Q.Solve the differential equation (xe−2x−xy)dydx=1 (x=0).
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Integrating Factor Method
Some first-order differential equations refuse to separate — you cannot get all the y's on one side and all the x's on the other. The integrating factor method is the standard trick for a special (and very common) family of these: the linear first-order equation. The idea is beautifully simple: multiply the whole equation by one cleverly chosen function, and the messy left-hand side collapses into a single derivative that we can integrate directly.
The Standard Form
An equation is linear of first order if it can be written as
dxdy+Py=Q
where P and Q are functions of x alone (or constants). Notice y and dxdy appear only to the first power, and never multiplied together — that is what "linear" means here.
Always rearrange into this exact shape first. The coefficient of dxdy must be 1 before you read off P and Q.
The Integrating Factor
The magic multiplier is
I.F.=e∫Pdx.
Why this one? Multiply the equation by e∫Pdx:
e∫Pdxdxdy+Pe∫Pdxy=Qe∫Pdx.
By the product rule, the left-hand side is exactly dxd(y⋅e∫Pdx), because the derivative of e∫Pdx is Pe∫Pdx. So the equation becomes
dxd(y⋅I.F.)=Q⋅I.F.
The left side is now a single derivative — that is the whole point of choosing this factor.
The Solution
Integrate both sides with respect to x:
y⋅I.F.=∫(Q⋅I.F.)dx+C.
This is the general solution. In words: (solution) × (integrating factor) = integral of (Q × integrating factor), plus a constant.
A Quick Illustration
For dxdy+x1y=x, we read P=x1, Q=x. Then ∫Pdx=logx, so I.F.=elogx=x. The solution is
y⋅x=∫x⋅xdx+C=3x3+C.
--- …
The key idea is to rewrite the equation in the standard linear form dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) and solve using an integrating factor.
Step 1: Invert the given equation.
Since dydx=1/dxdy, we have
dxdy=xe−2x−xy.
Step 2: Rearrange into linear form.
dxdy+x1y=xe−2x.
Here P(x)=x1 and Q(x)=xe−2x.
Step 3: Find the integrating factor.
μ(x)=e∫x1dx=e2x.
Step 4: Multiply through and integrate. …
Inverting dydx turns this into a linear ODE in y(x) with integrating factor e2x. The solution is y=e−2x(2x+C).
Since the bracket times dydx equals 1, take reciprocals to make x the independent variable:
dxdy=xe−2x−xy.
Rearrange into linear form:
dxdy+x1y=xe−2x,P(x)=x1,Q(x)=xe−2x.
Integrating factor:
μ=e∫x−1/2dx=e2x.
Multiplying through, the left side is an exact derivative and the right side simplifies: …
Method: Invert dydx to expose a linear equation
When the equation is written with dydx but is really linear in y(x), take reciprocals first.
Steps
Step 1: Take reciprocals.
Since dxdy=dx/dy1, rewrite the equation with dxdy.
Step 2: Arrange into standard linear form.
Collect to dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x); here P=x1.
Step 3: Integrating factor. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not inverting dydx to reach linear form.
Why it's wrong: as written the equation hides a linear equation in y(x); taking reciprocals gives dxdy+x1y=xe−2x. Correct approach: use dxdy=1/dydx.
Mistake 2: Getting the I.F. wrong from P=x1.
Why it's wrong: ∫x−1/2dx=2x, so I.F. =e2x; a missing factor 2 breaks the cancellation. Correct approach: integrate the power correctly. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 33 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.The differential equation f′(y)dxdy+P(x)f(y)=x3 is reduced to linear differential equation by substituting Z=f(y). If the integrating factor of the reduced linear equation is ex2, then the solution of the given differential equation is (A) x2+Ae−x2−2f(y)=1 (B) f(y)=21(x2−1)+Cex2 (C) x2+Aex2+2f(y)=1 (D) f(y)=(x3+Cex2)
›Reveal solutionSolution
After the substitution Z=f(y), this becomes a standard linear first-order DE with known integrating factor ex2; solving and rearranging gives x2+Ae−x2−2f(y)=1.
Concept and Intuition
Bernoulli-style substitutions like Z=f(y) are used precisely to convert a DE that's nonlinear/awkward in y into a genuinely linear DE in the new variable Z, which can then be solved by the standard integrating-factor method.
Step-by-Step Solution
- With Z=f(y), dxdZ=f′(y)dxdy, so the given equation becomes dxdZ+P(x)Z=x3 — linear in Z.
- The integrating factor is e∫P(x)dx, given as ex2, so ∫Pdx=x2 (i.e. P(x)=2x, though we don't need this explicitly).
- Standard linear-DE solution: Z⋅ex2=∫x3ex2dx+C.
- Compute ∫x3ex2dx: let u=x2, du=2xdx, so x3ex2dx=21ueudu. Using ∫ueudu=eu(u−1): result is 21ex2(x2−1).
- So Zex2=21ex2(x2−1)+C, giving Z=f(y)=21(x2−1)+Ce−x2. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy=x3cos2y−xsin2y is (A) tany=21(x2+1)+e−x2 (B) tany=21(x2−1)+Ce−x2 (C) tany=21(x2−1)+Cex2 (D) tany=21(x2+1)+Cex2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests converting a nonlinear-looking ODE in y into a linear first-order ODE via the substitution t=tany, then solving with an integrating factor. The answer is tany=21(x2−1)+Ce−x2.
Concept and Intuition
The presence of cos2y and sin2y=2sinycosy is a strong hint to divide through by cos2y: this turns every y-term into a function of tany, because sin2y/cos2y=2tany. Substituting t=tany then reduces the equation to the standard linear form dxdt+P(x)t=Q(x), solvable by an integrating factor.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start with dxdy=x3cos2y−xsin2y=x3cos2y−2xsinycosy.
- Divide both sides by cos2y: sec2ydxdy=x3−2xtany.
- Let t=tany, so dxdt=sec2ydxdy. The equation becomes dxdt+2xt=x3 — linear in t.
- Integrating factor: μ=e∫2xdx=ex2. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+xy=x2 is (A) y=31x3+xc (B) y=41x4+cx (C) y=41x3+c (D) y=41x3+cx−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
A standard first-order linear ODE dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x); the integrating factor x makes the left side an exact derivative, giving the general solution y=41x3+xc.
Concept and Intuition
For a linear equation dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x), multiplying both sides by the integrating factor μ(x)=e∫Pdx turns the left side into the exact derivative dxd(μy), which can then be integrated directly.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Here P(x)=x1, Q(x)=x2.
- Integrating factor: μ(x)=e∫x1dx=elogx=x.
- Multiply through: xdxdy+y=x3, i.e. dxd(xy)=x3.
- Integrate both sides: xy=∫x3dx=4x4+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation ydx+(x+x2y)dy=0 is (A) xy1+logy=c (B) −xy1+logy=c (C) x−xy1=c (D) logy=cx2
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests recognizing an exact-differential grouping (ydx+xdy=d(xy)) to reduce the equation to a separable one; the answer is (B).
Concept and Intuition
The equation ydx+(x+x2y)dy=0 looks messy until you notice that ydx+xdy is exactly d(xy). Recognizing hidden exact-differential combinations (like d(xy), d(x/y), d(x2+y2)) is often the fastest route through an ODE that doesn't look separable or linear at first glance.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rewrite: ydx+xdy+x2ydy=0.
- Since d(xy)=xdy+ydx, this becomes d(xy)+x2ydy=0.
- Let u=xy, so x=u/y. Then x2y=y2u2⋅y=yu2.
- Substituting: du+yu2dy=0⇒u2du=−ydy.
- Integrate both sides: −u1=−logy+c1. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (1+y2)+(x−etan−1y)dxdy=0 is (A) xetan−1y=tan−1y+c (B) x2e2tan−1y=etan−1y+c (C) (x−2)=ce−tan−1y (D) 2xetan−1y=e2tan−1y+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a first-order linear ODE that becomes linear in x (not y) once you recognise the tan−1y integrating factor. The answer is (D).
Concept and Intuition
When the equation is not linear in y but treating x as the dependent variable (function of y) makes it linear, we should switch roles: write it as dydx+P(y)x=Q(y) and use the integrating factor e∫Pdy.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: (1+y2)+(x−etan−1y)dxdy=0.
- Rearranging: (x−etan−1y)dxdy=−(1+y2), so dydx=−(1+y2)x−etan−1y=1+y2etan−1y−x.
- This gives the linear form: dydx+1+y21x=1+y2etan−1y.
- Integrating factor: I=e∫1+y2dy=etan−1y.
- Multiply through: dyd(xetan−1y)=etan−1y⋅1+y2etan−1y=1+y2e2tan−1y.
- Let t=tan−1y, so dt=1+y2dy. Then ∫e2tdt=21e2t. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+ytanx=−tanxlog(cosx) (0<x<2π) (A) secx=e⋅ey−kcosx (B) secx=e⋅ey−ksecx (C) tanx=e⋅ey−kcosx (D) tanx=e⋅ey+ksecx
›Reveal solutionSolution
A first-order linear ODE with integrating factor secx; solving it and rearranging the logarithmic solution into exponential form reproduces exactly the printed option. Answer: secx=e⋅ey−kcosx.
Concept and Intuition
The equation is a standard linear ODE dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) with P(x)=tanx. Its integrating factor is e∫tanxdx=e−logcosx=secx. After solving, the answer is naturally logarithmic; the answer choices present it exponentiated, so the final algebraic step is just re-expressing log(cosx)=… as secx=e⋅e(…).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Standard form: dxdy+ytanx=−tanxlog(cosx), P(x)=tanx, Q(x)=−tanxlog(cosx).
- Integrating factor: IF=e∫tanxdx=e−log(cosx)=cosx1=secx.
- Solution: ysecx=∫secx⋅(−tanxlog(cosx))dx+k=−∫secxtanxlog(cosx)dx+k.
- Integrate by parts with u=log(cosx), dv=secxtanxdx⇒v=secx: ∫secxtanxlog(cosx)dx=secxlog(cosx)−∫secx⋅(−tanx)dx=secxlog(cosx)+secx+C. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-18-AN1 markMCQQ.The substitution required to reduce the differential equation dxdy+sinycosysinx=sin2xcos2y to a linear differential equation in z is (A) z=tanx (B) z=sin2y (C) z=cosy (D) z=tany
›Reveal solutionSolution
Dividing by cos2y and substituting z=tany converts the equation into a linear first-order ODE in z.
Concept and Intuition
Equations with sinycosy and cos2y terms often become linear after dividing through by cos2y, because dxd(tany)=sec2ydxdy naturally appears in the divided equation.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: dxdy+sinycosysinx=sin2xcos2y=2sinxcosxcos2y.
- Divide throughout by cos2y:
sec2ydxdy+tanysinx=2sinxcosx
- Let z=tany⇒dxdz=sec2ydxdy. Substituting: dxdz+zsinx=2sinxcosx …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the equation dxdy+x1y=x1ex is (A) y=xex+c (B) y=xex+ce−x (C) y=xex+c (D) y=xe−x+cx
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a standard linear first-order ODE solved via an integrating factor; the answer is (C).
Concept and Intuition
An equation of the form dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) is solved by multiplying through by the integrating factor μ=e∫Pdx, which makes the left side a perfect derivative dxd(μy).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Here P(x)=x1, Q(x)=x1ex.
- Integrating factor: μ=e∫x1dx=elogx=x.
- Multiply the ODE by x: xdxdy+y=ex, i.e. dxd(xy)=ex.
- Integrate both sides: xy=ex+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+xy=4x−2y+8 is (A) y=4−ce−2(x+2)2 (B) y=8+ce2−x2−2x (C) y=ce−(x+2)2+x (D) y+2x=ce−2x−2x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Regroup the equation into standard linear form y′+(x+2)y=4(x+2), solve with integrating factor ex2/2+2x, and complete the square in the exponent. Answer: y=4−ce−(x+2)2/2.
Concept and Intuition
The given equation dxdy+xy=4x−2y+8 looks like it has an x-dependent coefficient and a constant-coefficient term mixed together, but moving the −2y across makes the coefficient of y become (x+2), and simultaneously the right side becomes 4(x+2) — a clean multiple of the same linear factor. This is the key algebraic regrouping that turns it into a standard first-order linear ODE.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start: dxdy+xy=4x−2y+8.
- Move −2y to the left: dxdy+xy+2y=4x+8⇒dxdy+(x+2)y=4(x+2).
- This is linear: dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) with P(x)=x+2, Q(x)=4(x+2).
- Integrating factor: μ(x)=e∫(x+2)dx=e2x2+2x.
- Note dxdμ=(x+2)μ, so 4(x+2)μ=4dxdμ, and
dxd(yμ)=Q(x)μ=4dxdμ⟹yμ=4μ+C.
- Hence y=4+Ce−(2x2+2x).
- Complete the square: 2x2+2x=2x2+4x=2(x+2)2−4=2(x+2)2−2. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (x+2y3)dxdy−y=0, y>0 is (A) y=x3+cy (B) x=y3+cy (C) y(1−xy)=cx (D) x(1−xy)=cy
›Reveal solutionSolution
Treat x as the dependent variable and y as independent — the equation is linear in x once rearranged. Answer: x=y3+cy.
Concept and Intuition
The equation (x+2y3)dxdy−y=0 is not linear in y (because of the y3 term), but if we instead regard x as a function of y, it becomes linear in x. This is a standard trick: whenever an ODE is linear in one variable when viewed "the other way around," solve it as dydx+P(y)x=Q(y) instead of dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: (x+2y3)dxdy=y⟹dydx=yx+2y3 (inverting the derivative, valid since y>0).
- Expand: dydx=yx+2y2⟹dydx−y1x=2y2.
- This is linear in x with P(y)=−y1, Q(y)=2y2.
- Integrating factor: μ(y)=e∫−y1dy=e−logy=y1.
- Then dyd(yx)=y1⋅2y2=2y.
- Integrate: yx=∫2ydy=y2+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+cosx+sinxsecxy=1+tanxcosx is (A) (cosx+sinx)y=sinx+c (B) (cosx+sinx)y=cosx+c (C) (1+tanx)y=cosx+c (D) secx(cosx+sinx)y=sinx+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognising P(x)=secx/(cosx+sinx) as sec2x/(1+tanx) gives the integrating factor 1+tanx; the equation then integrates cleanly to secx(cosx+sinx)y=sinx+c.
Concept and Intuition
For a linear ODE y′+P(x)y=Q(x), the integrating factor is e∫Pdx. Spotting that a messy P(x) is secretly of the form u(x)u′(x) for some simple u(x) (here u=1+tanx) instantly gives ∫Pdx=log∣u∣ without a hard integration.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Here P(x)=cosx+sinxsecx. Multiply numerator and denominator by secx: secx(cosx+sinx)sec2x=1+tanxsec2x (since cosx(cosx+sinx)=cos2x(1+tanx)).
- So P(x)=1+tanxsec2x=dxdlog(1+tanx), giving integrating factor IF=1+tanx.
- Q(x)=1+tanxcosx, so Q⋅IF=1+tanxcosx⋅(1+tanx)=cosx.
- The linear-ODE solution is y⋅IF=∫Q⋅IFdx+c: (1+tanx)y=∫cosxdx+c=sinx+c. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation y+cosx(dxdy)−cos2x=0 is (A) (secx+tanx)y=x+cosx+c (B) (1+cosx)y=(x+c)cosx−cos2x (C) (1+sinx)y=(x+c)cosx−cos2x (D) (secx+tanx)y=x−sinx+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A first-order linear ODE in y; using the integrating factor secx+tanx and rewriting it as (1+sinx)/cosx yields option (C).
Concept and Intuition
After dividing by cosx, the equation becomes linear in y with integrating factor e∫secxdx=secx+tanx (a standard integral). Since secx+tanx=cosx1+sinx, the solution can be rewritten multiplying through by cosx, which is exactly the form the answer choices use.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Start with y+cosxdxdy−cos2x=0. Divide by cosx: dxdy+ysecx=cosx.
- This is linear: P(x)=secx, Q(x)=cosx. Integrating factor μ=e∫secxdx=elog∣secx+tanx∣=secx+tanx.
- The solution is y⋅μ=∫Q⋅μdx: y(secx+tanx)=∫cosx(secx+tanx)dx=∫(1+sinx)dx=x−cosx+C.
- Now write secx+tanx=cosx1+sinx, so y⋅cosx1+sinx=x−cosx+C. …
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