A function f(x,y) is a homogeneous function of degree n if f(tx,ty)=tnf(x,y) for every suitably restricted x,y,t (Euler's homogeneity). A homogeneous function of degree zero can always be written purely as a function of the single ratio xy (or yx): f(x,y)=g(xy).
Homogeneous differential equation. An ODE is in homogeneous form if it can be written as
dxdy=g(xy).
Equivalently, M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0 is homogeneous exactly when M and N are homogeneous functions of the same degree — because then f(x,y)=−M/N is automatically homogeneous of degree 0. (This use of the word "homogeneous" for the equation is a different meaning from calling the constant term g(x)=0 in a linear equation "homogeneous" — Definition 10.7 versus Definition 10.12 in the textbook — so the two uses should not be confused.)
Solution method (Theorem 10.1). Substitute y=vx (so v=xy), giving dxdy=v+xdxdv. The homogeneous equation becomes
v+xdxdv=g(v) ⟹ xdxdv=g(v)−v,
which is variables-separable in v and x:
g(v)−vdv=xdx.
Integrate both sides, then replace v by xy to return to the original variables. …