Q.Which of the following is a homogeneous differential equation? (A) (4x+6y+5)dy−(3y+2x+4)dx=0 (B) (xy)dx−(x3+y3)dy=0 (C) (x3+2y2)dx+2xydy=0 (D) y2dx+(x2−xy−y2)dy=0
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Homogeneous Differential Equation
Homogeneous Differential Equations
The idea: only the ratio y/x matters
A function f(x,y) is homogeneous of degree n if scaling both variables by t scales the function by tn: f(tx,ty)=tnf(x,y). For example f(x,y)=x2+y2 gives f(tx,ty)=t2(x2+y2) — degree 2.
A first-order equation
dxdy=f(x,y)
is called homogeneous when f is homogeneous of degree 0, i.e. f(tx,ty)=f(x,y). Scaling then changes nothing, which means the slope depends only on the ratio y/x, never on the absolute sizes. So a homogeneous equation can always be recast as
dxdy=F(xy).
Quick test in the form M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0: if every term of M and N has the same total degree (sum of the powers of x and y), the equation is homogeneous. E.g. in (x2+y2)dx−2xydy=0 both M and N are degree 2.
Why we care: it becomes separable
Recognising homogeneity buys you a guaranteed method. Substitute
y=vx⇒dxdy=v+xdxdv.
Putting this into dxdy=F(v) gives
v+xdxdv=F(v)⇒xdxdv=F(v)−v,
which separates:
F(v)−vdv=xdx.
Integrate both sides, then replace v by y/x to return to the original variables. …
Concept: Homogeneous Differential Equation — A first-order DE is homogeneous if it can be written as dxdy=f(xy) (or equivalently, if every term has the same total degree when expressed in x and y).
Step 1: Check each option by rewriting in the form M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0 and testing if M and N are homogeneous functions of the same degree.
- (A) M=−(3y+2x+4), N=4x+6y+5 — constant terms (+4, +5) break homogeneity. Not homogeneous.
- (B) M=xy (degree 2), N=−(x3+y3) (degree 3). Degrees differ. Not homogeneous.
- (C) M=x3+2y2 (mixed degrees 3 and 2), N=2xy (degree 2). Not homogeneous. …
A differential equation is homogeneous if it can be written in the form dxdy=F(xy) (or dydx=G(yx)). Checking each option shows that only option (D) satisfies this condition.
The Core Idea: What Makes an Equation Homogeneous?
A first-order differential equation is called homogeneous if it can be written in the form
dxdy=F(xy)
where the right-hand side depends only on the ratio y/x (or equivalently, x/y). The classic test: replace x with tx and y with ty in the equation. If every term has the same total degree (the sum of the exponents of x and y), then the equation is homogeneous.
Why does this matter? Because if an equation is homogeneous, the substitution y=vx (or x=vy) turns it into a separable equation — a clean, solvable form. That’s the power of spotting homogeneity.
Let’s examine each option carefully.
1. Option (A): (4x+6y+5)dy−(3y+2x+4)dx=0
Rewrite it as:
dxdy=4x+6y+53y+2x+4
Now test homogeneity: replace x with tx and y with ty:
4(tx)+6(ty)+53(ty)+2(tx)+4=t(4x+6y)+5t(3y+2x)+4
The constants 4 and 5 do not have a factor of t. So the expression does not simplify to a function of y/x alone. The presence of constant terms breaks homogeneity.
A common mistake: seeing 4x+6y and 3y+2x and thinking “same degree” — but the constants +5 and +4 spoil it. Homogeneity requires every term to have the same total degree; constants are degree zero and don’t match degree-1 terms.
Conclusion: Not homogeneous.
2. Option (B): (xy)dx−(x3+y3)dy=0
Rewrite as:
dxdy=x3+y3xy
Test homogeneity: replace x with tx, y with ty:
(tx)3+(ty)3(tx)(ty)=t3(x3+y3)t2xy=t1⋅x3+y3xy
The factor 1/t remains — the expression is not a function of y/x alone because it still depends on t. For homogeneity, the t must cancel completely, leaving only the ratio.
A quick degree check: numerator xy has degree 2, denominator x3+y3 has degree 3. They don’t match, so the equation cannot be homogeneous. Homogeneous equations require the numerator and denominator to have the same total degree.
Conclusion: Not homogeneous.
3. Option (C): (x3+2y2)dx+2xydy=0
Rewrite as:
dxdy=−2xyx3+2y2
Degree check: numerator x3 (degree 3) and 2y2 (degree 2) — they don’t even have the same degree within the numerator. Denominator 2xy has degree 2. So the expression cannot be a function of y/x alone.
Test formally: replace x with tx, y with ty: …
Method: Testing whether a differential equation is homogeneous
To pick the homogeneous one from a list, apply the degree test to each candidate rather than solving anything.
Steps
Step 1: Write each equation as M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0.
Identify the coefficient of dx and of dy.
Step 2: Find the total degree of every term.
The degree of a term is the sum of the exponents of x and y in it (a constant is degree 0).
Step 3: Demand a single common degree. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Ignoring constant terms when judging homogeneity.
Why it's wrong: in option (A) the +5 and +4 are degree-0 terms sitting beside degree-1 terms, so the equation is not homogeneous even though 4x+6y "looks" uniform. Correct approach: every term, constants included, must share one total degree.
Mistake 2: Not checking that numerator and denominator have the same degree. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 32 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.Which one of the following is a homogeneous differential equation? (A) dxdy=x3+(sinx)y (B) dxdy=(x3+y3)ex/y+xy (C) (x2+y2)dx=2xydy (D) xdxdy=y+ex/y
›Reveal solutionSolution
Only option (C) has both numerator and denominator of the same total degree when written as dy/dx=F(x,y), so it is the homogeneous equation.
Concept and Intuition
A first-order DE dxdy=F(x,y) is homogeneous if F(λx,λy)=F(x,y) for all λ — equivalently, if F can be written purely as a function of t=y/x. The quickest test is to check whether every additive term in F scales with the same power of λ when x→λx,y→λy.
Step-by-Step Solution
- (A) dxdy=x3+(sinx)y: under x→λx,y→λy, this becomes λ3x3+(sinλx)λy — the terms don't scale uniformly, and sinx isn't scale-invariant at all. Not homogeneous.
- (B) dxdy=(x3+y3)ex/y+xy: the exponential factor ex/y is scale-invariant (since x/y is unchanged by x→λx,y→λy), so (x3+y3)ex/y scales as λ3; but xy scales as λ3/2. Different degrees ⇒ not homogeneous.
- (C) Rewrite as dxdy=2xyx2+y2. Numerator scales as λ2, denominator as λ2, so the ratio is invariant under x→λx,y→λy — genuinely a function of y/x only: 2(y/x)1+(y/x)2. Homogeneous. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.If dxdy=f(x,y) is a homogeneous differential equation, then the general form of f(x,y) is (A) xnϕ(xy),n=1 (B) ynϕ(yx),n=1 (C) ϕ(xy) (D) Knf(x,y),n=1
›Reveal solutionSolution
By definition, the DE dy/dx=f(x,y) is called homogeneous exactly when f is homogeneous of degree zero, which forces the general form f(x,y)=ϕ(y/x) (no leading power of x).
Concept and Intuition
A function F(x,y) is homogeneous of degree n if F(λx,λy)=λnF(x,y) for every nonzero λ; such a function can always be written in the form xnϕ(y/x) (factor out xn and what remains depends only on the ratio y/x). The differential equation dy/dx=f(x,y) is specifically called "homogeneous" when f itself is homogeneous of degree zero — this is what guarantees that substituting y=vx turns the equation into one separable in v and x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Recall the general form of a degree-n homogeneous function:
F(x,y)=xnϕ(xy)
-
For the differential equation dxdy=f(x,y) to qualify as "homogeneous" in the standard sense used to justify the y=vx substitution, we require f(λx,λy)=f(x,y) for all λ=0 — i.e. degree n=0.
-
Substituting n=0 into the general form:
f(x,y)=x0ϕ(xy)=ϕ(xy) …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If xαdxdy=yβ(γlogx+δlogy+1) is a homogeneous differential equation, then (A) α=β and γ=−δ (B) α=β and γ=δ (C) α=β and γ=δ (D) α=β and γ=δ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Testing the differential equation under the scaling x→λx,y→λy and demanding invariance (the defining property of a homogeneous ODE) forces α=β and γ=−δ.
Concept and Intuition
A first-order ODE dy/dx=F(x,y) is homogeneous exactly when F(λx,λy)=F(x,y) for every λ>0 — i.e. dy/dx depends only on the ratio y/x. Substituting the scaling directly into the given equation and demanding this invariance for all λ pins down the required conditions on the exponents/coefficients.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite: dxdy=xαyβ(γlogx+δlogy+1).
- Substitute x→λx, y→λy: (λx)α(λy)β[γlog(λx)+δlog(λy)+1] =λβ−α⋅xαyβ[(γ+δ)logλ+γlogx+δlogy+1].
- For this to equal the original expression for every λ, two things must vanish: (i) the overall power λβ−α must be 1 for all λ ⇒α=β; …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (x+y)ydx+(y−x)xdy=0 is (A) x+ylog(cy)=0 (B) xy=log(xy)+c (C) x+ylog(cxy)=0 (D) xy=log(cxy)
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a homogeneous first-order ODE; the substitution y=vx turns it into a separable equation whose integral rearranges to x+ylog(cxy)=0.
Concept and Intuition
Every term of (x+y)ydx+(y−x)xdy=0 is of the same total degree (degree 2 in x,y), which is the signature of a homogeneous differential equation. The standard technique is to set y=vx, turning the equation into one involving only v and x, which separates.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Expand: (xy+y2)dx+(xy−x2)dy=0 — every term has degree 2, confirming homogeneity.
- Put y=vx, so dy=vdx+xdv. Then xy+y2=x2v(1+v) and xy−x2=x2(v−1).
- Substituting: x2v(1+v)dx+x2(v−1)(vdx+xdv)=0. Dividing by x2: v(1+v)dx+(v−1)vdx+x(v−1)dv=0.
- Collect the dx coefficient: v(1+v)+v(v−1)=v[(1+v)+(v−1)]=2v2. So 2v2dx+x(v−1)dv=0.
- Separate variables: xdx=2v2(1−v)dv=(2v21−2v1)dv.
- Integrate: logx=−2v1−21logv+C. Multiply by 2: 2logx+logv=−v1+2C⇒log(x2v)=−v1+K.
- Since x2v=x2⋅xy=xy and v1=yx: log(xy)+yx=K. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.The substitution x=vy converts which one of the following differential equation to an equation solvable by variable separable method? (A) (y2−2x2y)dx=(x2−2xy2)dy (B) x2dy−ydx=x2+y2dx (C) dxdy=x+xyy2 (D) (1+2ex/y)+2ex/y(1−yx)dxdy=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The equation containing ex/y is naturally a function of x/y, which is exactly what the substitution x=vy (with v=x/y) is designed to exploit — this is the standard textbook example for that substitution.
Concept and Intuition
For a homogeneous differential equation, we can substitute either y=vx (writing v=y/x, treating x as the base variable) or x=vy (writing v=x/y, treating y as the base variable). The choice is guided by which ratio the equation is naturally expressed in terms of. When an equation contains a term like ex/y, it is far more natural to substitute x=vy, because then x/y=v directly, and dx=vdy+ydv converts the whole equation into one purely in v and y — which then separates.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Examine option (D):
(1+2ex/y)dx+2ex/y(1−yx)dy=0
(written with the dy/dx term brought over, equivalently Mdx+Ndy=0 form).
-
Every term in M and N is a function purely of x/y: the equation is homogeneous, and specifically expressed via the ratio v=x/y.
-
Substitute x=vy, so dx=vdy+ydv. Then:
(1+2ev)(vdy+ydv)+2ev(1−v)dy=0
Collect the dy terms:
[(1+2ev)v+2ev(1−v)]dy+(1+2ev)ydv=0
[v+2vev+2ev−2vev]dy+(1+2ev)ydv=0
(v+2ev)dy+(1+2ev)ydv=0
- This is now separable in y and v: …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-08-AN1 markMCQQ.Suppose that f(x,y) and g(x,y) are homogeneous functions of same order. If x=Vy reduces the equation dxdy=g(x,y)f(x,y) to the form dydV=y1(F(V)), then F(V)= (A) (g(1,V)f(1,V)−V) (B) (g(V,1)f(V,1)−V) (C) (f(1,V)g(1,V)−V) (D) (f(V,1)g(V,1)−V)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using x=Vy and inverting the given ODE to work with dx/dy (not dy/dx) shows F(V)=f(V,1)g(V,1)−V.
Concept and Intuition
This is the homogeneous-equation substitution, but with the roles of x and y swapped compared to the usual y=Vx textbook form (here it's x=Vy, and the new variable is a function of y, not x). Since a homogeneous function of degree n satisfies h(x,y)=ynh(x/y,1)=ynh(V,1), ratios of two same-order homogeneous functions simplify by cancelling the yn factor.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given dxdy=g(x,y)f(x,y), so its reciprocal is dydx=f(x,y)g(x,y).
- Let x=Vy (V a function of y). Then dydx=V+ydydV (product rule).
- Since f,g are homogeneous of the same degree n: f(x,y)=f(Vy,y)=ynf(V,1) and g(x,y)=yng(V,1).
- So f(x,y)g(x,y)=ynf(V,1)yng(V,1)=f(V,1)g(V,1).
- Equate: V+ydydV=f(V,1)g(V,1)⇒dydV=y1[f(V,1)g(V,1)−V]. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+x−3y+5x+y+1=0 is (A) 3(y−1)2−2(x+2)(y−1)−(x+2)2=c (B) x2−3y2−4xy−2x−10y=c (C) 3(y+1)2+2(x−2)(y+1)−(x−2)2=c (D) x2+3y2+4xy+2x+10y=c
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a differential equation of the form dxdy=−a′x+b′y+c′ax+by+c with non-parallel linear terms; shifting the origin to the intersection of the two lines reduces it to a homogeneous equation. The answer is (A).
Concept and Intuition
When a differential equation has the form dxdy=−x−3y+5x+y+1, the numerator and denominator are linear in x,y but not proportional, so it isn't directly homogeneous. The standard trick is to translate the axes to the point where the two lines x+y+1=0 and x−3y+5=0 intersect — in the new coordinates the equation becomes exactly homogeneous of degree one, which we can solve with the substitution Y=vX.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Find the intersection point. Solve x+y=−1 and x−3y=−5 simultaneously. Subtracting: 4y=4⇒y=1, then x=−2. So the lines meet at (−2,1).
- Shift coordinates: let X=x+2, Y=y−1 (so dX=dx, dY=dy). The equation becomes dXdY=−X−3YX+Y, which is homogeneous (every term is degree 1 in X,Y).
- Substitute Y=vX, so dXdY=v+XdXdv. Then
v+XdXdv=−1−3v1+v ⇒ XdXdv=1−3v3v2−2v−1.
- Separate variables:
3v2−2v−11−3vdv=XdX.
Factor the denominator: 3v2−2v−1=(3v+1)(v−1). Partial fractions give
(3v+1)(v−1)1−3v=3v+1−3/2+v−1−1/2.
- Integrate both sides:
−21log∣3v+1∣−21log∣v−1∣=logX+C1
⇒ −2logX=log∣3v+1∣+log∣v−1∣+C2 ⇒ X−2=K(3v+1)(v−1). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation xdy−ydx=x2+y2dx is (A) y+x2+y2=cx2 (B) y+x2+y2=cx (C) x+x2+y2=cy (D) x−x2+y2=cy2
›Reveal solutionSolution
A homogeneous differential equation, solved with the substitution y=vx. Answer: y+x2+y2=cx2.
Concept and Intuition
Every term here — xdy, ydx, and x2+y2dx — scales the same way if x,y are both scaled by the same factor, which is the signature of a homogeneous equation. The standard substitution y=vx converts it into a separable equation in v and x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write dxdy=xy+x2+y2 (dividing through by dx, taking x>0).
- Let y=vx, so dxdy=v+xdxdv. Then: v+xdxdv=xvx+x2+v2x2=v+1+v2.
- So xdxdv=1+v2, which separates: 1+v2dv=xdx.
- Integrate: log(v+1+v2)=logx+logC⇒v+1+v2=Cx. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation y(2x+y)dx=x(x+y)dy is (A) log(ycx2)+xy=0 (B) log(cx2y)+xy=0 (C) log(cx2y2)+xy=0 (D) log(cx2y)+xy=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
A homogeneous ODE solved by the substitution y=vx; simplifying and integrating gives log(cx2y)+xy=0.
Concept and Intuition
y(2x+y)dx=x(x+y)dy is homogeneous of degree 2 on both sides, so the standard substitution y=vx (with dy=vdx+xdv) reduces it to a separable equation in v and x.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Put y=vx, dy=vdx+xdv.
- LHS: y(2x+y)=vx(2x+vx)=vx2(2+v).
- RHS: x(x+y)dy=x⋅x(1+v)(vdx+xdv)=x2(1+v)(vdx+xdv).
- Equation becomes vx2(2+v)dx=x2(1+v)(vdx+xdv). Divide by x2: v(2+v)dx=v(1+v)dx+x(1+v)dv.
- Subtract v(1+v)dx from both sides: v[(2+v)−(1+v)]dx=x(1+v)dv⇒vdx=x(1+v)dv.
- Separate: xdx=v1+vdv=(v1+1)dv.
- Integrate: logx=logv+v+C⇒logvx−v=C.
- Substitute back v=y/x, so x/v=x2/y: logyx2−xy=C. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy=2x2+3xy2xy−3y2 is (A) 3logxy=yx+c (B) log∣xy∣=2xy+c (C) 3log∣xy∣=y2x+c (D) logxy=xy+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The DE is homogeneous of degree 0; substituting y=vx and separating variables leads, after converting back to x,y, to 3log∣xy∣=y2x+c.
Concept and Intuition
A first-order DE dxdy=Q(x,y)P(x,y) is homogeneous when P and Q are both homogeneous of the same degree — here both numerator (2xy−3y2) and denominator (2x2+3xy) are degree 2. The standard technique is the substitution y=vx, which converts the equation into one in v and x alone that separates.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: dxdy=2x2+3xy2xy−3y2. Both numerator and denominator are homogeneous of degree 2, so substitute y=vx, dxdy=v+xdxdv.
- Divide numerator and denominator by x2:
2x2+3xy2xy−3y2=2+3v2v−3v2
- So v+xdxdv=2+3v2v−3v2.
- Isolate the derivative term:
xdxdv=2+3v2v−3v2−v=2+3v2v−3v2−v(2+3v)=2+3v2v−3v2−2v−3v2=2+3v−6v2
- Separate variables:
v22+3vdv=x−6dx⟹(v22+v3)dv=−x6dx
- Integrate both sides:
−v2+3log∣v∣=−6log∣x∣+C
- Rearranging: −v2+3log∣v∣+6log∣x∣=C. Since 6log∣x∣=3log(x2), combine logs: …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (x+y−1)dy=(x−y+1)dx is (A) x2−2xy−y2+2x+2y+c=0 (B) x2+2xy−y2+2x+2y+c=0 (C) x2+2xy+y2+2x+2y+c=0 (D) x2−2xy−y2+2x−2y+c=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Shifting the origin to remove the constant terms turns this into a homogeneous DE in X,Y; solving it and substituting back gives x2−2xy−y2+2x+2y+c=0.
Concept and Intuition
A DE of the form dxdy=a2x+b2y+c2a1x+b1y+c1 (with a1b2=a2b1) is reduced to a homogeneous equation by shifting the origin to the intersection point of the two lines a1x+b1y+c1=0 and a2x+b2y+c2=0. This removes the constant terms, and the resulting equation in the shifted variables is exactly homogeneous and solvable by Y=vX.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given (x+y−1)dy=(x−y+1)dx, i.e. dxdy=x+y−1x−y+1.
- Shift x=X+h, y=Y+k to kill the constants. We need:
h−k+1=0,h+k−1=0
Adding: 2h=0⇒h=0; then k=1.
3. With x=X, y=Y+1: numerator x−y+1=X−Y, denominator x+y−1=X+Y. So:
dXdY=X+YX−Y
This is homogeneous of degree 0.
4. Let Y=vX, dXdY=v+XdXdv:
v+XdXdv=1+v1−v
- Isolate: XdXdv=1+v1−v−v=1+v1−v−v−v2=1+v1−2v−v2.
- Separate: 1−2v−v21+vdv=XdX. Let w=1−2v−v2, dw=−2(1+v)dv, so (1+v)dv=−21dw:
−21∫wdw=∫XdX⟹−21log∣w∣=log∣X∣+C1
- So log∣w∣=−2log∣X∣+C2⇒wX2=C3, i.e. (1−2v−v2)X2=C3. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (xy+y2)dx−(x2−2xy)dy=0 is (A) cxy2=ex/y (B) cxy2ex/y=1 (C) cxyex/y=1 (D) cxy=ex/y
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a homogeneous first-order ODE; the substitution y=vx solves it, giving cxy2ex/y=1, option (B).
Concept and Intuition
Both (xy+y2) and (x2−2xy) are homogeneous of degree 2 in x,y, so the standard substitution y=vx (turning the equation into one in v and x alone) separates variables.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write the ODE as (xy+y2)dx=(x2−2xy)dy. Substitute y=vx, dy=vdx+xdv.
- xy+y2=x2(v+v2) and x2−2xy=x2(1−2v). The equation becomes
x2(v+v2)dx=x2(1−2v)(vdx+xdv).
- Divide by x2 and collect dx terms: [(v+v2)−v(1−2v)]dx=(1−2v)xdv. The bracket simplifies to 3v2, so
3v2dx=(1−2v)xdv⇒xdx=3v21−2vdv.
- Integrate: logx=31∫(v21−v2)dv=31(−v1−2logv)+C.
- Multiply by 3: 3logx+2logv+v1=C′, i.e. log(x3v2)=C′−v1, so x3v2=Ke−1/v. …
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