Solving the Differential Equation ( ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ): Analyzing Multiple Methods and Their Solutions

Solving the Differential Equation ( ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ): Analyzing Multiple Methods and Their Solutions

This article explores the solution of the differential equation ( ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ) through multiple analytical approaches. We will discuss the process, various interpretations, and derive the general solution for each method.

Introduction to the Differential Equation

The given differential equation is ( ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ). This is a separable differential equation, allowing us to separate the variables for easier integration.

Method 1: Variables Separable Form

Step-by-Step Solution

Starting from the equation:

[ ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ]

We can rewrite it as:

[ ln y dy -x dx ]

Integrating both sides:

[ int ln y dy -int x dx C_1 ]

Using integration by parts for the left side, where ( u ln y ) and ( dv dy ), we get:

[ y ln y - int frac{y}{y} dy -frac{x^2}{2} C ]

Simplifying:

[ y ln y - y -frac{x^2}{2} C ]

This is the general solution for the first method.

Method 2: Another Interpretation

Alternative Solution

Consider the second interpretation:

[ ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ]

This can be separated into:

[ ln y dy -x dx ]

Integrating both sides:

[ int ln y dy -int x dx ]

Using integration by parts for the left side, where ( u ln y ) and ( dv dy ), we get:

[ y ln y - y -frac{x^2}{2} C ]

This confirms the same general solution as before.

Another Interpretation of the Integral

Exploring a Different Path

Another way to interpret the integral is:

[ y dy e^{-x} dx ]

Separating the variables:

[ y dy e^{-x} dx ]

Integrating both sides:

[ int y dy int e^{-x} dx ]

Solving the integrals:

[ frac{y^2}{2} -e^{-x} C ]

Simplifying:

[ y^2 -2e^{-x} 2C ]

This is another form of the solution, where ( C ) is a constant of integration.

Conclusion

The differential equation ( ln y frac{dy}{dx} -x ) can be solved in multiple ways, leading to similar results. The methods involve separation of variables and integration by parts, resulting in a general solution that can be written in different but equivalent forms.