← 2014 Paper 1
UPSC 2014 Maths Optional Paper 1 Q8a — Step-by-Step Solution
15 marks · Section B
Exact equations · ODEs · asked 9× in 13 yrs · Read the full method →
Question
Find the sufficient condition for the differential equation M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0 to have an integrating factor as a function of (x+y). What will be the integrating factor in that case? Hence find the integrating factor for the differential equation
(x2+xy)dx+(y2+xy)dy=0,
and solve it.
Technique
Standard derivation of the condition for μ=μ(x+y); apply to specific ODE; the IF simplifies the equation to a separable form.
Solution
Part 1 — Sufficient condition for IF as μ(x+y)
Strategy. After multiplying by μ(x+y), exactness requires ∂(μM)/∂y=∂(μN)/∂x.
Compute:
∂(μM)/∂y=μ′M+μMy,∂(μN)/∂x=μ′N+μNx,
where μ′=dμ/d(x+y).
Setting equal:
μ′(M−N)=μ(Nx−My)⟹μμ′=M−NNx−My.
Sufficient condition: M−NNx−My is a function of (x+y) only.
If so, denote this function f(x+y). Then
μ(x+y)=exp∫f(x+y)d(x+y).
Part 2 — Apply to (x2+xy)dx+(y2+xy)dy=0
M=x2+xy,N=y2+xy.
My=x,Nx=y.
M−NNx−My=(x2+xy)−(y2+xy)y−x=x2−y2y−x=(x−y)(x+y)−(x−y)=−x+y1.
Function of (x+y) only ✓. So
μ=exp∫(−x+y1)d(x+y)=exp(−ln∣x+y∣)=x+y1.
Part 3 — Solve the multiplied equation
Multiply the original equation by μ=1/(x+y):
x+yx2+xydx+x+yy2+xydy=0.
Factor numerators: x2+xy=x(x+y), y2+xy=y(y+x). So
xdx+ydy=0.
This is trivially exact (both sides separable). Integrate:
2x2+2y2=const,i.e.,x2+y2=C.
The solution is a family of concentric circles centred at the origin.