Q.Solve the following differential equation: dxdy−3ycotx=sin2x; y=2 when x=2π
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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. …
This is a linear first-order equation. Write it as dxdy+Py=Q with P=−3cotx, Q=sin2x, and use an integrating factor.
Integrating factor: IF=e∫−3cotxdx=e−3log∣sinx∣=csc3x.
Multiply through: the left side becomes an exact derivative,
dxd(ycsc3x)=sin2xcsc3x=sin2x2cosx.
Integrate (put u=sinx): …
A linear ODE with integrating factor csc3x; the particular solution through y(2π)=2 is y=4sin3x−2sin2x.
The idea
The equation is linear: y and dxdy appear only to the first power. Every linear equation dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) can be multiplied by an integrating factor that turns the left-hand side into the derivative of a single product, after which we just integrate.
Set up
Here
dxdy−3ycotx=sin2x,
so P(x)=−3cotx and Q(x)=sin2x.
Integrating factor
∫Pdx=∫−3cotxdx=−3log∣sinx∣=log(sin−3x),
so
IF=e∫Pdx=csc3x.
Multiply and integrate
Multiplying by csc3x makes the left side exact:
dxd(ycsc3x)=sin2xcsc3x.
Simplify the right side with sin2x=2sinxcosx:
sin2xcsc3x=sin3x2sinxcosx=sin2x2cosx.
Integrate; on the right put u=sinx, du=cosxdx: …
Method: Linear IVP with a cotx coefficient (I.F. a power of cscx)
Use the integrating factor when P=−ncotx, which gives I.F. =cscnx, then apply the condition.
Steps
Step 1: Standard form.
Identify P=−3cotx, Q=sin2x.
Step 2: Integrating factor.
∫−3cotxdx=−3log∣sinx∣,I.F.=csc3x.
Step 3: Simplify and integrate. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong I.F. from P=−3cotx.
Why it's wrong: ∫−3cotxdx=−3log∣sinx∣, so I.F. =csc3x, not sin3x. Correct approach: the negative exponent gives csc3x.
Mistake 2: Not simplifying sin2x before integrating.
Why it's wrong: writing sin2xcsc3x=sin2x2cosx (via sin2x=2sinxcosx) makes the substitution u=sinx work. Correct approach: expand sin2x first. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 26 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.If limx→∞y(x)=2π, then the solution of x3sinydxdy=2 is cosy= (A) x23 (B) x1 (C) x21 (D) x32
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a separable ODE; integrate directly and use the given limiting condition at infinity to pin down the constant of integration.
Concept and Intuition
x3sinydy/dx=2 separates cleanly into a function of y times dy equals a function of x times dx. The unusual boundary condition (a limit as x→∞, rather than a value at a finite point) still fixes the constant because both sides of the solution tend to definite limits.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite: x3sinydxdy=2⇒sinydy=x32dx.
- Integrate both sides: ∫sinydy=∫2x−3dx⇒−cosy=−x−2+C0.
- Rearranged: cosy=x−2−C0=x21−C (renaming the constant). …
- 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-2023-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=y(x) is the solution of dxdy=1+sinxx−ycosx, y(2π)=8π2, then y(π)= (A) 85π2 (B) 87π2 (C) 89π2 (D) 712π2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognise the left side of the rearranged ODE as an exact derivative dxd[y(1+sinx)], integrate directly, use the initial condition to find the constant, then evaluate at x=π.
Concept and Intuition
Many "linear-looking" first-order ODEs are secretly exact derivatives in disguise — recognising the pattern y′g(x)+yg′(x)=dxd[yg(x)] turns a substitution-heavy linear-ODE problem into direct integration.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: dxdy=1+sinxx−ycosx. Multiply through by (1+sinx): (1+sinx)dxdy+ycosx=x.
- Note dxd[y(1+sinx)]=y′(1+sinx)+ycosx — exactly the left side above.
- So dxd[y(1+sinx)]=x. Integrate: y(1+sinx)=2x2+C.
- Apply y(π/2)=8π2: 1+sin(π/2)=2, so LHS =8π2×2=4π2.
- RHS at x=π/2: 2(π/2)2+C=8π2+C.
- Equate: 4π2=8π2+C⇒C=8π2.
- General solution: y(1+sinx)=2x2+8π2. …
- 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 2025Set eng-2025-05-24-FN1 markMCQQ.If xlogxdxdy+y=logx2 and y(e)=0, then y(e2)= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 21 (D) 23
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a first-order linear ODE in y; finding the integrating factor logx and applying y(e)=0 gives y(e2)=23.
Concept and Intuition
Dividing the given equation by xlogx puts it in the standard linear form dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x), which is always solvable via an integrating factor μ=e∫Pdx. Recognizing log(x2)=2logx also simplifies the RHS immediately.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: xlogxdxdy+y=log(x2)=2logx.
- Divide throughout by xlogx: dxdy+xlogxy=x2.
- This is linear with P(x)=xlogx1. Integrating factor:
μ=e∫xlogx1dx.
Let u=logx, du=dx/x, so ∫xlogxdx=∫udu=log∣u∣=log∣logx∣. Hence μ=elog∣logx∣=logx (positive since x>1 in this problem).
4. Multiply the linear ODE by μ=logx:
logx⋅dxdy+xy=x2logx.
- The LHS is exactly dxd(ylogx) (product rule check: y′logx+y⋅x1 — matches).
- Integrate both sides: ylogx=∫x2logxdx. With u=logx: ∫2udu=u2=(logx)2. So ylogx=(logx)2+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If cosxdxdy−ysinx=6x, (0<x<2π) and y(3π)=0 then y(6π)= (A) 43−π2 (B) 2−π2 (C) 23−π2 (D) 23π2
›Reveal solutionSolution
cosxy′−ysinx=dxd(ycosx)=6x, so ycosx=3x2+C; using y(π/3)=0 gives y(π/6)=23−π2.
Concept and Intuition
Many first-order linear ODEs are secretly an exact derivative in disguise. Here cosxy′−ysinx is precisely the product rule expansion of dxd(ycosx), so no integrating factor is even needed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Observe dxd(ycosx)=y′cosx−ysinx — exactly the LHS.
- So the equation is dxd(ycosx)=6x.
- Integrate: ycosx=3x2+C.
- Apply y(π/3)=0: 0⋅cos(π/3)=3(3π)2+C⇒0=3π2+C⇒C=−3π2.
- At x=π/6: ycos(π/6)=3(6π)2−3π2=12π2−124π2=−123π2=−4π2. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-23-AN1 markMCQQ.If f′(x)=tan2(x)+cot2(x) and f(4π)=0, then f(x)= ______ (A) tan(x)−cot(x)−x+2π (B) tan(x)−cot(x)−2x+2π (C) tan(x)+cot(x)−2x+2π (D) sec(x)−cosec(x)−2x+2π
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rewrite tan2x+cot2x using Pythagorean identities, integrate term by term, then fix the constant using f(π/4)=0.
Concept and Intuition
Whenever you see tan2x or cot2x in something you must integrate, immediately convert using tan2x=sec2x−1 and cot2x=csc2x−1 — these have known antiderivatives (tanx, −cotx), unlike the squared trig functions themselves.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite: f′(x)=(sec2x−1)+(csc2x−1)=sec2x+csc2x−2.
- Integrate: f(x)=∫(sec2x+csc2x−2)dx=tanx−cotx−2x+C.
- Apply the condition f(π/4)=0: tan(π/4)=1, cot(π/4)=1, so …
- 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 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-FN1 markMCQQ.If the general solution of the differential equation cos2xdxdy+y=tanx is y=tanx−1+Ce−tanx satisfies y(π/4)=1, then C= (A) e (B) 1 (C) −1 (D) 1/e
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests applying an initial condition to a given general solution of a linear first-order DE to find the arbitrary constant.
Concept and Intuition
Once a general solution y=y(x,C) is known, an initial condition (initial value) pins down C by substituting the given point directly — no need to re-derive the DE.
Step-by-Step Solution
- General solution: y=tanx−1+Ce−tanx.
- At x=π/4: tan(π/4)=1.
- So y(π/4)=1−1+Ce−1=Ce−1. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-08-AN1 markMCQQ.If the solution of dxdy=xe1/y2y3cosx, y(0)=1 is y21=loge(f(x)), then f(x)= (A) 4+4sinx (B) esinx (C) 1−4sinx (D) e−4sinx
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a separable ODE; separating variables and using the initial condition y(0)=1 gives f(x)=e−4sinx.
Concept and Intuition
The equation separates cleanly into a function of y times dy equal to a function of x times dx. Both sides then need simple substitutions (u=1/y2 and v=x) to become directly integrable exponential/trig forms.
Step-by-Step Solution
- dxdy=xe1/y2y3cosx⇒e1/y2y−3dy=xcosxdx.
- LHS: let u=1/y2⇒du=−2y−3dy⇒y−3dy=−21du. So ∫eu(−21)du=−21eu+C1=−21e1/y2+C1.
- RHS: let v=x⇒dv=2xdx⇒xdx=2dv. So ∫cosv⋅2dv=2sinv+C2=2sinx+C2.
- Combine: −21e1/y2=2sinx+C.
- Apply y(0)=1⇒1/y2=1 at x=0: −21e1=2sin0+C⇒C=−2e. …
- 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. …
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