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Introduction to Differential Equations

What is a Differential Equation?

A differential equation is an equation that
contains derivatives, for example

2
 dy  d2y
    3x  2
 dx 
2
dx

Intro to Diff Equations (Cont’d)

What is the Order?

The highest derivative which appears in
the differential equation, for examples
dy
 3x  3 First Order
dx
3
 dy  d2y
2    5 Second Order
 dx 
2
dx
2

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Intro to Diff Equations (Cont’d)

What is the Degree?

The power of the highest derivative term
in the differential equation, for examples
dy
2  3 y Degree 1
dx
2
 dx   d x 
3 2
    2   4t  1 Degree 2
 dt   dt 
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Solving First-Order Differential

Equations (Method 1)
If the equation is of the
Form Method 1

 f x 
dy
Direct
dx Integration
where f x  is a function of x

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Solving First Order (Cont’d)

Example 1:
dy
 3x  1
dx
Rearrange and take integrals on both sides,

 dy   3x  1 dx
3x 2
y  xC General
5 2 solution

Solving First Order (Cont’d)

Exercises:
Solve
i. dy iii. dy
 3x 2  1 ex 4
dx dx
dy
 5x3  4 dy
ii. iv.
x
dx  cos 2 x
dx
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Solving First-Order Differential

Equations (Method 2)
If the equation is of the
Form Method 2

 f  x  g  y 
dy
dx Separation
f x 
of Variables
where is a function of x

gy is a function of y
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Solving First Order (Cont’d)

Example 2:
dy 2x

dx y  1
Separate the variables,

 y  1 dy  2 x dx

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Solving First Order (Cont’d)

Take integrals on both sides,

  y  1 dy   2 x dx
y2 General
 y  x2  C solution
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Solving First Order (Cont’d)

Exercises:
Solve

 1  x 1  y 
i. dy
dx
ii. dy 1  y iii. dy
 x  y  xy
dx 2  x dx
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Solving First Order (Cont’d)

dy x 2  1

iv.
xy
dx y 1
dy y  1

vi.

dx x
dy
 y 3
v.
cos 2 x
dx

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