Q.The differential equation for which y=acosx+bsinx is a solution, is:
(A) dx2d2y+y=0
(B) dx2d2y−y=0
(C) dx2d2y+(a+b)y=0
(D) dx2d2y+(a−b)y=0
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Eliminating Arbitrary Constant
Eliminating Arbitrary Constants – The Core Idea
Consider a family of curves — say all circles centred at the origin: x2+y2=r2. Here r is an arbitrary constant: each value gives one specific circle, but the whole family shares the same shape.
Suppose you're asked: "What differential equation does every member satisfy?" You need to eliminate the arbitrary constant r to get an equation that holds for all such circles, regardless of r.
That is the goal: start with an equation containing arbitrary constants, differentiate enough times to remove them, and obtain a differential equation representing the whole family.
Why Differentiate?
Arbitrary constants are constants — their derivative is zero. So differentiating either makes the constant disappear or lets you eliminate it by combining the original equation with its derivatives.
Differentiate x2+y2=r2 with respect to x: 2x+2ydxdy=0. Divide by 2:
x+ydxdy=0
The constant r is gone. The differential equation x+yy′=0 is satisfied by every circle centred at the origin.
We needed one differentiation because there was one arbitrary constant. In general, n arbitrary constants require n differentiations.
The Precise Statement
Eliminating arbitrary constants means: given an equation involving x, y, and n arbitrary constants, differentiate it n times (with respect to the independent variable) and then algebraically eliminate the n constants from the system of n+1 equations (the original plus the n derivatives). The result is an n-th order ordinary differential equation representing the entire family of curves.
A Second Example (Two Constants)
Take all curves y=Ax+Bx2, where A and B are arbitrary constants.
Differentiate once: y′=A+2Bx
Differentiate again: y′′=2B
Now we have three equations:
- y=Ax+Bx2
- y′=A+2Bx
- y′′=2B
From (3), B=2y′′. Substitute into (2): y′=A+xy′′, so A=y′−xy′′.
Substitute A and B into (1):
y=(y′−xy′′)x+(2y′′)x2=xy′−2x2y′′
Multiply through by 2 and rearrange:
x2y′′−2xy′+2y=0
This second-order ODE is satisfied by every curve y=Ax+Bx2, no matter what A and B are.
A common mistake: trying to eliminate constants by substitution before differentiating enough times. You must differentiate first, then eliminate — substituting too early loses information.
Why This Matters …
Concept: Eliminating arbitrary constants a and b from the given solution.
Step 1: Differentiate once:
dxdy=−asinx+bcosx
Step 2: Differentiate again:
dx2d2y=−acosx−bsinx=−(acosx+bsinx)
Step 3: Substitute y=acosx+bsinx: …
The given family y=acosx+bsinx contains two arbitrary constants a and b. Differentiating twice eliminates them, yielding dx2d2y+y=0, which is option (A).
We start with a family of curves: y=acosx+bsinx. Here a and b are arbitrary constants — they can take any real value. The problem asks: which differential equation is satisfied by every curve in this family, regardless of what a and b are?
The core idea is elimination of arbitrary constants. A differential equation is a relationship between y, x, and derivatives of y that holds without the constants. So we differentiate until we have enough equations to solve for and remove a and b.
- First derivative Differentiate y with respect to x:
dxdy=−asinx+bcosx
Notice: the constants a and b are still present.
- Second derivative Differentiate again:
dx2d2y=−acosx−bsinx
Look carefully at the right-hand side: it is exactly −(acosx+bsinx), which is −y.
So we have:
dx2d2y=−y
- Rearrange Bring all terms to one side:
dx2d2y+y=0
No a or b remains. This is the differential equation satisfied by the given family. …
Method: Eliminate two arbitrary constants (differentiate twice)
Use this to find the differential equation of a family carrying two independent constants, such as y=acosx+bsinx.
Steps
Step 1: Differentiate twice.
Two constants require two differentiations. Each derivative of a sine/cosine combination stays a sine/cosine combination.
Step 2: Look for the second derivative reproducing ±y. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Leaving a or b in the answer.
Why it's wrong: options (C) and (D) still contain (a+b) or (a−b) — a differential equation of the family must be free of the arbitrary constants. Correct approach: differentiate twice so the constants cancel on their own.
Mistake 2: Sign error giving dx2d2y−y=0. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 20 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=sinax+cosbx then y′′+b2y= (A) (b2−a2)sinax (B) (b2−a2)cosbx (C) (a2−b2)tanax (D) (b2−a2)cotbx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to compute the second derivative of y=sinax+cosbx and then substitute into y′′+b2y. The cross terms cancel, leaving only (b2−a2)sinax, so the correct option is (A).
We start with the function
y=sin(ax)+cos(bx).
The problem asks for y′′+b2y. The natural approach is to differentiate twice and then combine terms. Notice that the second derivative of sin(ax) will bring down a factor of −a2, and the second derivative of cos(bx) will bring down a factor of −b2. When we add b2y, the cos(bx) part will cancel, leaving only a term involving sin(ax). This is the core insight.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- First derivative Differentiate each term:
y′=acos(ax)−bsin(bx).
(Derivative of sin(ax) is acos(ax); derivative of cos(bx) is −bsin(bx).)
- Second derivative Differentiate again:
y′′=−a2sin(ax)−b2cos(bx).
(Derivative of acos(ax) is −a2sin(ax); derivative of −bsin(bx) is −b2cos(bx).)
- Form the expression y′′+b2y Substitute y′′ and y:
y′′+b2y=[−a2sin(ax)−b2cos(bx)]+b2[sin(ax)+cos(bx)].
- Simplify Group the sin(ax) terms and the cos(bx) terms:
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+(secxcscx)y=cos2x is (A) ysec2x=sin2x+c (B) ysec2x=tanx+c (C) ytanx=sinxcosx+c (D) 2ytanx=sin2x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
A linear ODE with integrating factor tanx: it integrates to ytanx=21sin2x+c, i.e. 2ytanx=sin2x+c. Answer: (D).
Linear form. dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) with P=secxcscx=sinxcosx1 and Q=cos2x.
Integrating factor.
∫Pdx=∫sinxcosxdx=∫sin2x2dx=∫2csc2xdx=log∣tanx∣,
so μ=elog∣tanx∣=tanx.
Multiply through. The coefficient of y becomes tanx⋅secxcscx=sec2x, so the left side is an exact derivative: …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation dxdy+(secxcscx)y=cos2x is (A) ysec2x=tanx+c (B) ytanx=sinxcosx+c (C) ysec2x=sin2x+c (D) 2ytanx=sin2x+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
2ytanx=sin2x+c — option (D).
This is a linear first-order ODE dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x) with P=secxcscx=sinxcosx1 and Q=cos2x.
Integrating factor:
∫sinxcosxdx=∫tanxsec2xdx=log∣tanx∣⇒IF=tanx.
Multiply through and integrate: …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The differential equation of the family of all circles of radius ‘a’ is (A) y22+1=y12+a2 (B) 1+y12=y22+a2 (C) y1y2+(1+y12)=a (D) (1+y12)3=a2y22
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to start with the general equation of a circle of fixed radius a, eliminate the two arbitrary constants (centre coordinates) by differentiating twice, and then simplify to obtain the differential equation. The correct result is (1+y12)3=a2y22, which matches option (D).
The problem asks for the differential equation that represents all circles of a given radius a, regardless of where their centre lies. That means the family has two free parameters — the x and y coordinates of the centre. To eliminate them, we need to differentiate the circle’s equation twice, because each differentiation removes one constant. The final relation between y, y1 (first derivative), and y2 (second derivative) must be free of the centre coordinates.
Let’s work through it.
- Write the general equation of a circle of radius a. Let the centre be at (h,k). Then
(x−h)2+(y−k)2=a2.
Here h and k are the arbitrary constants we need to eliminate.
- Differentiate once with respect to x. Using the chain rule:
2(x−h)+2(y−k)y1=0,
where y1=dxdy. Divide through by 2:
(x−h)+(y−k)y1=0.(1)
- Differentiate a second time. Differentiate (1) with respect to x:
1+(y−k)y2+y1⋅y1=0,
because the derivative of (y−k)y1 is (y−k)y2+y12. So
1+(y−k)y2+y12=0.(2)
- Eliminate (y−k) from (1) and (2). From (1), we have (x−h)=−(y−k)y1. But we don’t need x−h directly — we need to get rid of (y−k). From (2):
(y−k)y2=−(1+y12).
So
y−k=−y21+y12,provided y2=0.
- Now eliminate x−h using (1). From (1): x−h=−(y−k)y1. Substitute the expression for y−k:
x−h=−(−y21+y12)y1=y2y1(1+y12).
- Plug both x−h and y−k back into the original circle equation. The original equation is (x−h)2+(y−k)2=a2. Substituting:
(y2y1(1+y12))2+(−y21+y12)2=a2.
Factor (1+y12)2/y22 out of both terms:
y22(1+y12)2(y12+1)=a2. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.The differential equation of the family of all circles of radius ‘a’ is (A) y1y2+(1+y12)=a (B) (1+y12)3=a2y22 (C) 1+y12=y22+a2 (D) y22+1=y12+a2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The family of all circles of fixed radius a has a differential equation that eliminates the two arbitrary parameters (center coordinates). The correct equation is (1+y12)3=a2y22, which is option (B).
We start with the general equation of a circle of radius a:
(x−h)2+(y−k)2=a2
Here h and k are the coordinates of the center — two arbitrary constants. To get a differential equation that describes all such circles (no matter where they are placed), we must eliminate h and k by differentiating.
Why this approach works:
Each differentiation reduces the number of arbitrary constants. Two constants require two derivatives. The resulting relation between y,y1,y2 (where y1=dy/dx, y2=d2y/dx2) will be free of h and k and will involve only a.
- First derivative Differentiate the circle equation implicitly with respect to x:
2(x−h)+2(y−k)y1=0
Divide by 2:
(x−h)+(y−k)y1=0(1)
This gives a linear relation between x−h and y−k.
- Second derivative Differentiate (1) again with respect to x:
1+(y−k)y2+y12=0
(Remember: derivative of (y−k)y1 is y1⋅y1+(y−k)y2=y12+(y−k)y2.)
So:
1+y12+(y−k)y2=0(2)
- Eliminate y−k From (2):
y−k=−y21+y12
Substitute into (1):
x−h+(−y21+y12)y1=0
So:
x−h=y2y1(1+y12)
- Use the original circle equation Plug x−h and y−k into (x−h)2+(y−k)2=a2:
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-FN1 markMCQQ.The solution of dxdy=1−y2, y(0)=1, is (A) sin−1y=x−sin−1(1) (B) sin−1y=x+sin−1(1) (C) cos−1y=x+cos−1(1) (D) sin−1y+x=sin−1(1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to separate variables and integrate, then apply the initial condition y(0)=1 to fix the constant. The correct solution is sin−1y=x+sin−1(1), which corresponds to option (B).
The differential equation dxdy=1−y2 is a first-order separable equation. The presence of 1−y2 immediately suggests an inverse trigonometric function — either sin−1y or cos−1y — because the derivative of sin−1y is 1−y21, and here we have 1−y2 in the denominator's place after separation. That’s the conceptual hook: we’re looking for a function whose derivative gives back the reciprocal of what we have.
Let’s work through it.
- Separate the variables. Write
1−y2dy=dx.
This is valid as long as y=±1, but we’ll handle the initial condition separately.
- Integrate both sides. The left-hand side integrates to sin−1y (since dydsin−1y=1−y21). So
∫1−y2dy=∫dx⇒sin−1y=x+C,
where C is the constant of integration.
- Apply the initial condition y(0)=1. Substitute x=0 and y=1:
sin−1(1)=0+C⇒C=sin−1(1).
So the particular solution is
sin−1y=x+sin−1(1).
- Check against the options. This matches option (B) exactly. Option (A) has a minus sign, (C) uses cos−1 with a different constant, and (D) moves x to the other side incorrectly. …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (x2+2)dy+2xydx=ex2+2dx is (A) yx=ex2−4+c (B) 2xy=ex2−2x+4+c (C) (x2+2)y=ex2−2x+4+c (D) (x2+2)2y=ex2+2x−4+c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The left-hand side is a perfect differential, (x2+2)dy+2xydx=d[(x2+2)y], so the integrating factor is x2+2 and the solution has the form (x2+2)y=(integral of the RHS)+c — option (C).
Step 1 — put the equation in linear form.
Dividing (x2+2)dy+2xydx=ex2+2dx by dx:
(x2+2)dxdy+2xy=ex2+2⟹dxdy+x2+22xy=x2+2ex2+2.
This is first-order linear with P(x)=x2+22x.
Step 2 — integrating factor.
μ(x)=e∫x2+22xdx=elog(x2+2)=x2+2.
Step 3 — recognise the exact differential.
Multiplying through by μ returns the original left side, and
dxd[(x2+2)y]=(x2+2)dxdy+2xy.
So the equation collapses to
d[(x2+2)y]=(right-hand side)dx,
and integrating gives the general solution in the form …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.The differential equation of the family of circles with fixed radius r units and centre on the line y=3, is (A) 1+(dxdy)2=(y−3)2r2 (B) 1+(dxdy)2=y−3r2 (C) (dxdy)2=(y−3)2−r2 (D) (dxdy)2=y−3r2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The family of circles has centre (h,3) and fixed radius r; eliminating the parameter h by differentiating the circle equation and substituting back yields the differential equation 1+(dy/dx)2=r2/(y−3)2, which matches option (A).
Concept & Intuition
We have a family of curves (circles) that share a fixed radius r and whose centres all lie on the horizontal line y=3. The only thing that varies from one circle to another is the x-coordinate of the centre, say h. To find the differential equation of the family, we need an equation that relates x, y, and dy/dx without the parameter h. The standard approach: write the general equation of a circle in the family, differentiate it with respect to x, and then eliminate h using the original equation.
Step-by-step solution
- Write the equation of a typical circle A circle with centre (h,3) and radius r has equation
(x−h)2+(y−3)2=r2.
Here h is the parameter that distinguishes one circle from another.
- Differentiate implicitly with respect to x Differentiating both sides:
2(x−h)+2(y−3)dxdy=0.
Divide through by 2:
(x−h)+(y−3)dxdy=0.
This gives a relation between x, y, h, and dy/dx.
- Solve for x−h From the differentiated equation:
x−h=−(y−3)dxdy.
- Eliminate h using the original circle equation Substitute x−h from step 3 into the original circle equation:
[−(y−3)dxdy]2+(y−3)2=r2.
Simplify:
(y−3)2(dxdy)2+(y−3)2=r2.
- Factor and rearrange Factor (y−3)2:
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.The general solution of the differential equation (3x2−2xy)dy+(y2−2xy)dx=0 is (A) x2−xy=cy2 (B) y2−xy=cx3 (C) xy−x2=cy3 (D) xy−y2=cx3
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a homogeneous differential equation. Substituting y=vx reduces it to a separable form, leading to the solution xy−x2=cy3, which corresponds to option (C).
We start by recognizing the structure: the equation
(3x2−2xy)dy+(y2−2xy)dx=0
has every term of total degree 2 (e.g., 3x2, −2xy, y2 are all degree 2). That is the hallmark of a homogeneous differential equation — one where M(x,y) and N(x,y) are homogeneous functions of the same degree. For such equations, the substitution y=vx turns it into a separable equation in v and x.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Rewrite in standard form We have M(x,y)dx+N(x,y)dy=0 with
M(x,y)=y2−2xy,N(x,y)=3x2−2xy,
both homogeneous of degree 2.
- Substitute y=vx Then dy=vdx+xdv, and
M=(vx)2−2x(vx)=x2(v2−2v),N=3x2−2x(vx)=x2(3−2v).
The equation becomes
x2(v2−2v)dx+x2(3−2v)(vdx+xdv)=0.
- Divide through by x2 (valid for x=0)
(v2−2v)dx+(3−2v)(vdx+xdv)=0.
- Collect the dx and dv terms
[(v2−2v)+v(3−2v)]dx+(3−2v)xdv=0.
Simplify the bracket:
(v2−2v)+(3v−2v2)=−v2+v=v(1−v).
So
v(1−v)dx+(3−2v)xdv=0.
- Separate variables
xdx=−v(1−v)3−2vdv.
- Partial fractions
Write v(1−v)3−2v=vA+1−vB, so 3−2v=A(1−v)+Bv.
- Set v=0: 3=A⇒A=3.
- Set v=1: 1=B⇒B=1. Hence
v(1−v)3−2v=v3+1−v1.
- Integrate both sides
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If the order and degree of the differential equation corresponding to the family of curves y2=4a(x+a) (a is parameter) are m and n respectively, then m+n2= (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The differential equation for the family y2=4a(x+a) has order m=1 and degree n=2, so m+n2=1+4=5. The correct option is (C).
We start with the family of curves given by
y2=4a(x+a),
where a is a parameter. To find the differential equation, we eliminate a by differentiating and then combining the equations.
Concept & Intuition:
A family of curves with one parameter yields a first-order differential equation. The order is the highest derivative present; the degree is the power of that highest derivative after the equation is made polynomial in derivatives. Here, because the parameter appears squared in the constant term, the elimination will produce a squared first derivative, giving degree 2.
Step-by-step solution:
- Differentiate once with respect to x:
2ydxdy=4a⇒yy′=2a,
where y′=dxdy.
- Express a in terms of y and y′:
a=2yy′.
- Substitute back into the original equation to eliminate a:
y2=4(2yy′)(x+2yy′).
Simplify step by step:
y2=2yy′(x+2yy′)=2xyy′+y2(y′)2.
- Rearrange to standard form:
y2=2xyy′+y2(y′)2⇒0=2xyy′+y2(y′)2−y2.
Factor y (assuming y=0 for non-degenerate curves):
y[2xy′+y(y′)2−y]=0.
Since y=0 gives only a trivial case, the differential equation is
2xy′+y(y′)2−y=0.
- Determine order and degree: …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.The equation x2−y2+ax+b=0 represents a pair of lines for the ordered pair (a,b)= (A) (2,6) (B) (3,4) (C) (4,8) (D) (6,9)
›Reveal solutionSolution
x2−y2+ax+b=0 represents a pair of lines only if it factors as (x−y+p)(x+y+q)=0. The missing y-term forces p=q, giving a=2p and b=p2, i.e. a2=4b. Only (a,b)=(6,9) satisfies this — option (D).
The key idea: a second-degree equation in x and y represents a pair of straight lines exactly when it factors into two linear factors.
Why this approach works.
The quadratic part factors as x2−y2=(x−y)(x+y), so the full expression should factor as (x−y+p)(x+y+q)=0. Matching coefficients turns the condition into a simple relation between a and b.
Step-by-step solution.
- Assume the factored form.
(x−y+p)(x+y+q)=0.
- Expand.
(x−y+p)(x+y+q)=x2−y2+(p+q)x+(p−q)y+pq.
- Match with x2−y2+ax+b=0. There is no y-term, so its coefficient must vanish:
p−q=0⇒p=q.
- Relate a and b. With p=q: the coefficient of x gives a=2p, and the constant gives b=p2. Eliminating p, b=(2a)2⇒a2=4b.…
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-19-AN1 markMCQQ.If m and n are respectively the order and the degree of the differential equation representing the family of curves y2−5ax−5a23=0 (a>0 is a parameter), then the value of m−n is (A) 1 (B) −1 (C) 2 (D) −2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to eliminate the parameter a from the given family to obtain the differential equation, then identify its order m and degree n. The value of m−n is −1.
The problem gives a family of curves with a single parameter a. To find the differential equation that represents this family, we must eliminate a by differentiating and then combining the equations. The order of the resulting differential equation is the highest derivative present, and the degree is the power of the highest derivative after the equation is made polynomial in derivatives.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Write the given family and differentiate once. The family is
y2−5ax−5a3/2=0,a>0.
Differentiate both sides with respect to x:
2ydxdy−5a=0.
So
a=52ydxdy.
- Substitute a back into the original equation. Replace a in y2−5ax−5a3/2=0:
y2−5(52ydxdy)x−5(52ydxdy)3/2=0.
Simplify the second term:
y2−2xydxdy−5(52ydxdy)3/2=0.
- Isolate the term with the fractional exponent. Move the other terms to the other side:
5(52ydxdy)3/2=y2−2xydxdy.
- Square both sides to remove the 3/2 exponent. This is necessary to get a polynomial in derivatives (so we can read the degree). Squaring:
25(52ydxdy)3=(y2−2xydxdy)2.
Simplify the left side:
25⋅1258y3(dxdy)3=58y3(dxdy)3. …
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