𝐶
𝒙𝟑 𝒚 − 𝟑𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝑪

Our answer using the alternative solution is the same as our previous answer.

Example 2:

Solve (sin 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 + 5)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑦 + 𝑥 cos 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0.

Solution:

Check whether the differential equation is exact.

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(sin 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 + 5) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(𝑦 + 𝑥 cos 𝑦)

= =
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)
= cos 𝑦 = cos 𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥,𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥,𝑦)
Since 𝜕𝑦
= 𝜕𝑥
, then the equation is an exact differential equation. Using solution 1,

a. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥, treating 𝑦 as constant.

𝑓(𝑥) = ∫(sin 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 + 5)𝑑𝑥

𝑓(𝑥) = ∫ sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − ∫ 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + ∫ 5𝑑𝑥

𝑓(𝑥) = sin 𝑦 ∫ 𝑑𝑥 − 3 ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 5 ∫ 𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥

b. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑑𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑑(𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 + sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 − 5𝑑𝑥

ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 3 | Page

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LECTURE MODULE 6
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

c. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑥) from the given equation.

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = [𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = [(sin 𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 + 5)𝑑𝑥 + (𝑦 + 𝑥 cos 𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − [𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 + sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 − 5𝑑𝑥]
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 5𝑑𝑥 + 𝑦𝑑𝑦 + 𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 − sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 5𝑑𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 𝑦𝑑𝑦

d. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑦).

𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑦) = ∫ 𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑦2
𝑓(𝑦) =
2

e. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

𝑦2
Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 and 𝑓(𝑦) = 2
, then the solution of the exact differential equation is,

𝑦2
𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 + =𝐶
2
2𝑥 sin 𝑦 − 2𝑥 3 + 10𝑥 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝐶
𝟐𝒙 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒚 − 𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝑪

You may try solving the problem by using the alternative solution. You must get same answer.

Example 3:

Solve (6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = 0.

Solution:

Check whether the differential equation is exact.

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕(2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )

= =
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)
= 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 4𝑥 + 2𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕 𝑀(𝑥,𝑦) 𝜕𝑁(𝑥,𝑦)
Since 𝜕𝑦
= 𝜕𝑥
, then the equation is an exact differential equation. Using the alternative solution,

a. Solve for 𝑓(𝑦) by integrating 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦, treating 𝑥 as constant.

𝑓(𝑦) = ∫(2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦

𝑓(𝑦) = ∫ 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 + ∫ 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦 − ∫ 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦

𝑓(𝑦) = 2𝑥 2 ∫ 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑥 ∫ 𝑦𝑑𝑦 − 3 ∫ 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
𝑓(𝑦) = 2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦 3

b. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑦) by differentiating completely 𝑓(𝑦).

𝑑𝑓(𝑦) = 𝑑(2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦 3 )
𝑓 ′ (𝑦) = 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦

ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 4 | Page

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
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LECTURE MODULE 6
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

c. Solve for 𝑓′(𝑥) by subtracting 𝑓′(𝑦) from the given equation.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = [𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦] − 𝑓 ′ (𝑦)

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = [(6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦] − [2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦]
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 − 4𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦 − 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 + 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥

d. Solve for 𝑓(𝑥) by integrating 𝑓′(𝑥).

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 6𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = ∫ 6𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3

e. The solution to the exact differential equation is 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(𝑦) = 𝐶.

Since 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3and 𝑓(𝑦) = 2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦 3 , then the solution of the exact differential equation is,

𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟐𝒙𝟐 𝒚 + 𝒙𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚𝟑 = 𝑪

You may try solving the problem by using solution 1. You must get same answer.

Canva. (n.d.). Retrieved from Canva: www.canva.com

Zill, D. G., & Wright, W. S. (2013). Succeeding with Differential Equations (8th Edition). Cengage Learning.

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