Q.Find the particular solution of the differential equation log(dxdy)=3x+4y given that y=0 when x=0.
Concept understanding — Separation Of Variables
Separation of Variables: From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you're baking a cake. The recipe says "mix the dry ingredients separately, then add the wet ones." You keep things that belong together together, and things that don't apart — until the right moment. Separation of Variables does exactly that for certain kinds of equations.
The Core Intuition
Some equations involve two different kinds of change happening at once. Think of a cup of hot coffee cooling down. The rate at which it cools depends on:
- The temperature difference between the coffee and the room (a function of time)
- The surface area of the cup (a function of shape, not time)
These two influences are tangled together in one equation. Separation of Variables is the mathematical trick that untangles them — it lets you handle the time part first, then the space part separately.
The Precise Statement
Separation of Variables applies to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of the form:
dxdy=f(x)⋅g(y)
where the right-hand side is a product of a function of x alone and a function of y alone. The method works in three clean steps:
dxdy=f(x)⋅g(y)⟹g(y)1dy=f(x)dx
Step 1: Separate. Multiply both sides by dx and divide by g(y) (assuming g(y)=0). This moves all y's to one side and all x's to the other.
Step 2: Integrate. Put an integral sign on both sides:
∫g(y)1dy=∫f(x)dx
Step 3: Solve. Evaluate both integrals and solve for y explicitly if possible.
You cannot separate if the equation is not in product form. For example, dxdy=x+y cannot be separated — the sum x+y is not a product f(x)g(y).
Why This Works
The justification is the chain rule in reverse. From dxdy=f(x)g(y), rewrite it as:
g(y)1dxdy=f(x)
Now integrate both sides with respect to x:
∫g(y)1dxdydx=∫f(x)dx
The left side is a substitution waiting to happen: dxdydx=dy, so you get ∫g(y)1dy. That's the entire trick — the chain rule dressed up.
A Concrete Example
Solve dxdy=2xy, with y(0)=3.
Step 1: Separate. Divide both sides by y (assuming y=0):
y1dy=2xdx
Step 2: Integrate.
∫y1dy=∫2xdx⟹log∣y∣=x2+C
Step 3: Solve for y.
∣y∣=ex2+C=eC⋅ex2
Let A=±eC (absorbing the absolute value): y=Aex2. Now use y(0)=3: 3=Ae0=A, so A=3.
Final answer: y=3ex2
Always check if g(y)=0 gives a solution. Here g(y)=y, so y=0 is also a solution (the trivial one). Our initial condition y(0)=3 picks the non-zero branch.
When Does It Apply?
Separation of Variables works for first-order ODEs of the form dxdy=f(x)g(y), and for certain partial differential equations like the heat equation (a more advanced use — the idea is the same: assume the solution is a product of functions of each variable). It does not work for equations where x and y are added, subtracted, or composed in non-product ways, or for higher-order ODEs (generally).
The Big Picture
Separation of Variables is your first real tool for solving differential equations. It reduces a problem with two moving parts into two independent single-variable integrals: you separate the variables, handle each alone, then reassemble with the initial condition. Think of it as untangling a knot by pulling the two ends apart — once separate, each piece is easy to deal with.
Separation of Variables is the very first solving technique taught in NCERT's Class 12 Differential Equations chapter and one of the most heavily tested skills in CBSE board exams and JEE Main. Students searching "separable differential equations important questions" or "differential equations class 12 formula" will find this method the starting point for almost every other technique in the chapter.
Remove the log by exponentiating: dxdy=e3x+4y=e3xe4y, which separates:
e−4ydy=e3xdx.
Integrate:
−41e−4y=31e3x+C.
Apply y=0 at x=0: −41=31+C⇒C=−127.
Multiply through by −12:
3e−4y=7−4e3x.
4e3x+3e−4y=7.
Exponentiating turns the equation into a separable one; with y(0)=0 the particular solution is 4e3x+3e−4y=7.
Remove the logarithm
log(dxdy)=3x+4y ⇒ dxdy=e3x+4y=e3xe4y.
Now the right side is a product of a function of x and a function of y, so it separates.
Separate
Divide by e4y (never zero) and multiply by dx:
e−4ydy=e3xdx.
Integrate
∫e−4ydy=∫e3xdx ⇒ −41e−4y=31e3x+C.
Apply the initial condition
At x=0, y=0:
−41e0=31e0+C ⇒ −41=31+C ⇒ C=−127.
Clean up
Multiply −41e−4y=31e3x−127 by −12:
3e−4y=−4e3x+7 ⇒ 4e3x+3e−4y=7.
Check: differentiating gives 12e3x−12e−4yy′=0, so y′=e3xe4y and logy′=3x+4y; also 4+3=7 at the origin. ✓
4e3x+3e−4y=7.
Method: Remove a logarithm first, then separate variables
Use this when the derivative is trapped inside a function — most commonly log(dxdy)=(⋯). Undo the outer function before attempting to separate.
Steps
Step 1: Invert the outer function to free dxdy.
From log(dxdy)=3x+4y, exponentiate: dxdy=e3x+4y.
Step 2: Split the exponential into a product.
Use e3x+4y=e3xe4y so the right side is a function of x times a function of y — now separable.
Step 3: Separate and integrate.
e−4ydy=e3xdx,∫e−4ydy=∫e3xdx.
Step 4: Apply any initial condition and tidy.
Substitute the data point to find the constant, then clear fractions to a neat implicit form.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Trying to separate before removing the logarithm.
Why it's wrong: with dxdy locked inside log, the variables cannot be separated as written. Correct approach: exponentiate first to get dxdy=e3x+4y.
Mistake 2: Not splitting e3x+4y into a product.
Why it's wrong: separation needs e3x+4y=e3xe4y; leaving it combined hides the separable structure. Correct approach: use the index law to split, then write e−4ydy=e3xdx.
Mistake 3: Integration or sign errors with the exponentials.
Why it's wrong: ∫e−4ydy=−41e−4y; a missing −41 or sign error spoils the constant. Correct approach: integrate carefully, then apply x=0,y=0 to fix the constant.
Showing the 12 most recent of 13 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation: xcosydy=(xexlogx+ex)dx is (A) siny−exlogx=c (B) siny=exlogx+c (C) siny=ex+logx+c (D) siny=xex+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The differential equation is separable after rewriting, leading to siny=exlogx+c, which matches option (B).
We start with the given equation:
xcosydy=(xexlogx+ex)dx
The key idea is to separate variables — get all y terms with dy and all x terms with dx. This works because the equation is already in a form where the left side depends only on y and the right side only on x, once we divide appropriately.
- Divide both sides by x (assuming x=0):
cosydy=xxexlogx+exdx
- Simplify the right-hand side:
xxexlogx+ex=exlogx+xex
So the equation becomes:
cosydy=(exlogx+xex)dx
-
Integrate both sides:
- Left side: ∫cosydy=siny+C1
- Right side: ∫(exlogx+xex)dx
Notice that the right side is the derivative of exlogx with respect to x:
dxd(exlogx)=exlogx+ex⋅x1
This is exactly our integrand.
- Therefore:
∫(exlogx+xex)dx=exlogx+C2
- Combine constants:
siny=exlogx+c
where c=C2−C1 is an arbitrary constant.
TipSpotting that exlogx+xex is the derivative of exlogx saves time — it’s a classic product rule pattern.
Watch outA common mistake is to try integrating exlogx and xex separately, not noticing they come from the same derivative. That leads to unnecessary complexity.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation dxdy+ylogycotx=0 is (A) cosxlogy=c (B) logy=csinx (C) sinxlogy=c (D) ysinx=c
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a first-order separable ODE. By separating variables and integrating, we find that sinxlogy=c, so the correct option is (C).
We start with the differential equation
dxdy+ylogycotx=0.
The key insight is that this equation is separable: we can rearrange it so that all terms involving y (and dy) are on one side, and all terms involving x (and dx) are on the other. The presence of ylogy suggests a substitution or direct separation.
- Rewrite the equation Bring the second term to the right-hand side:
dxdy=−ylogycotx.
Now separate variables by dividing both sides by ylogy and multiplying by dx:
ylogydy=−cotxdx.
- Integrate both sides The left side is a standard logarithmic integral. Let u=logy, then du=ydy, so
∫ylogydy=∫udu=log∣u∣=log∣logy∣.
The right side: recall cotx=sinxcosx, so
∫−cotxdx=−∫sinxcosxdx=−log∣sinx∣+C.
(Here we used the substitution v=sinx, dv=cosxdx.)
- Combine constants Equating the integrals:
log∣logy∣=−log∣sinx∣+C.
Exponentiate both sides:
∣logy∣=e−log∣sinx∣+C=eC⋅elog∣sinx∣−1=∣sinx∣eC.
Let c1=±eC (absorbing the absolute value), we get
logy=sinxc1.
Multiply both sides by sinx:
sinxlogy=c1.
Since c1 is an arbitrary constant, we rename it c.
- Check the form The result is sinxlogy=c, which matches option (C).
Watch outA common mistake is to forget the absolute values or to mis-integrate cotx as log∣sinx∣ without the negative sign. Also, note that logy here means natural logarithm, but the constant absorbs any base change.
TipIf you see ylogy in a differential equation, immediately think of the substitution u=logy — it turns the left side into udu, a clean logarithmic integral.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation xdxdy=coty is (A) ycosx=c (B) xcosy=c (C) log(xcosy)=c (D) log(ycosx)=c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The differential equation is separable: rewrite as xdy=cotydx, separate variables, integrate, and simplify to xcosy=c, which matches option (B).
We start with the given differential equation:
xdxdy=coty
The key insight is that this is a separable first-order ODE — we can rearrange it so that all y terms (including dy) are on one side and all x terms (including dx) are on the other. Once separated, we integrate both sides and then solve for the relationship between x and y.
- Separate the variables Multiply both sides by dx and divide by x and coty (but it's easier to write coty=sinycosy and treat it directly):
xdy=cotydx⇒cotydy=xdx
Since coty1=tany, this becomes:
tanydy=xdx
- Integrate both sides
∫tanydy=∫xdx
The integral of tany is −log∣cosy∣ (because dyd(−log∣cosy∣)=tany), and the integral of x1 is log∣x∣. So:
−log∣cosy∣=log∣x∣+C
- Combine the logarithms Multiply both sides by −1:
log∣cosy∣=−log∣x∣−C
Write −log∣x∣=log∣x−1∣=logx1, and let C′=−C (a new constant):
log∣cosy∣=logx1+C′
Exponentiate both sides:
∣cosy∣=eC′⋅∣x∣1
Since eC′ is a positive constant, we can rename it as k>0, giving:
∣cosy∣=∣x∣k
Removing absolute values (the constant can absorb the sign), we get:
cosy=xc
where c is an arbitrary constant (positive or negative).
- Rewrite in the form given in the options Multiply both sides by x:
xcosy=c
This matches option (B) exactly.
Watch outA common mistake is to incorrectly integrate tany as log∣siny∣ or to forget the minus sign. Always remember: ∫tanydy=−log∣cosy∣+C.
TipYou can check the answer quickly by differentiating xcosy=c implicitly:
cosydx−xsinydy=0⇒xsinydy=cosydx⇒xdxdy=sinycosy=coty, which is exactly the original equation.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.The particular solution of dxdy+1−x21−y2=0, when x=0,y=21 is (A) sin−1x+sin−1y=6π (B) sin−1x+sin−1y=2π (C) sin−1x−sin−1y=2π (D) sin−1x+sin−1y=3π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given differential equation is separable and leads to the relation sin−1x+sin−1y=C. Using the initial condition x=0,y=1/2 gives C=π/6, so the particular solution is sin−1x+sin−1y=π/6, which corresponds to option (A).
Concept & Intuition
The equation is of the form y′+1−x21−y2=0. The square root suggests a connection to inverse trigonometric derivatives: recall that dxd(sin−1x)=1−x21, and similarly for y. This hints that separating variables will let us integrate directly to a sum of arcsines. The initial condition then pins down the constant.
Step-by-step solution
- Rewrite the equation
dxdy=−1−x21−y2
The negative sign tells us that as x increases, y decreases (or vice versa), consistent with an inverse sine sum being constant.
- Separate variables Multiply both sides by dx and divide by 1−y2 (valid where ∣y∣<1, which holds near y=1/2):
1−y2dy=−1−x2dx
- Integrate both sides The left side integrates to sin−1y, the right side to −sin−1x:
∫1−y2dy=−∫1−x2dx
sin−1y=−sin−1x+C
Rearranging:
sin−1x+sin−1y=C
- Apply the initial condition At x=0, y=21:
sin−1(0)+sin−1(21)=C
Since sin−1(0)=0 and sin−1(1/2)=π/6, we get:
C=6π
- Write the particular solution
sin−1x+sin−1y=6π
This matches option (A).
TipA common mistake is forgetting the negative sign when separating, which would give sin−1x−sin−1y=C — leading to a wrong constant. Always check the sign by plugging the initial condition into the candidate.
Watch outThe domain of sin−1 is [−1,1], and the initial point (0,1/2) is safely inside. The solution curve stays within this region as long as ∣x∣≤1 and ∣y∣≤1, which is guaranteed by the arcsine relation.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.
[!FORMULA] If dxdy=y+3>0 and y(0)=2 then y(log2) is equal to
(A) 5 (B) 13 (C) −2 (D) 7›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a first-order linear ODE solved by separation of variables; using the initial condition gives y=5ex−3, so y(log2)=7, which corresponds to option (D).
We are given dxdy=y+3 with y+3>0 and y(0)=2. The condition y+3>0 ensures we never divide by zero or take logs of a negative number — a helpful safety net.
Concept & Intuition
The equation says: the rate of change of y is proportional to how far y is above −3. This is classic exponential growth (or decay) toward or away from a constant. Here, since y(0)=2>−3, the quantity y+3 will grow exponentially. We can solve by separating variables — put all y terms on one side, x terms on the other, then integrate.
Step-by-step solution
- Separate variables Write dxdy=y+3 as
y+3dy=dx.
This is valid because y+3>0 ensures no division by zero.
- Integrate both sides
∫y+3dy=∫dx⇒log∣y+3∣=x+C.
Since y+3>0, we can drop the absolute value:
log(y+3)=x+C.
- Solve for y Exponentiate:
y+3=ex+C=eCex.
Let A=eC, so y=Aex−3.
- Use the initial condition y(0)=2 Substitute x=0, y=2:
2=Ae0−3⇒2=A−3⇒A=5.
Hence the particular solution is
y(x)=5ex−3.
- Evaluate at x=log2
y(log2)=5elog2−3=5⋅2−3=10−3=7.
TipNotice that elog2=2 exactly — no calculator needed. This is a common trick in such problems.
Watch outA classic mistake is forgetting the constant of integration or misapplying the initial condition. Always check that your solution satisfies y(0)=2 before plugging in the final x.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- KCET 2025Set A-11 markMCQQ.General solution of the differential equation dxdy+ytanx=secx is (A) ysecx=tanx+c (B) ytanx=secx+c (C) cosxsecx=ytanx+c (D) xsecx=tany+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Recognise a first-order linear ODE, build the integrating factor secx, and integrate sec2x.
Step 1 — Identify the form.
The equation
dxdy+ytanx=secx
is of the standard linear type dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) with
P(x)=tanx,Q(x)=secx.
Step 2 — Why an integrating factor works.
Multiplying a linear ODE by μ(x)=e∫Pdx turns the whole left side into an exact derivative dxd(μy), because μ′=μP. That is the entire trick — it converts the ODE into a straight integration.
Step 3 — Compute the integrating factor.
μ=e∫tanxdx=elog∣secx∣=secx
Step 4 — Multiply and collapse the left side.
secxdxdy+ysecxtanx=sec2x
The left side is exactly dxd(ysecx), since dxd(secx)=secxtanx.
dxd(ysecx)=sec2x
Step 5 — Integrate both sides.
ysecx=∫sec2xdx=tanx+c
Step 6 — Check. Differentiate ysecx=tanx+c: y′secx+ysecxtanx=sec2x. Dividing by secx returns y′+ytanx=secx ✓.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) ysecx=tanx+c.
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2021Set 20211 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation sec2xtanydx+sec2ytanxdy=0 is (A) tany.tanx=C (B) tanxtany=C (C) tanytan2x=C (D) None of these
›Reveal solutionSolution
log|tan x| + log|tan y| = log C => log|tan x * tan y| = log C => tan x * tan y = C.
Concept: variables separable differential equation.
sec^2(x) tan(y) dx + sec^2(y) tan(x) dy = 0
Divide throughout by tan(x) tan(y):
[sec^2(x)/tan(x)] dx + [sec^2(y)/tan(y)] dy = 0.
Integrate. Note that d(tan x) = sec^2(x) dx, so integral of sec^2(x)/tan(x) dx = log|tan x|.
log|tan x| + log|tan y| = log C
=> log|tan x * tan y| = log C
=> tan x * tan y = C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — tany.tanx=C
ANSWER: A
- COMEDK 2022Set 20221 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation dxdy+1−x21−y2=0 is (A) cos−1x+cos−1y=c (B) sin−1x+sin−1y=c (C) cosh−1x+cosh−1y=c (D) sinh−1x+sinh−1y=c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Separating the variables gives 1−y2dy=−1−x2dx; integrating yields sin−1x+sin−1y=c. The correct option is (B).
Concept
The equation is variables-separable: all y-terms move to one side and all x-terms to the other. The standard integral ∫1−t2dt=sin−1t (not an inverse-hyperbolic function, which would need 1+t2 or t2−1) then gives the answer directly.
Solution
- Rearrange. dxdy=−1−x21−y2.
- Separate. 1−y2dy=−1−x2dx.
- Integrate. sin−1y=−sin−1x+c.
- Rearrange. sin−1x+sin−1y=c.
TipThe inverse-hyperbolic forms in (C) and (D) arise from 1+x2 or x2−1, not 1−x2; the directly integrated standard form here is the inverse-sine one.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B) — sin−1x+sin−1y=c.
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.The solution of the differential equation (dxdy)tany=sin(x+y)+sin(x−y) is (A) secx=−2secy+C (B) secy=2cosy+C (C) secy=−2cosx+C (D) secx=−2cosy+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
sin(x+y)+sin(x−y)=2sinxcosy; separating gives secy=−2cosx+C.
Use sin(x+y)+sin(x−y)=2sinxcosy. The equation becomes
dxdytany=2sinxcosy⇒cosysinydy=2sinxcosydx.
Divide by cosy:
cos2ysinydy=2sinxdx.
Integrate the left side with u=cosy,du=−sinydy: ∫u2−du=u1=secy. The right side gives −2cosx:
secy=−2cosx+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C) — secy=−2cosx+C
- COMEDK 2021Set 2021-B1 markMCQQ.The general solution of x+ydxdy=sec(x2+y2) is (A) sin(x2+y2)=2x+c (B) −sin(x2+y2)=x/2+c (C) sin(x2+y2)=2x+c (D) −sin(x2+y2)=2x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
[!TLDR]
Substitute u=x2+y2; the equation becomes cosudu=2dx, which integrates to sin(x2+y2)=2x+c.
Concept
This CBSE Class 12 differential equation is solved by a substitution that recognises the combination x+ydxdy as half of dxd(x2+y2).
Solution
Let u=x2+y2. Then
dxdu=2x+2ydxdy=2(x+ydxdy).
So x+ydxdy=21dxdu. The given equation x+ydxdy=sec(x2+y2) becomes
21dxdu=secu⇒dxdu=2secu⇒cosudu=2dx.
Integrating both sides:
sinu=2x+c⇒sin(x2+y2)=2x+c.
[!ANSWER]
(C) sin(x2+y2)=2x+c
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.Solution of the differential equation ydxdy+x=0 represents a family of (A) Ellipse (B) Parabola (C) Circles (D) Hyperbola
›Reveal solutionSolution
The differential equation ydxdy+x=0 is separable and integrates to x2+y2=C, which is the equation of a circle. The correct option is (C).
The key is to recognize that this is a first-order separable differential equation. The form ydxdy=−x tells us we can move all y terms to one side and all x terms to the other, then integrate. The result will be a relation between x and y that describes a geometric curve. We don't need to solve for y explicitly; the implicit equation reveals the family.
- Separate the variables. Start with ydxdy+x=0. Subtract x from both sides:
ydxdy=−x.
Multiply both sides by dx (treating dy/dx as a ratio for separation):
ydy=−xdx.
- Integrate both sides. The left side is integrated with respect to y, the right with respect to x:
∫ydy=∫−xdx.
This gives:
2y2=−2x2+C1,
where C1 is an arbitrary constant of integration.
- Simplify to a standard form. Multiply through by 2:
y2=−x2+2C1.
Let C=2C1 (still an arbitrary constant). Then:
x2+y2=C.
- Interpret the equation. The equation x2+y2=C represents a circle centered at the origin (0,0) with radius C (provided C>0; if C=0, it's just the point at the origin, and if C<0, there are no real points). So the family of solutions is a family of concentric circles.
Watch outA common mistake is to think the minus sign makes it a hyperbola (x2−y2=constant). But here both x2 and y2 have the same sign (positive) after rearranging, which is the signature of a circle (or ellipse with equal coefficients). Since the coefficients of x2 and y2 are both 1, it's specifically a circle, not a general ellipse.
TipYou can also check by differentiating the implicit equation x2+y2=C: 2x+2ydxdy=0 simplifies to ydxdy+x=0, confirming the match.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- COMEDK 2023Set 2023-M1 markMCQQ.The general solution of (dxdy)2=1−x2−y2+x2y2 is (A) 2sin−1y=x1−x2+sin−1x+C (B) cos−1y=xcos−1x (C) sin−1y=21sin−1x+C (D) 2sin−1y=x1−y2+C
›Reveal solutionSolution
1−x2−y2+x2y2=(1−x2)(1−y2); separating variables and integrating gives 2sin−1y=x1−x2+sin−1x+C.
Factor the right-hand side:
(dxdy)2=1−x2−y2+x2y2=(1−x2)(1−y2).
Taking the positive root and separating variables:
1−y2dy=1−x2dx.
Integrate. The left side gives sin−1y. For the right side use ∫1−x2dx=2x1−x2+21sin−1x:
sin−1y=2x1−x2+21sin−1x+C′.
Multiplying through by 2:
2sin−1y=x1−x2+sin−1x+C.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A) — 2sin−1y=x1−x2+sin−1x+C
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