First order equations

Differential Equations Workbook

CLASSIFYING DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

1. Identify the order and linearity of the differential equation.

5y′′′ + 4xy = x 2

Solution:

The equation 5y′′′ + 4xy = x 2 contains a third derivative, so it’s a third order
equation. We can see that the equation is linear, because the equation
does not contain functions of y other than y itself and its derivatives.

2. Say whether or not the linear equation is homogeneous.

y′′ − x = 3y

Solution:

We can rewrite the equation as y′′ − 3y = x, which allows us to see that the
equation is linear and non-homogeneous.

3. Identify the order and linearity of each differential equation.

x 3 + 3x sin x = y′

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 Differential Equations Workbook

d 4y
x 4 − x ln x = 0
dx

y′′ − 3y′ + xy 2 = x

Solution:

The equation x 3 + 3x sin x = y′ contains a first derivative, so it’s a first order

equation. We can rewrite it as y′ = x 3 + 3x sin x, which allows us to see that
the equation is linear.

The equation

d 4y
x 4 − x ln x = 0
dx

contains a fourth derivative, so it’s a fourth order equation. We can rewrite

it as d 4y/d x 4 = ln x, which allows us to see that the equation is linear.

The equation y′′ − 3y′ + xy 2 = x contains a second derivative, so it’s a second

order equation. Because the equation contains y 2, it’s non-linear.

4. Determine whether each linear equation is homogeneous or non-

homogeneous.

y′ − 3y = 0

(sin x)y′ = 0

ln x − 3y′′ = y

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Solution:

Since q(x) = 0, the equation y′ − 3y = 0 is homogeneous.

Since q(x) = 0, the equation (sin x)y′ = 0 is homogeneous.

We can rewrite ln x − 3y′′ = y as 3y′′ + y = ln x, which allows us to see that the

equation is linear and non-homogeneous.

5. Identify the order and linearity of each differential equation, then say
whether or not each linear equation is homogeneous.

5y′ − y′′′ − ln y = x

y′′ = 4y 2

y′ = xy

Solution:

The equation 5y′ − y′′′ − ln y = x contains a third derivative, so it’s a third

order equation. We can rewrite it as y′′′ − 5y′ = − x − ln y, which allows us to
see that the equation is non-linear, because the equation contains ln y.

The equation y′′ = 4y 2 contains a second derivative, so it’s a second order

equation. Because the equation contains y 2, it’s non-linear.

3























 Differential Equations Workbook

The equation y′ = xy contains a first derivative, so it’s a first order equation.

We can rewrite it as y′ − xy = 0, which allows us to see that the equation is
linear and homogeneous.

6. Identify the order and linearity of the differential equation.

e x y′′′ = e y x

Solution:

The equation e x y′′′ = e y x contains a third derivative, so it’s a third order

equation. Because the equation contains e y, it’s non-linear.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

LINEAR EQUATIONS

1. Find the solution to the linear differential equation.

y′ − y sin x = 0

Solution:

The linear differential equation is already in standard form, so we can use

P(x) = − sin x to find the integrating factor.

μ(x) = e ∫ −sin x dx

μ(x) = e cos x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx )
cos x dy
e − y sin x = 0

dy
e cos x − ye cos x sin x = 0
dx

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d
(ye cos x) = 0
dx

then integrate and solve for y.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

d
∫ dx ∫
(ye cos x) = 0 d x

ye cos x = C

y = Ce −cos x

2. Solve the differential equation.

y′ cos x + y sin x = 1

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

y′ cos x + y sin x = 1

y′ + y tan x = sec x

Use P(x) = tan x to find the integrating factor.

μ(x) = e ∫ tan x dx

μ(x) = e −ln(cos x)

1
μ(x) =
cos x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1
(y′ + y tan x = sec x)
cos x

1 tan x sec x
y′ + y =
cos x cos x cos x

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d x ( cos x ) cos2 x
d 1 1
y =

then integrate and solve for y.

∫ d x ( cos x ) ∫ cos2 x
d 1 1
y = dx

1
y = tan x + C
cos x

y = cos x(tan x + C)

y = sin x + C cos x

3. Find the solution to the linear differential equation.

xy′ + y = e x

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1 ex
y′ + y =
x x

Use P(x) = 1/x to find the integrating factor.

1
μ(x) = e ∫ x dx

μ(x) = e ln x

μ(x) = x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( x)
1 ex
x y′ + y =
x

xy′ + y = e x

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d
(xy) = e x
dx

then integrate and solve for y.

xy = e x + C

ex + C
y=
x

4. Solve the differential equation.

xy′ = x 3 − 3x 3y

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

xy′ + 3x 3y = x 3

y′ + 3x 2y = x 2

Use P(x) = 3x 2 to find the integrating factor.

2
μ(x) = e ∫ 3x dx

3
μ(x) = e x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

3
e x (y′ + 3x 2y = x 2)
3 3 3
e x y′ + 3x 2ye x = x 2e x

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d x3 3
(e y) = x 2e x
dx

then integrate, using a substitution with u = x 3 and du = 3x 2 d x to integrate

the right side.

d x3
∫ dx ∫
3
(e y) = x 2e x d x

u
e
∫ 3
3
ex y = du

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 Differential Equations Workbook

3 1 u
ex y = e +C
3

3 1 x3
ex y = e +C
3

Solve for y to find the solution to the linear differential equation.

1 3
y= + Ce −x
3

5. Find the solution to the linear differential equation.

xy′ − 3y = x 2 − x + 1

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

xy′ − 3y = x 2 − x + 1

3 1
y′ − y =x−1+
x x

Now we can use P(x) = − 3/x to find the integrating factor.

∫ − 3x dx
μ(x) = e

μ(x) = e −3 ln x

μ(x) = x −3

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( x)
−3 3 1
x y′ − y = x − 1 +
x

x −3y′ − 3x −4y = x −2 − x −3 + x −4

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d −3
(x y) = x −2 − x −3 + x −4
dx

then integrate and solve for y.

d −3
∫ dx ∫
(x y) = x −2 − x −3 + x −4 d x

1 −2 1 −3
x −3y = − x −1 + x − x +C
2 3

1 1 1
x −3y = − + 2 − 3 +C
x 2x 3x

1 1
y = Cx 3 − x 2 + x−
2 3

6. Solve the differential equation.

xy′ − y = x

Solution:

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

y 1
y′ − =
x x

Now we can use P(x) = − 1/x to find the integrating factor.

1
μ(x) = e ∫ − x dx

μ(x) = e −ln x

1
μ(x) = −
x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

x( x)
1 y 1
− y′ − =
x

1 y 1
− y′ + 2 = −
x x x x

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

dx ( x )
d y 1
− =−
x x

then integrate and solve for y.

∫ dx ( x ) ∫ x x
d y 1
− = − dx

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 Differential Equations Workbook

y 2
− = +C
x x

y 2
=− +C
x x

y = − 2 x + Cx

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 Differential Equations Workbook

INITIAL VALUE PROBLEMS

1. Solve the initial value problem if y(0) = 0.

5y′ − 10xy = 25x

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

y′ − 2xy = 5x

Now use P(x) = − 2x to find the integrating factor.

μ(x) = e ∫ −2x dx
2
μ(x) = e −x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx )
2 dy
e −x − 2xy = 5x

2 dy 2 2
e −x − 2xye −x = 5xe −x
dx

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d −x 2 2
(e y) = 5xe −x
dx

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 Differential Equations Workbook

then integrate, using a substitution with u = − x 2 and du = − 2x d x to

integrate the right side.

d −x 2
∫ dx ∫
2
(e y) = 5xe −x d x

5
∫ 2
2
e −x y = − e u du

2 5
e −x y = − e u + C
2

−x 2 5 −x 2
e y =− e +C
2

5 2
y = − + Ce x
2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 0 that x = 0 and y = 0, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

5 2
0=− + Ce (0)
2

5
0=− +C
2

5
C=
2

So the solution to the differential equation is

5 5 x2
y=− + e
2 2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

2. Solve the initial value problem if y(1) = − 3.

dy
x + 2y = 6x 2
dx

Solution:

Put the linear differential equation in standard form.

dy
x + 2y = 6x 2
dx

dy 2
+ y = 6x
dx x

Now we can use P(x) = 2/x to find the integrating factor.

2
μ(x) = e ∫ x dx

μ(x) = e 2 ln x

μ(x) = x 2

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx x )
dy 2
2
x + y = 6x

dy
x2 + 2xy = 6x 3
dx

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d 2
(x y) = 6x 3
dx

then integrate.

d 2
∫ dx ∫
(x y) = 6x 3 d x

2 3 4
x y = x +C
2

3 2
y= x + Cx −2
2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = − 3 that x = 1 and y = − 3, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

3 2
−3 = (1) + C(1)−2
2

3
−3 = +C
2

9
C=−
2

So the solution to the differential equation is

3 2 9 −2
y= x − x
2 2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

3. Solve the initial value problem if y(0) = 1.

y′ − y = 2 sin(3x)

Solution:

The linear differential equation is already in standard form, so we can use

P(x) = − 1 to find the integrating factor.

μ(x) = e ∫ −1 dx

μ(x) = e −x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx )
−x dy
e − y = 2 sin(3x)

dy
e −x − ye −x = 2 sin(3x)e −x
dx

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d −x
(e y) = 2 sin(3x)e −x
dx

then integrate, using integration by parts to integrate the right side.

d −x
∫ dx ∫
(e y) = 2 sin(3x)e −x d x

1
e −x y = − e −x(sin(3x) + 3 cos(3x)) + C
5

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1
y = − (sin(3x) + 3 cos(3x)) + Ce x
5

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 1 that x = 0 and y = 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

1
1 = − (sin(3(0)) + 3 cos(3(0))) + Ce 0
5

3
1=− +C
5

8
C=
5

So the solution to the differential equation is

1 8 x
y = − (sin(3x) + 3 cos(3x)) + e
5 5

4. A function y(x) is a solution of the differential equation. Suppose that

y(1) = 1 and y(3) = 3. Find the constant k and the solution y(x).

ky
y′ − =0
x

Solution:

The linear differential equation is already in standard form, so we can use

P(x) = − k /x to find the integrating factor.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

k
μ(x) = e ∫ − x dx

μ(x) = e −k ln x

μ(x) = x −k

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx )
dy k y
x −k − =0
x

dy k y −k
x −k − x =0
dx x

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d −k
(x y) = 0
dx

then integrate.

d −k
∫ dx ∫
(x y) = 0 d x

x −k y = C

y = Cx k

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = 1 that x = 1 and y = 1 and from the initial condition y(3) = 3 that x = 3
and y = 3, so we’ll plug these values into the general solution,

1 = C(1)k

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 Differential Equations Workbook

3 = C(3)k

and then simplify to find C and k.

C=1

3 = 1(3)k

k=1

So the solution to the differential equation is

y = 1x 1

y=x

5. Solve the initial value problem if y(ln 2) = 1.

dy
− 6y = 2
dx

Solution:

The linear differential equation is already in standard form, so we can use

P(x) = − 6 to find the integrating factor.

μ(x) = e ∫ −6 dx

μ(x) = e −6x

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

( dx )
−6x dy
e − 6y = 2

−6x dy
e − 6ye −6x = 2e −6x
dx

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d −6x
(e y) = 2e −6x
dx

then integrate.

d −6x
∫ dx ∫
(e y) = 2e −6x d x

1
e −6x y = − e −6x + C
3

1
y=− + Ce 6x
3

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(ln 2) = 1 that x = ln 2 and y = 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

1
1=− + Ce 6 ln 2
3

1
1=− + 26C
3

1
C=
48

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 Differential Equations Workbook

So the particular solution to the differential equation is

1 1
y=− + e 6x
3 48

6. A function y(x) is a solution of y′ + x k y = 0. Suppose that y(0) = 1 and

y(1) = e −5. Find the constant k and the solution y(x).

Solution:

The linear differential equation is already in standard form, so we can use

P(x) = x k to find the integrating factor.
k
μ(x) = e ∫ x dx

x k+1
μ(x) = e k+1

Multiply through the differential equation by the integrating factor.

( dx )
x k+1 dy
e k+1 + xky = 0

x k+1 dy k+1
k xk + 1
e k+1 + x ye =0
dx

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d x k+1
(e k + 1 y) = 0
dx

then integrate.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

d x k+1
∫ dx ∫
(e k + 1 y) = 0 d x

x k+1
e k+1 y=C
k+1
− xk + 1
y = Ce

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 1 that x = 0 and y = 1, and from the initial condition y(1) = e −5 that
x = 1 and y = e −5, so we’ll plug these values into the general solution,
k+1
− 0k + 1
1 = Ce
k+1
−5 − 1k + 1
e = Ce

and then simplify these to solve for C and k.

C=1
1
e −5 = e − k + 1

5(k + 1) = 1

1
k+1=
5

4
k=−
5

So the solution to the differential equation is

1
−5x 5
y=e

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 Differential Equations Workbook

SEPARABLE EQUATIONS

1. Find the solution to the separable differential equation.

dy 3x 2
=
dx y

Solution:

Separate variables, moving y to the left and x to the right.

3x 2
dy = dx
y

y dy = 3x 2 d x

Integrate both sides, adding the constant of integration C to the right side.

∫ ∫
y dy = 3x 2 d x

1 2
y = x3 + C
2

Solve for y to find the solution to the separable differential equation.

y 2 = 2(x 3 + C)

y=± 2(x 3 + C)

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 Differential Equations Workbook

2. Find the solution to the separable differential equation.

dy x+2
=
dx 2y

Solution:

Separate variables, moving y to the left and x to the right.

x+2
dy = dx
2y

2y dy = (x + 2) d x

Integrate both sides, adding the constant of integration C to the right side.

∫ ∫
2y dy = x + 2 d x

2 1 2
y = x + 2x + C
2

Solve for y to find the solution to the separable differential equation.

1 2
y=± x + 2x + C
2

3. Find the solution to the separable differential equation.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

dy 4x 3 − 1
=
d x x(y 2 − 1)

Solution:

Separate variables, moving y to the left and x to the right.

4x 3 − 1
dy = dx
x(y 2 − 1)

2 4x 3 − 1
(y − 1) dy = dx
x

( x x)
3
4x 1
(y 2 − 1) dy = − dx

( )
1
(y 2 − 1) dy = 4x 2 − dx
x

Integrate both sides, adding the constant of integration C to the right side.

1
∫ ∫
y 2 − 1 dy = 4x 2 − d x
x

1 3 4
y − y = x 3 − ln | x | + C
3 3

Solve for y to find the solution to the separable differential equation.

y 3 − 3y = 4x 3 − 3 ln | x | + 3C

y 3 − 3y = 4x 3 − 3 ln | x | + C

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 Differential Equations Workbook

We can’t solve this equation explicitly for y, so we’ll leave this as the
implicitly-defined general solution.

4. Find the solution to the separable differential equation.

dy x2 x3 − 3
=
dx y2

Solution:

Start by separating variables, putting y terms on the left and x terms on

the right.

x2 x3 − 3
dy = dx
y 2

y 2 dy = x 2 x 3 − 3 d x

Now integrate both sides, using a substitution with u = x 3 − 3 and

du /3 = x 2 d x, and adding the constant of integration C to the right side.

( 3 )
du
∫ ∫
y 2 dy = u

1 3 2 3
y = u2 + C
3 9

Back-substitute for u = x 3 − 3.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1 3 2 3 3
y = (x − 3) 2 + C
3 9

Solve for y to get the explicit the solution to the separable differential
equation.

2 3 3
y3 = (x − 3) 2 + C
3
1

(3 )
2 3 3
3
y= (x − 3) 2 + C

5. Find the solution to the separable differential equation.

y′ + sin(x − y) = sin(x + y)

Solution:

Separate variables, moving y to the left and x to the right.

y′ = sin(x + y) − sin(x − y)

y′ = 2 cos x sin y

dy = 2 cos x sin y d x

1
dy = 2 cos x d x
sin y

Integrate both sides, adding the constant of integration C to the right side.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1
∫ sin y ∫
dy = 2 cos x d x

y
ln tan = 2 sin x + C
2

6. Solve the initial value problem if y(1) = − 1.

(xy 2 + x) + (x 2y − y)y′ = 0

Solution:

Separate variables, moving y to the left and x to the right.

(xy 2 + x) + (x 2y − y)y′ = 0

(x 2y − y)y′ = − (xy 2 + x)

(x 2y − y) dy = − (xy 2 + x) d x

(x 2 − 1)y dy = − (y 2 + 1)x d x
y x
dy = − dx
y +1
2 x −1
2

Integrate both sides, using substitutions on both sides, and adding the
constant of integration C to the right side.

y x
∫ y2 + 1 ∫ x2 − 1
dy = − dx

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 Differential Equations Workbook

1 1
ln | y 2 + 1 | = − ln | x 2 − 1 | + C
2 2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = − 1 that x = 0 and y = − 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution,

1 1
ln(2) = − ln(1) + C
2 2

1
ln(2) = C
2

So the solution to the differential equation is

1 1 1
ln(y 2 + 1) = − ln | x 2 − 1 | + ln(2)
2 2 2

ln(y 2 + 1) = − ln | x 2 − 1 | + ln(2)

2
ln(y 2 + 1) = ln
| x2 − 1 |

2
y2 + 1 =
| x2 − 1 |

2
y2 = −1
|x − 1|
2

2
y=± −1
|x − 1|
2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

SUBSTITUTIONS

1. Use a substitution to solve the separable differential equation.

y′ = sin(x + y)

Solution:

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set u = x + y,

u′ = 1 + y′, and y′ = u′ − 1. Then we’ll substitute y′ = u′ − 1 into the left side of
the original differential equation, and u = x + y into the right side of the
original differential equation, and we’ll get

u′ − 1 = sin u

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

du
= sin u + 1
dx

du = (sin u + 1) d x

1
du = d x
sin u + 1

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ sin u + 1 ∫
du = d x

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 Differential Equations Workbook

2
u =x+C
cot 2
+1

2 u
= cot + 1
x+C 2

2 u
− 1 = cot
x+C 2

We’ll back-substitute using u = x + y, leaving the equation solution

implicitly defined in x and y.

( 2 )
2 x+y
− 1 = cot
x+C

2. Use a substitution to solve the separable differential equation.

y′ = (x + y − 5)2

Solution:

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set up u = x + y,

u′ = 1 + y′, and y′ = u′ − 1. Then we’ll substitute y′ = u′ − 1 into the left side of
the original differential equation, and u = x + y into the right side of the
original differential equation, and we’ll get

u′ − 1 = (u − 5)2

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

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 Differential Equations Workbook

du
= (u − 5)2 + 1
dx

du = ((u − 5)2 + 1) d x

1
du = d x
(u − 5)2 + 1

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ (u − 5)2 + 1 ∫
du = d x

−tan−1(5 − u) = x + C

tan−1(5 − u) = − x + C

tan(tan−1(5 − u)) = tan(−x + C)

5 − u = tan(−x + C)

u = 5 − tan(−x + C)

We’ll back-substitute using u = x + y and then solve for y to find the

solution to the differential equation.

x + y = 5 − tan(−x + C)

y = 5 − tan(−x + C) − x

3. Use a substitution to solve the initial value problem, if y(0) = 0.

y′ = e 5y−x

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Solution:

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set u = 5y − x,

u′ = 5y′ − 1, and y′ = (u′ + 1)/5. Then we’ll substitute y′ = (u′ + 1)/5 into the left
side of the original differential equation, and u = 5y − x into the right side of
the original differential equation, and we’ll get

u′ + 1
= eu
5

u′ + 1 = 5e u

u′ = 5e u − 1

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

du
= 5e u − 1
dx

du = (5e u − 1) d x

1
du = d x
5e − 1
u

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ 5e u − 1 ∫
du = d x

e −u
∫ 5 − e −u ∫
du = d x

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 Differential Equations Workbook

ln(5 − e −u) = x + C
−u
e ln(5−e )
= e x+C

5 − e −u = Ce x

e −u = 5 − Ce x

−u = ln(5 − Ce x)

u = − ln(5 − Ce x)

We’ll back-substitute using u = 5y − x and then solve for y to find the

solution to the differential equation.

5y − x = − ln(5 − Ce x)

5y = x − ln(5 − Ce x)

1
y= (x − ln(5 − Ce x))
5

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 0 that x = 0 and y = 0, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to find C,

1
0= (0 − ln(5 − Ce 0))
5

0 = ln(5 − C)
−1
e 0 = e ln(5−C)

1
1=
5−C

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 Differential Equations Workbook

5−C =1

C=4

and then the solution to the differential equation is

1
y= (x − ln(5 − 4e x))
5

4. Use a substitution to solve the separable differential equation.

1
y′ =
6x − 3y

Solution:

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set u = 6x − 3y,

u′ = 6 − 3y′, and y′ = 2 − (1/3)u′. Then we’ll substitute y′ = 2 − (1/3)u′ into the
left side of the original differential equation, and u = 6x − 3y into the right
side of the original differential equation, and we’ll get

1 1
2 − u′ =
3 u

1 1
2− = u′
u 3

6u − 3
= u′
u

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

37










 Differential Equations Workbook

du 6u − 3
=
dx u

( u )
6u − 3
du = dx

u
du = d x
6u − 3

and then integrate both sides.

u
∫ 6u − 3 ∫
du = d x

1 u
∫ ∫
du = d x
3 2u − 1

( ) ∫
1 1
∫ ∫
du + du = d x
6 2u − 1

1
(ln(2u − 1) + u) = x + C
6

Simplify to find the solution to the differential equation.

ln(2u − 1) + u = 6x + C

ln(12x − 6y − 1) + 6x − 3y = 6x + C

ln(12x − 6y − 1) − 3y = C

5. Use a substitution to solve the initial value problem, if y(0) = 8.

38
 Differential Equations Workbook

y′ + (9x + y − 1)2 = 0

Solution:

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set u = 9x + y,

u′ = 9 + y′, and y′ = u′ − 9. Then we’ll substitute y′ = u′ − 9 and u = 9x + y into
the left side of the original differential equation, and we’ll get

u′ − 9 + (u − 1)2 = 0

u′ = 9 − (u − 1)2

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

du
= 9 − (u − 1)2
dx

du = (9 − (u − 1)2) d x

1
du = d x
9 − (u − 1) 2

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ 9 − (u − 1)2 ∫
du = d x

du
∫ 9 − (u 2 − 2u + 1) ∫
= dx

du
∫ 9 − u 2 + 2u − 1 ∫
= dx

39









 Differential Equations Workbook

du
∫ 8 + 2u − u 2 ∫
= dx

du
∫ u − 2u − 8 ∫
− 2 = dx

du
∫ (u + 2)(u − 4) ∫
− = dx

Use partial fractions to rewrite the integral on the left.

1 1 1
6 u+2 u−4 ∫
∫
− = dx

1
(ln(u + 2) − ln(u − 4)) = x + C
6

(u − 4)
u+2
ln = 6x + C

Raise both sides to the base e, then solve for u.

u+2
= Ce 6x
u−4

u + 2 = (u − 4)Ce 6x

u + 2 = uCe 6x − 4Ce 6x

u − uCe 6x = − 2 − 4Ce 6x

u(1 − Ce 6x) = − 2 − 4Ce 6x

−2 − 4Ce 6x
u=
1 − Ce 6x

40
 Differential Equations Workbook

We’ll back-substitute using u = 9x + y and then solve for y to find the

solution to the differential equation.

−2 − 4Ce 6x
9x + y =
1 − Ce 6x

−2 − 4Ce 6x
y= − 9x
1 − Ce 6x

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 8 that x = 0 and y = 8, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to find C.

−2 − 4Ce 6(0)
8= − 9(0)
1 − Ce 6(0)

−2 − 4C
8=
1−C

8(1 − C) = − 2 − 4C

8 − 8C = − 2 − 4C

4C = 10

5
C=
2

Then the solution is

−2 − 4 52 e 6x
y= 5 6x
− 9x
1− 2
e

41
 Differential Equations Workbook

−2 − 10e 6x
y= 5 6x
− 9x
1− 2
e

−4 − 20e 6x
y= − 9x
2 − 5e 6x

20e 6x + 4
y= − 9x
5e 6x − 2

6. Use a substitution to solve the initial value problem, if y(0) = 2.

y′ + 2x + 2y − 2xy = x 2 + y 2

Solution:

We can rewrite this equation as

y′ + 2x + 2y − 2xy = x 2 + y 2

y′ + 2(x + y) = x 2 + 2xy + y 2

y′ + 2(x + y) = (x + y)2

If we choose the substitution u = a x + by, then we can set u = x + y,

u′ = 1 + y′, and y′ = u′ − 1. Then we’ll substitute y′ = u′ − 1 into the left side of
the original differential equation, and u = x + y into the right side of the
original differential equation, and we’ll get

u′ − 1 + 2u = u 2

42











 Differential Equations Workbook

u′ = u 2 − 2u + 1

u′ = (u − 1)2

Now the equation is separable, so we’ll separate variables,

du
= (u − 1)2
dx

du = (u − 1)2 d x

1
du = d x
(u − 1)2

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ (u − 1)2 ∫
du = d x

1
=x+C
1−u

1
=1−u
x+C

1
u =1−
x+C

We’ll back-substitute using u = x + y and then solve for y to find the

solution to the differential equation.

1
x+y =1−
x+C

43


 Differential Equations Workbook

1
y =1− −x
x+C

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 2 that x = 0 and y = 2, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to find C.

1
2=1− −0
0+C

1
2=1−
C

1
1=−
C

C =−1

Then the solution is

1
y =1− −x
x−1

44
 Differential Equations Workbook

BERNOULLI EQUATIONS

1. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation.

(y 4 + x 4y) d x − 3x 5 dy = 0

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

4 4 5 dy
y + x y = 3x
dx

dy y 4 + x 4y
=
dx 3x 5

Split the fraction so that we can separate terms.

dy y4 x 4y
= 5+ 5
d x 3x 3x

dy x 4y y4
− 5 = 5
d x 3x 3x

dy x4 1 4
− y = 5y
d x 3x 5 3x

1 1 4
y′ − y = 5 y
3x 3x

Divide through by y n = y 4.

45

 Differential Equations Workbook

y′ y y4
− =
y 4 3xy 4 3x 5y 4

1 −3 1
y′y −4 − y = 5
3x 3x

Our substitution is v = y −3, so we’ll differentiate to get

v′ = − 3y −4 y′

and then solve this for y −4 y′.

−4 1
y y′ = − v′
3

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

1 1 1
− v′ − v = 5
3 3x 3x

1 1
v′ + v=− 5
x x

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,
1
I(x) = e ∫ x dx

I(x) = e ln x

I(x) = x

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

1 1
xv′ + xv = − 5 x
x x

46










 Differential Equations Workbook

1
xv′ + v = −
x4

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d 1
(vx) = − 4
dx x

then integrate both sides.

d 1
∫ dx ∫ x
(vx) = − 4 d x

1
vx = 3 + C
3x

Solve for v.

1 C
v= +
3x 4 x

Use v = y −3 to back-substitute for v,

−3 1 + 3x 3C
y =
3x 4

then solve for y to find the solution.

1 1 + 3x 3C
=
y3 3x 4

3 3x 4
y =
1 + 3x 3C

47

 Differential Equations Workbook

3x 4
y= 3

1 + 3x 3C

2. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation.

5
xy′ − 3y = xy 3

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

3y 5
y′ − = y3
x
5
Divide through by y n = y 3 .
5
y′ 3y y 3

5
− 5
= 5
y3 xy 3 y3

5 3 −2
y′y − 3 − y 3 =1
x
2
Our substitution is v = y − 3 , so we’ll differentiate to get

2 −5
v′ = − y 3 y′
3
5
and then solve this for y − 3 y′.

48







 Differential Equations Workbook

5 3
y − 3 y′ = − v′
2

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

3 3
− v′ − v = 1
2 x

2 2
v′ + v = −
x 3

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,
2
I(x) = e ∫ x dx

I(x) = e 2 ln x
2
I(x) = e ln x

I(x) = x 2

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

2 2
2 2 2
v′(x ) + v(x ) = − (x )
x 3

2 2 2
x v′ + 2xv = − x
3

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d 2 2 2
(x v) = − x
dx 3

then integrate both sides.

49






 Differential Equations Workbook

d 2 2
∫ dx ∫ 3
(x v) d x = − x 2 d x

2 2 3
x v =− x +C
9

Solve for v.

2 1
v = − x + 2C
9 x
2
Use v = y − 3 to back-substitute for v,

2 2 1
y− 3 = − x + 2C
9 x

then solve for y.

1 2 1
=− x + 2C
2
y3 9 x

2 1
y =
3

− 29 x + 1
C
x2

1
y=

( 9 x2 )
3
2 1
− x+ C

Simplify and rewrite the solution.

1
y=

( x2 C − x)
3
1 2
9

50
 Differential Equations Workbook

1
y=

( 9x2 9x 2 )
3
9C 2x 3
−

1
y= 3

( 9x2 )
9C − 2x 3 2

1
y= 3
(9C − 2x 3) 2
3
(9x 2) 2

1
y= 3
(9C − 2x 3) 2
27x 3

27x 3
y= 3
(C − 2x 3) 2

3. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation.

y′ = y 2 sin x + y cot x

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

y′ − y cot x = y 2 sin x

51


 Differential Equations Workbook

Divide through by y n = y 2.

y′ y cot x y 2 sin x
− =
y2 y2 y2

y′y −2 − (cot x)y −1 = sin x

Our substitution is v = y −1, so we’ll differentiate to get

v′ = − y −2 y′

and then solve this for y −2 y′.

y −2 y′ = − v′

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

−v′ − (cot x)v = sin x

v′ + (cot x)v = − sin x

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,

I(x) = e ∫ cot x dx

I(x) = e ln sin x

I(x) = sin x

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

v′ sin x + (cot x sin x)v = − sin x sin x

v′ sin x + (cot x sin x)v = − sin2 x

52











 Differential Equations Workbook

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d
(v sin x) = − sin2 x
dx

then integrate both sides.

d
∫ dx ∫
(v sin x) = − sin2 x d x

1 1
v sin x = − x + sin x cos x + C
2 2

Solve for v.

1 1
v=− x csc x + cos x + C csc x
2 2

Use v = y −1 to back-substitute for v,

1 1
y −1 = − x csc x + cos x + C csc x
2 2

then solve for y.

1 1 1
= − x csc x + cos x + C csc x
y 2 2

1
y=
− 12 x csc x + 1
2
cos x + C csc x

4. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation, if y(1) = 0.

53
 Differential Equations Workbook

y
y′ − + y=0
x

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

y
y′ − = − y
x
1
Divide through by y n = y 2 .
1
y′ y y2
1
− 1
=− 1
y 2 xy 2 y2

1 1 1
y′y − 2 − y2 = − 1
x
1
Our substitution is v = y 2 , so we’ll differentiate to get

1 −1
v′ = y 2 y′
2
1
and then solve this for y − 2 y′.
1
y − 2 y′ = 2v′

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

1
2v′ − v = − 1
x

54










 Differential Equations Workbook

Multiplying through by 1/2 puts the equation into standard form of a linear
differential equation.

1 1
v′ − v = −
2x 2

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,
1
∫ − 2x dx
I(x) = e
1
I(x) = e − 2 ln x

1
I(x) = 1
x2

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

1 1 1 1 1
v′ − 1 v=−
1
x2 x2 2x 2 x 12

1 1 1
1
v′ − 3
v=− 1
x2 2x 2 2x 2

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d x ( x 12 )
d 1 1
v =− 1
2x 2

then integrate both sides.

∫ d x ( x 12 ) ∫ 2x 12
d 1 1
v = − dx

55



 Differential Equations Workbook

1 1
1
v = − x2 + C
x2

Solve for v.
1
v = − x + Cx 2
1
Use v = y 2 to back-substitute for v,
1 1
y 2 = − x + Cx 2

then solve for y.

1
y = (Cx 2 − x)2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = 0 that x = 1 and y = 0, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.
1
0 = (C(1) 2 − 1)2

0 = (C − 1)2

0=C−1

C=1

Then the solution is

1
y = (x − x)2
2

5. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation, if y(1) = 1.

56
 Differential Equations Workbook

2 y2
y′ + y = 2
x x

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

y′ 2y y2
+ =
y 2 xy 2 x 2y 2

−2 2 −1 1
y′y + y = 2
x x

Our substitution is v = y −1, so we’ll differentiate to get

v′ = − y −2 y′

and then solve this for y −2 y′.

y −2 y′ = − v′

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

2 −1 1
y′y −2 + y = 2
x x

2 1
−v′ + v= 2
x x

2 1
v′ − v=− 2
x x

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,

57











 Differential Equations Workbook

2
I(x) = e ∫ − x dx

I(x) = e −2 ln x
−2
I(x) = e ln x

1
I(x) =
x2

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

1 2 1 1 1
v′ − v = −
x2 x x2 x2 x2

1 2 1
v′ − v = −
x2 x3 x4

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d x ( x2 )
d 1 1
v = −
x4

then integrate both sides.

∫ d x ( x2 ) ∫ x4
d 1 1
v = − dx

1 1
v = +C
x 2 3x 3

Solve for v.

1
v= + Cx 2
3x

58


 Differential Equations Workbook

Use v = y −1 to back-substitute for v,

1
y −1 = + Cx 2
3x

then solve for y.

1 1
= + Cx 2
y 3x

1
y= 1
3x
+ Cx 2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = 1 that x = 1 and y = 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

1
1= 1
3(1)
+ C(1)2

1
1= 1
3
+C

1
1= +C
3

2
C=
3

Then the solution is

1
y= 1
3x
+ 23 x 2

59
 Differential Equations Workbook

6. Find the solution to the Bernoulli differential equation, if y(0) = 2.

3y′ + 2y = xy 5

Solution:

Rewrite the equation in standard form.

2 1 5
y′ + y = xy
3 3

Divide through by y n = y 5.

y′ 2y xy 5
+ 5 = 5
y 5 3y 3y

−5 2 −4 x
y′y + y =
3 3

Our substitution is v = y −4, so we’ll differentiate to get

v′ = − 4y −5 y′

and then solve this for y −5 y′.

1
y −5 y′ = − v′
4

Now we can make substitutions into the Bernoulli equation.

60









 Differential Equations Workbook

1 2 x
− v′ + v =
4 3 3

8 4x
v′ − v=−
3 3

To find the solution to the linear equation, we’ll find the integrating factor,
8
I(x) = e ∫ − 3 dx

8
I(x) = e − 3 x

and then multiply through the linear equation by I(x).

8 4x
v′ − v=−
3 3

8 8 8 4x 8
e − 3 x v′ − e − 3 x v = − e − 3 x
3 3

Reverse the product rule for derivatives to rewrite the left side,

d 8 4 8
(ve − 3 x) = − xe − 3 x
dx 3

then integrate both sides.

d 4
∫ dx ∫ 3
8 8
(ve − 3 x) = − xe − 3 x d x

− 83 x 1 −8 x
ve = e 3 (8x + 3) + C
16

Solve for v.

61




 Differential Equations Workbook

1 8
v= (8x + 3) + Ce 3 x
16

Use v = y −4 to back-substitute for v,

1 8
y −4 = (8x + 3) + Ce 3 x
16

then solve for y.

1 1 8
= (8x + 3) + Ce 3x
y 4 16

1
y4 = 1 8

16
(8x + 3) + Ce 3 x

1
y=
1 8
4
16
(8x + 3) + Ce 3 x

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(0) = 2 that x = 0 and y = 2, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to find C.

1
2=
1 8
4
16
(8(0) + 3) + Ce 3 (0)

1
2=
3
4
16
+C

1
16 = 3
16
+C

62
 Differential Equations Workbook

3 1
+C =
16 16

1
C=−
8

Then the solution is

1
y=
1
+ 3) − 18 e 3 x
8
4
16
(8x

63
 Differential Equations Workbook

HOMOGENEOUS EQUATIONS

1. Find the solution to the differential equation.

x 2yy′ = x 3 + xy 2

Solution:

To put the equation in standard form, we’ll divide through by x 2y.

x 2y x3 xy 2
y′ = 2 + 2
x 2y x y x y

x y
y′ = +
y x

Substitute v = y/x and y′ = v + xv′.

1
v + xv′ = v +
v

Now we should have a separable differential equation, so we’ll separate

variables,

1
xv′ =
v

dv 1
x =
dx v

64







 Differential Equations Workbook

1
v dv = dx
x

and then integrate both sides.

1
∫ ∫x
v dv = dx

v2
= ln x + C
2

v 2 = 2 ln x + C

v=± 2 ln x + C

Back-substitute for v.
y
=± 2 ln x + C
x

y = ± x 2 ln x + C

2. Use a substitution to find a solution to the homogeneous equation.

x(x + y)y′ − y(2x + y) = 0

Solution:

Rewrite the equation to solve for y′.

x(x + y)y′ = y(2x + y)

65



 Differential Equations Workbook

x(x + y)y′ = 2xy + y 2

2xy + y 2
y′ = 2
x + xy

We’ll multiply through the numerator and denominator on the right side by
1/x 2.
1
2
2xy + y x2
y′ = ⋅
x + xy
2 1
x2

1 2 1
2xy + y
x2 x2
y′ =
x 2 12 + xy 12
x x

y y2
2x +
x2
y′ = y
1+ x

Substitute v = y/x and y′ = v + xv′.

2v + v 2
v + xv′ =
1+v

Now we should have a separable differential equation, so we’ll separate

variables,

2v + v 2
xv′ = −v
1+v

2v + v 2 − v − v 2
xv′ =
1+v



66







 Differential Equations Workbook

v
xv′ =
1+v

dv v
x =
dx 1 + v

1+v 1
dv = d x
v x

and then integrate both sides.

1+v 1
∫ v ∫x
dv = dx

ln v + v = ln x + C

e ln v+v = e ln x+C

ve v = Cx

Back-substitute for v.
y y
e x = Cx
x
y
ye = Cx 2
x

3. Rewrite the homogeneous equation in terms of y/x, but don’t solve the
separable equation.

yy′ − x = x2 + y2

67


 Differential Equations Workbook

Solution:

Solve for y′ by dividing both sides by y.

yy′ = x2 + y2 + x

x2 + y2 + x
y′ =
y

Break the fraction in two, then bring the entire first fraction under the root.

x2 + y2 x
y′ = +
y y

x2 + y2 x
y′ = +
y2 y

Split the fraction under the root in two, simplify, then rewrite the fractions
to put them in terms of y/x.

x2 x
y′ = +1+
y2 y

1 1
y′ = +1 + y

(x)
y 2
x

4. Use a substitution to find a solution to the homogeneous equation.





68



 Differential Equations Workbook

y 2
2 − x2
xyy′ = x e + y2

Solution:

To put the equation in standard form, we’ll divide through by xy.

y 2
2 − x2
xyy′ x e y2
= +
xy xy xy

x − y22 y
y′ = e x +
y x

Substitute v = y/x and y′ = v + xv′.

1 −v 2
v + xv′ = e + v
v

Now we should have a separable differential equation, so we’ll separate

variables,

1 −v 2
xv′ = e
v

dv 1 2
x = e −v
dx v

2 1
ve v dv = dx
x

and then integrate both sides.

69







 Differential Equations Workbook

1
∫ ∫x
2
ve v dv = dx

1 v2
e = ln x + C
2
2
e v = 2 ln x + C

v 2 = ln | 2 ln x + C |

v=± ln | 2 ln x + C |

Back-substitute for v.
y
=± ln | 2 ln x + C |
x

y = ± x ln | 2 ln x + C |

5. Find the solution to the differential equation, if y(1) = 1.

x 2y′ = 3xy + 2y 2

Solution:

To put the equation in standard form, we’ll divide through by x 2.

x 2y′ 3xy 2y 2
= 2 + 2
x2 x x

70


 Differential Equations Workbook

3y 2y 2
y′ = + 2
x x

Substitute v = y/x and y′ = v + xv′.

v + xv′ = 3v + 2v 2

Now we should have a separable differential equation, so we’ll separate

variables,

xv′ = 2v + 2v 2

dv
x = 2v + 2v 2
dx

1 1
dv = dx
2v + 2v 2 x

and then integrate both sides and solve for v.

1 1
∫ 2v + 2v 2 ∫x
dv = dx

1
(ln v − ln(v + 1)) = ln x + C
2

ln v − ln(v + 1) = 2 ln x + C
v
ln = 2 ln x + C
v+1
v
ln = ln x 2 + C
v+1
v
= Cx 2
v+1

71





 Differential Equations Workbook

v = Cx 2v + Cx 2

v(1 − Cx 2) = Cx 2

Cx 2
v=
1 − Cx 2

Back-substitute for v.

y Cx 2
=
x 1 − Cx 2

Cx 3
y=
1 − Cx 2

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = 1 that x = 1 and y = 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

C
1=
1−C

1−C =C

1
C=
2

Then the solution to the differential equation is

1
2
x3
y=
1 − 12 x 2

x3
y=
2 − x2

72
 Differential Equations Workbook

6. Use a substitution to find a solution to the homogeneous equation, if

y(1) = 1.

xy′ + y ln x − y = y ln y

Solution:

To put the equation in standard form, we’ll divide through by x.

xy′ = y ln y − y ln x + y
y y y
y′ = ln y − ln x +
x x x
y y y
y′ = ln +
x x x

Substitute v = y/x and y′ = v + xv′.

v + xv′ = v ln v + v

Now we should have a separable differential equation, so we’ll separate

variables,

xv′ = v ln v

dv
x = v ln v
dx

1 1
dv = d x
v ln v x

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 Differential Equations Workbook

and then integrate both sides.

1 1
∫ v ln v ∫x
dv = dx

ln(ln v) = ln x + C

ln v = Cx

v = Ce x

Back-substitute for v.
y
= Ce x
x

y = Cxe x

Once we have this general solution, we recognize from the initial condition
y(1) = 1 that x = 1 and y = 1, so we’ll plug these values into the general
solution to solve for C.

1 = Ce

1
C=
e

So the particular solution to the differential equation is

1 x
y= xe
e

y = xe x−1

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EXACT EQUATIONS

1. If the differential equation is exact, find its solution.

dy
2xy + (x 2 − y 2) =0
dx

Solution:

We’ll check to see that the equation is exact.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂ ∂
(2xy) = (x 2 − y 2)
∂y ∂x

2x = 2x

The functions M(x, y) and N(x, y) are equally easy to integrate, so we’ll just
use M(x, y), and then Ψ can be given by

∫
Ψ = M(x, y) d x + h(y)

∫
Ψ = 2xy d x + h(y)

Ψ = x 2y + h(y)

We’ll differentiate both sides with respect to y,

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Ψy = x 2 + h′(y)

and then substitute Ψy = N(x, y) to solve for h′(y).

x 2 − y 2 = x 2 + h′(y)

−y 2 = h′(y)

To find h(y), we’ll integrate both sides of this equation with respect to y.

∫ ∫
− y 2 dy = h′(y) dy

y3
− + k1 = h(y) + k2
3

y3
h(y) = − + k1 − k2
3

y3
h(y) = k −
3

Plugging this value for h(y) into the equation for Ψ gives

Ψ = x 2y + h(y)

y32
Ψ=x y+k−
3

Finally, setting Ψ = c1 to find the solution to the exact differential equation,

we get

2 y3
c1 = x y + k −
3

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2y3
c1 − k = x y −
3

2 y3
c =x y−
3

2. What is the solution to the exact differential equation?

(6y + xe −y) dy − e −y d x = 0

Solution:

We’ll check to see that the equation is exact.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂ ∂
(−e −y) = (6y + xe −y)
∂y ∂x

e −y = e −y

The functions M(x, y) and N(x, y) are equally easy to integrate, so we’ll just
use M(x, y), and then Ψ can be given by

∫
Ψ = M(x, y) d x + h(y)

∫
Ψ = − e −y d x + h(y)

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 Differential Equations Workbook

Ψ = − xe −y + h(y)

We’ll differentiate both sides with respect to y,

Ψy = xe −y + h′(y)

and then substitute Ψy = N(x, y) to solve for h′(y).

6y + xe −y = xe −y + h′(y)

6y = h′(y)

To find h(y), we’ll integrate both sides of this equation with respect to y.

∫ ∫
6y dy = h′(y) dy

3y 2 + k1 = h(y) + k2

h(y) = 3y 2 + k1 − k2

h(y) = 3y 2 + k

Plugging this value for h(y) into the equation for Ψ gives

Ψ = − xe −y + h(y)

Ψ = − xe −y + 3y 2 + k

Finally, setting Ψ = c1 to find the solution to the exact differential equation,

we get

c1 = − xe −y + 3y 2 + k

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 Differential Equations Workbook

c1 − k = − xe −y + 3y 2

c = − xe −y + 3y 2

3. Find the value of a that make the equation an exact differential

equation.

(5 sin y − x 3) d x + a x cos y dy = 0

Solution:

Since the equation is exact, we can use our partial derivatives test to find
the value of a.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂ ∂
(5 sin y − x 3) = (a x cos y)
∂y ∂x

5 cos y = a cos y

These partial derivatives are equal when a = 5, so the equation is exact

when a = 5.

4. If the differential equation is exact, find its solution.

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 Differential Equations Workbook

(2 )
x2
(x sin y − 2x) d x + cos y − 2y dy = 0

Solution:

We’ll check to see that the equation is exact.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂x ( 2 )
∂ ∂ x2
(x sin y − 2x) = cos y − 2y
∂y

x cos y = x cos y

The functions M(x, y) and N(x, y) are equally easy to integrate, so we’ll just
use M(x, y), and then Ψ can be given by

∫
Ψ = M(x, y) d x + h(y)

∫
Ψ = (x sin y − 2x) d x + h(y)

x2
Ψ= sin y − x 2 + h(y)
2

We’ll differentiate both sides with respect to y,

x2
Ψy = cos y + h′(y)
2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

and then substitute Ψy = N(x, y) to solve for h′(y).

x2 x2
cos y − 2y = cos y + h′(y)
2 2

−2y = h′(y)

To find h(y), we’ll integrate both sides of this equation with respect to y.

∫ ∫
− 2y dy = h′(y) dy

−y 2 + k1 = h(y) + k2

h(y) = − y 2 + k1 − k2

h(y) = − y 2 + k

Plugging this value for h(y) into the equation for Ψ gives

x2
Ψ= sin y − x 2 + h(y)
2

x2
Ψ= sin y − x 2 − y 2 + k
2

Finally, setting Ψ = c1 to find the solution to the exact differential equation,

we get

x2
c1 = sin y − x 2 − y 2 + k
2

x2
c1 − k = sin y − x 2 − y 2
2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

x2
c= sin y − x 2 − y 2
2

5. Find the value of a that makes the equation an exact differential

equation.

( y )
a2x
(2 cos x + 4 ln y) d x + + e y dy = 0

Solution:

Since the equation is exact, we can use our partial derivatives test to find
the value of a.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂x ( y )
∂ ∂ a2x
(2 cos x + 4 ln y) = + ey
∂y

4 a2
=
y y

a2 = 4

a =±2

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 Differential Equations Workbook

The partial derivatives are equal when a = ± 2, which means the equation is
exact when a = ± 2.

6. What is the solution to the exact differential equation?

(x cos y + e y) dy + (e x + sin y) d x = 0

Solution:

We’ll check to see that the equation is exact.

∂M ∂N
=
∂y ∂x

∂ x ∂
(e + sin y) = (x cos y + e y)
∂y ∂x

cos y = cos y

The functions M(x, y) and N(x, y) are equally easy to integrate, so we’ll just
use M(x, y), and then Ψ can be given by

∫
Ψ = M(x, y) d x + h(y)

∫
Ψ = (e x + sin y) d x + h(y)

Ψ = e x + x sin y + h(y)

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 Differential Equations Workbook

We’ll differentiate both sides with respect to y,

Ψy = x cos y + h′(y)

and then substitute Ψy = N(x, y) to solve for h′(y).

x cos y + e y = x cos y + h′(y)

e y = h′(y)

To find h(y), we’ll integrate both sides of this equation with respect to y.

∫ ∫
e y dy = h′(y) dy

e y + k1 = h(y) + k2

h(y) = e y + k1 − k2

h(y) = e y + k

Plugging this value for h(y) into the equation for Ψ gives

Ψ = e x + x sin y + h(y)

Ψ = e x + x sin y + e y + k

Finally, setting Ψ = c1 to find the solution to the exact differential equation,

we get

c1 = e x + x sin y + e y + k

c1 − k = e x + x sin y + e y

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c = e x + x sin y + e y

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