Q.Find the equation of a curve passing through (2,1) if the slope of the tangent to the curve at any point (x,y) is 2xyx2+y2.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Initial Value Problem
Initial Value Problem
The intuition: a rule of change plus a starting point
A car's speed at time t is v(t)=dtds=2t. Can you say where the car is at t=5? Not yet — you don't know where it started (0 m? 10 m? 100 m?). The differential equation gives the rule of change, but you also need one starting snapshot to pin down the actual motion. Supply "s=5 when t=0" and now everything is determined.
That pairing — a differential equation together with an initial condition — is an Initial Value Problem (IVP).
On its own, a differential equation usually has infinitely many solutions (a whole family of curves, one per value of the arbitrary constant). The initial condition selects exactly one of them.
The precise statement
An IVP has two parts:
- A differential equation, e.g. first-order: dtdy=f(t,y).
- An initial condition, the value at a starting point: y(t0)=y0.
Written together,
dtdy=f(t,y),y(t0)=y0,
and the goal is the particular function y(t) satisfying both.
A worked example
Solve dtdy=3y, y(0)=2.
First solve the equation, ignoring the condition. Separating and integrating, ydy=3dt gives log∣y∣=3t+C, so the general solution is y=Ae3t. Now apply y(0)=2: 2=Ae0=A. Hence the unique solution is
y(t)=2e3t. …
The slope equation dxdy=2xyx2+y2 is homogeneous (numerator and denominator are both degree 2). Put y=vx, so dxdy=v+xdxdv:
v+xdxdv=2v1+v2⇒xdxdv=2v1−v2.
Separate and integrate, noting ∫1−v22vdv=−log∣1−v2∣: …
The homogeneous substitution y=vx gives the family x2−y2=Kx; the point (2,1) fixes K=23, so 2(x2−y2)=3x.
Recognise the type
The tangent slope is dxdy=2xyx2+y2. Dividing top and bottom by x2 makes it a function of y/x alone:
dxdy=2(y/x)1+(y/x)2.
That marks it as a homogeneous equation, solved by y=vx.
Substitute
With y=vx, dxdy=v+xdxdv and y/x=v:
v+xdxdv=2v1+v2.
Subtract v:
xdxdv=2v1+v2−2v2=2v1−v2.
Separate and integrate
1−v22vdv=xdx.
Since the numerator is −dvd(1−v2), the left integral is −log∣1−v2∣: …
Method: Homogeneous slope-DE for a curve through a point
Use this when the slope dxdy is a ratio of same-degree expressions in x,y and a point is given.
Steps
Step 1: Confirm homogeneity and substitute y=vx
A ratio like 2xyx2+y2 is degree-0 homogeneous. Put y=vx, dxdy=v+xdxdv.
Step 2: Separate in v and x …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not recognising the slope as homogeneous
Why it's wrong: 2xyx2+y2 is degree-0 homogeneous, so y=vx applies. Correct approach: substitute y=vx.
Mistake 2: Mis-integrating 1−v22v
Why it's wrong: it equals −log∣1−v2∣ (numerator is − derivative of denominator). Correct approach: use the ff′ pattern with the sign. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 26 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.The equation of a curve passing through the point (0,1), given that the slope of the tangent to the curve at any point (x,y) is equal to the sum of the x-coordinate, and the product of x and y coordinates at that point, is ________ (A) y=1−2e(x2/2) (B) y=−1+2e(x2/2) (C) y=−1−2e(x2/2) (D) y=1+2e(x2/2)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Translate the word problem into a separable differential equation dxdy=x(1+y), solve it, and apply the initial point (0,1) to fix the constant — giving y=−1+2ex2/2.
Concept and Intuition
"Slope of the tangent" always means dxdy. The sentence describing the slope translates directly into an algebraic expression in x and y; recognizing that it factors as x(1+y) makes the equation separable, which is the easiest class of ODE to solve.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Translate: slope = (x-coordinate) + (product of x and y) ⇒dxdy=x+xy=x(1+y).
- Separate variables: 1+ydy=xdx.
- Integrate both sides: log∣1+y∣=2x2+C.
- Apply the point (0,1): log∣1+1∣=0+C⇒C=log2. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-24-FN1 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation x2(y+1)dxdy+y2(x+1)2=0, when y(1)=2, is (A) log∣x2y∣=x2+y1+x−1 (B) log41x2y=x1+y2+x−1 (C) log21x2y=x1+y1−x−21 (D) log31x2y=x1+y1−x+21
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a separable ODE; separating and integrating gives an implicit relation, and the initial condition y(1)=2 pins the constant to match option (C).
Concept and Intuition
x2(y+1)dy=−y2(x+1)2dx separates cleanly because all the y-terms can be gathered on one side (as y2y+1) and all x-terms on the other (as x2(x+1)2). Both sides then reduce to standard integrals: y1+y21 integrates via power rule and log, and x2(x+1)2=1+x2+x21 likewise.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rearranging: x2(y+1)dy=−y2(x+1)2dx⇒y2y+1dy=−x2(x+1)2dx.
- LHS: y2y+1=y1+y21, so ∫(y1+y21)dy=log∣y∣−y1+C1.
- RHS: x2(x+1)2=x2x2+2x+1=1+x2+x21, so −∫(1+x2+x21)dx=−x−2log∣x∣+x1+C2.
- Equate: log∣y∣−y1=−x−2log∣x∣+x1+C.
- Rearranged: log∣y∣+2log∣x∣=x1+y1−x+C⇒log(x2y)=x1+y1−x+C.
- Apply y(1)=2: log(1⋅2)=1+21−1+C⇒ln2=21+C⇒C=ln2−21.
- Substitute back: log(x2y)=x1+y1−x+ln2−21, i.e. log(x2y)−ln2=x1+y1−x−21.
- log(x2y)−ln2=log(2x2y)=log21x2y, so finally …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-AN1 markMCQQ.If a curve passes through (1,2) and has the slope of its tangent 1−x21 at a point (x,y), then the equation of that curve is (A) y=3x−x1 (B) y=x+x1 (C) y=2x+x1−1 (D) y=x+x2−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Direct integration of the given slope expression, followed by using the point (1,2) to fix the constant, gives y=x+x1.
Concept and Intuition
When the slope dxdy is given purely as a function of x, the curve is found by straightforward integration (no need for separation of variables in a more complex sense) — then a known point on the curve pins down the constant of integration.
Step-by-Step Solution
- dxdy=1−x21.
- Integrate both sides: y=∫(1−x21)dx=x+x1+C.
- Apply the point (1,2): 2=1+1+C⇒C=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-AN1 markMCQQ.The equation of the curve passing through the point (0,4π) and satisfying the differential equation (extany)dx+((1+ex)sec2y)dy=0 is given by ______ (A) (1+ex)tany=2 (B) 1+ex=2tany (C) 1+ex=2secy (D) (1+ex)tany=k
›Reveal solutionSolution
A separable first-order ODE; separating and integrating gives a product relation, and the initial point fixes the constant. The answer is (1+ex)tany=2.
Concept and Intuition
The given equation is exact/separable once we divide through by tany(1+ex): each side then involves only one variable, and each integrates to a logarithm, whose sum is a constant — exponentiating turns the sum of logs into a product equal to a constant.
Step-by-Step Solution
- (extany)dx+(1+ex)sec2ydy=0. Divide both sides by tany(1+ex):
1+exexdx+tanysec2ydy=0
- Integrate: ∫1+exexdx=log(1+ex) and ∫tanysec2ydy=log(tany).
- So log(1+ex)+log(tany)=logC⇒(1+ex)tany=C (renaming the constant). …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-AN1 markMCQQ.If the slope of the tangent at a point (x,y) on a curve is x−3y−4 and the curve passes through (4,3), then the point where it cuts the line y=x is (A) (1,1) (B) (3,3) (C) (27,27) (D) (−25,−25)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given slope condition is a separable differential equation whose solution is a straight line through (3,4); using the extra point (4,3) pins down that line exactly, and its intersection with y=x is easy to find.
Concept and Intuition
"The slope at every point (x,y) equals x−3y−4" is really a differential equation, dxdy=x−3y−4. This particular form is separable and integrates to a family of straight lines through the fixed point (3,4) — recognizing that shortcut avoids re-deriving calculus each time, but let's still integrate directly to be rigorous.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Separate variables: y−4dy=x−3dx.
- Integrate both sides: log∣y−4∣=log∣x−3∣+C1, so y−4=K(x−3) for some constant K.
- Use the given point (4,3) (the curve passes through it): 3−4=K(4−3)⇒−1=K.
- So the curve is y−4=−(x−3)=3−x, i.e. y=7−x. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-06-FN1 markMCQQ.The solution of (1+y2)dx−xydy=0, y(1)=0 represents a conic. Its eccentricity is (A) 2 (B) 1/e (C) 1 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the separable ODE with the given initial condition yields the rectangular hyperbola x2−y2=1, whose eccentricity is 2.
Concept and Intuition
Separate the variables in the ODE, integrate, apply the initial condition to fix the constant, and identify the resulting conic. A rectangular hyperbola (a=b) always has eccentricity 2 — a fact worth recognising instantly once the conic's form is found.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given (1+y2)dx−xydy=0⇒(1+y2)dx=xydy⇒xdx=1+y2ydy.
- Integrate both sides: logx=21log(1+y2)+C.
- Exponentiate: x=k1+y2 for some constant k>0, i.e. x2=k2(1+y2), or x2−k2y2=k2.
- Apply y(1)=0: at x=1,y=0: 1=k2(1+0)⇒k2=1⇒k=1.
- So the curve is x2−y2=1, a rectangular hyperbola with a2=1, b2=1. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.The particular solution of the differential equation (1+y2)dx−xydy=0, y(1)=0 represents (A) a circle (B) a part of parabola (C) a part of ellipse (D) a part of hyperbola
›Reveal solutionSolution
Separating variables and applying the initial condition gives x2−y2=1, which is a hyperbola.
Concept and Intuition
Many first-order separable ODEs, once solved and simplified, reduce to a recognizable conic section. Here, spotting that the equation separates cleanly into x and y parts is the key step; the initial condition then pins down the constant and hence the specific curve (and which branch of it).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: (1+y2)dx−xydy=0.
- Rearranging: (1+y2)dx=xydy⇒xdx=1+y2ydy.
- Integrate both sides: log∣x∣=21log(1+y2)+C.
- Apply y(1)=0: log1=0=21log(1)+C⇒C=0.
- So logx=21log(1+y2)⇒2logx=log(1+y2)⇒x2=1+y2.
- Rearranged: x2−y2=1 — this is the standard equation of a hyperbola. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.The particular solution of the differential equation dydx=xlog(x2e)siny(1+ycoty), y(1)=0 is (A) ysiny=x2logx (B) y2siny=logx (C) y=(sinee2)(x−1) (D) y=e2secx
›Reveal solutionSolution
Separating variables, both sides integrate to remarkably clean closed forms (x2logx and ysiny), and the initial condition kills the constant.
Concept and Intuition
log(x2e)=2logx+1 simplifies the right-hand denominator nicely, and siny(1+ycoty)=siny+ycosy is exactly the derivative of ysiny — recognizing these product-rule patterns avoids messy integration.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given dydx=xlog(x2e)siny(1+ycoty), separate variables: xlog(x2e)dx=siny(1+ycoty)dy.
- log(x2e)=logx2+loge=2logx+1, so LHS integrand is x(2logx+1).
- ∫x(2logx+1)dx=∫2xlogxdx+∫xdx. By parts, ∫2xlogxdx=x2logx−∫xdx=x2logx−2x2.
- So LHS integral =x2logx−2x2+2x2=x2logx (the x2/2 terms cancel neatly).
- RHS: siny(1+ycoty)=siny+ycosy (since sinycoty=cosy). Note dyd(ysiny)=siny+ycosy exactly.
- So ∫(siny+ycosy)dy=ysiny. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.If f(x) is a function such that f′(x)=f2(x)−1 and f(0)=1, then f(1)= (A) 2ee−2+1 (B) 2ee2+1 (C) 2ee2−1 (D) 2ee−2−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a separable differential equation whose natural substitution is the hyperbolic identity cosh2u−sinh2u=1; the answer is f(1)=cosh1=2ee2+1.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever you see f′(x)=f2(x)−1, the structure f2−1 screams hyperbolic substitution, because cosh2u−1=sinh2u. Setting f=coshu turns the messy square root into the clean function sinhu, and the chain rule collapses the whole ODE to u′=1 — a straight line in disguise.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Separate variables: f2−1df=dx.
- Let f=coshu, so df=sinhudu and f2−1=sinhu (taking u≥0 since f≥1 near x=0).
- The equation becomes sinhusinhudu=dx⇒du=dx⇒u=x+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQQ.Let y=Y(x) be the solution of the differential equation dxdy+ytanx=2x+x2tanx, x∈(2−π,2π), such that Y(0)=1, then ________ (A) y(4π)+Y(4−π)=2π2+2 (B) y′(4π)+Y′(4−π)=−2 (C) y(4π)−Y(4−π)=2 (D) y′(4π)−Y′(4−π)=π−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the first-order linear ODE explicitly gives Y(x)=x2+cosx; checking each option against this closed form picks out (D). Answer: π−2.
Concept and Intuition
This is a standard first-order linear ODE dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x), solved with an integrating factor. Once we have the explicit closed form for Y(x), we can just plug in and test every option directly instead of guessing.
Step-by-Step Solution
- ODE: dxdy+ytanx=2x+x2tanx. Integrating factor: μ=e∫tanxdx=e−log∣cosx∣=secx.
- Multiply through by secx: secxdxdy+ysecxtanx=2xsecx+x2secxtanx.
- LHS =dxd(ysecx). Check RHS: dxd(x2secx)=2xsecx+x2secxtanx — matches exactly!
- So dxd(ysecx)=dxd(x2secx)⇒ysecx=x2secx+C⇒y=x2+Ccosx.
- Apply Y(0)=1: 0+C(1)=1⇒C=1. So Y(x)=x2+cosx.
- Y′(x)=2x−sinx. Compute Y′(π/4)=2π−22 and Y′(−π/4)=−2π+22. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-AN1 markMCQQ.g(x) is an anti derivative of f(x)=1+2xlog2 and the graph of y=g(x) passes through (−1,21). Then the curve meets the Y-axis at (A) (0, 1) (B) (0, 2) (C) (0, -2) (D) (1, 1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Integrating f(x)=1+2xlog2 gives g(x)=x+2x+C; the given point fixes C=1, and evaluating at x=0 gives the Y-intercept (0,2).
Concept and Intuition
Since dxd2x=2xlog2, the antiderivative of 2xlog2 is simply 2x — recognizing this avoids unnecessary substitution work.
Step-by-Step Solution
- g(x)=∫(1+2xlog2)dx=x+2x+C.
- Use the given point (−1,21): g(−1)=−1+2−1+C=−1+21+C=−21+C=21⇒C=1.
- So g(x)=x+2x+1.
- Where the curve meets the Y-axis, x=0: g(0)=0+20+1=0+1+1=2. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=f(x) is a solution of dxdy=(y−Kx)2+K when x=0 and y=1, then f(2)= (A) 2K+1 (B) 2K−1 (C) 2K+5 (D) 2K−5
›Reveal solutionSolution
A shift substitution v=y−Kx turns the equation into the separable dv/dx=v2; solving and evaluating at x=2 gives f(2)=2K−1.
Concept and Intuition
The right side (y−Kx)2+K is not separable in y directly, but the combination y−Kx appears squared — this is the signal to substitute v=y−Kx, which typically removes the extra additive constant K from the derivative and leaves a clean separable equation in v.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let v=y−Kx. Then dxdv=dxdy−K.
- Given dxdy=(y−Kx)2+K=v2+K, so dxdv=v2+K−K=v2.
- Separate variables: v2dv=dx⇒−v1=x+c.
- Initial condition: at x=0, y=1⇒v=y−K⋅0=1. So −1=0+c⇒c=−1.
- Thus −v1=x−1⇒v=1−x1. …
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