Solution of First Order Linear Differential Equations
www.mathsisfun.com › calculus › differentialLinear. A first order differential equation is linear when it can be made to look like this: dy dx + P(x)y = Q(x) Where P(x) and Q(x) are functions of x. To solve it there is a special method: We invent two new functions of x, call them u and v, and say that y=uv. We then solve to find u, and then find v, and tidy up and we are done! And we also use the derivative of y=uv (see Derivative Rules (Product Rule) ): dy dx = u dv dx + v du dx. Steps. Here is a step-by-step method for solving them:
Solving First-Order Linear and Exact ODEs
www2.gcc.edu › handouts › first_order_linear_exact_ODEs1. Put the DE into standard linear form by dividing through by a 1(x): y0 + P(x)y = f(x) 2. Find the integrating factor: e R P(x)dx Note: You may need to restrict the solution interval at this point in order to simplify the integrating factor. Be sure to keep track of this restriction when stating your nal answer. 3. Multiply the standard form of the DE through by the integrating factor. The LHS will always be the