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Ch. 9 - First-Order Differential Equations
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 9.PE.16

In Exercises 1–22, solve the differential equation.
x dy + (3y - x⁻² cos x) dx = 0, x > 0

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Rewrite the given differential equation in the form \(M(x,y)\,dx + N(x,y)\,dy = 0\). Here, the equation is \(x\,dy + (3y - x^{-2} \cos x)\,dx = 0\), so we can write it as \((3y - x^{-2} \cos x)\,dx + x\,dy = 0\) where \(M = 3y - x^{-2} \cos x\) and \(N = x\).
Check if the differential equation is exact by computing the partial derivatives \(\frac{\partial M}{\partial y}\) and \(\frac{\partial N}{\partial x}\). If they are equal, the equation is exact; otherwise, it is not exact.
If the equation is not exact, try to find an integrating factor that depends on either \(x\) or \(y\) to make it exact. For this, calculate \(\frac{\partial M}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial N}{\partial x}\) and check if it can be expressed as a function of \(x\) alone or \(y\) alone.
Once the equation is exact (either originally or after multiplying by an integrating factor), find the potential function \(\Psi(x,y)\) such that \(\frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial x} = M\) and \(\frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial y} = N\). Integrate \(M\) with respect to \(x\) and include an unknown function of \(y\), then differentiate this result with respect to \(y\) and set it equal to \(N\) to solve for the unknown function.
Write the implicit solution as \(\Psi(x,y) = C\), where \(C\) is a constant. This represents the general solution to the differential equation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Differential Equations and Their Forms

A differential equation relates a function and its derivatives. Recognizing the form, such as separable, exact, or linear, is essential for choosing the appropriate solution method. Here, the equation involves both dy and dx terms, suggesting it may be an exact or integrating factor problem.
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Exact Differential Equations

An exact differential equation can be written as dF = 0 for some function F(x,y), meaning ∂M/∂y = ∂N/∂x where M and N are functions multiplying dx and dy. Checking exactness helps determine if the equation can be solved by finding a potential function F(x,y).
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Integrating Factors

If a differential equation is not exact, an integrating factor—usually a function of x or y—can be used to multiply the equation to make it exact. Finding the correct integrating factor is key to simplifying and solving the equation.
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