MATHS

Differential Equation
Introduction :
An equation involving independent and dependent variables and the derivatives of the dependent variables is called a differential equation. There are two kinds of differential equation:
1.1

Ordinary Differential Equation : If the dependent variables depend on one independent variable x, then the differential equation is said to be ordinary.
for example

dy
dz
+
= y + z,
dx
dx

d3 y

dy
+ xy = sin x ,
dx

k
1.2

dx 3

dy 2
= 1
dx

d2 y
dx 2

3/2

dy
+ y = ex ,
dx

dy 2
dy
, y = x
+ k 1 dx
dx

Partial differential equation : If the dependent variables depend on two or more independent variables, then it is known as partial differential equation
for example

y2

2
2
z
2z
y
= ax, z z 0
x
y
x2 y2

Order and Degree of a Differential Equation:

2.1

Order : Order is the highest differential appearing in a differential equation.

2.2

Degree :

It is determined by the highest degree of the highest order derivative present in it after the
differential equation is cleared of radicals and fractions so far as the derivatives are concerned.
Note : In the differential equation, all the derivatives should be expressed in the polynomial form

dm y
f 1 (x, y) m
dx

n1

dm1y
+ f 2 (x, y) m1
dx

n2

dy
+ ........ f k(x, y)
dx

nk

=0

The above differential equation has the order m and degree n1.
Example # 1
Find the order & degree of following differential equations.

(i)

(iii)

d2 y
dx 2

dy

dx

dy d2 y

sin dx 2 = y
dx

1/ 4

dy d2 y

dx dx 2

(ii)

y=

(iv)

ey xy + y = 0

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MATHS
Solution.
4

6
d2 y

= y dy
dx 2
dx

(i)

order = 2, degree = 4

d2 y

(ii)

dx 2

order = 2, degree = 1

d2 y

(iii)

dx

dy
= sin1 y
dx

order = 2, degree = 1

d3 y

(iv)

dy
= ny
dx

e dx

d2 y
dx 2

+y=0

equation can not be expressed as a polynomial in differential coefficients, so degree is

not applicable but order is 3.

Self Practice Problems :

(1)

Find order and degree of the following differential equations.

(i)

(iii)
Answer

dy
1
+y=
dy
dx
dx

dy 1 / 2

y
dx

(1)

(i)
(iii)

(ii)

dy d3 y

dx dx 3

d5 y

= n 5 1
dx

d2 y
dx 2

order = 1, degree = 2
order = 2, degree = 2

(ii)

order = 5, degree = not applicable.

Formation of Differential Equation:

Differential equation corresponding to a family of curve will have :
(a)
(b)

Order exactly same as number of essential arbitrary constants in the equation of curve.
No arbitrary constant present in it.

The differential equation corresponding to a family of curve can be obtained by using the following
steps:
(i)

Identify the number of essential arbitrary constants in equation of curve.

NOTE : If arbitrary constants appear in addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, then we can
club them to reduce into one new arbitrary constant.
(ii)
(iii)

Differentiate the equation of curve till the required order.

Eliminate the arbitrary constant from the equation of curve and additional equations obtained in
step (ii) above.

Example # 2
Form a differential equation of family of straight lines passing through origin.
Solution
Family of straight lines passing through origin is y = mx wherem is a parameter.

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MATHS
Differentiating w.r.t. x
dy
=m
dx

Eliminating m from both equations, we obtain

dy
y
=
dx
x

which is the required differential equation.

Example # 3
Form a differential equation of family of circles touching x-axis at the origin
Solution
Equation of family of circles touching x-axis at the origin is
x 2 + y2 + y = 0
..........(i)
where is a parameter
dy
dy
+
=0
dx
dx

2x + 2y

.........(ii)

Eliminating from (i) and (ii)

2xy
dy
= 2
x y2
dx

which is required differential equation.

Self Practice Problems :
(2)

Obtain a differential equation of the family of curves y = a sin (bx + c) where a and c being
arbitrary constant.

(3)

Show that the differential equation of the system of parabolas y2 = 4a(x b) is given by
y

(4)

d2 y
dx 2

dy
+ =0
dx

Form a differential equation of family of parabolas with focus as origin and axis of symmetry
along the x-axis.

Answer

(2)

d2 y
dx 2

+ b 2y = 0

(4)

dy
dy
y2 = y2 + 2xy
dx
dx

Solution of a Differential Equation:

Finding the dependent variable from the differential equation is called solving or integrating it. The
solution or the integral of a differential equation is, therefore, a relation between dependent and
independent variables (free from derivatives) such that it satisfies the given differential equation
NOTE : The solution of the differential equation is also called its primitive, because the differential
equation can be regarded as a relation derived from it.
There can be three types of solution of a differential equation:
(i) General solution (or complete integral or complete primitive) : A relation in x and y satisfying
a given differential equation and involving exactly same number of arbitrary constants as order of
differential equation.
(ii) Particular Solution : A solution obtained by assigning values to one or more than one arbitrary
constant of general solution.
(iii) Singular Solution : It is not obtainable from general solution. Geometrically, General solution
acts as an envelope to singular solution.

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4.1.

Differential Equation of First Order and First Degree :

A differential equation of first order and first degree is of the type

dy
+ f(x, y) = 0, which can also be
dx

written as : Mdx + Ndy = 0, where M and N are functions of x and y.

Solution methods of First Order and First Degree Differential Equations :

5.1

Variables separable : If the differential equation can be put in the form, f(x) dx = (y) dy
we say that variables are separable and solution can be obtained by integrating each side
separately.
A general solution of this will be

f (x ) dx = (y) dy

+ c, where c is an arbitrary constant

Example # 4
Solve the differential equation (1 + x) y dx = (y 1) x dy
Solution
The equation can be written as -

y 1
1 x
dy

dx =
x
y
1

x 1 dx = 1 y dy
n x + x = y ny + c
ny + nx = y x + c
xy = ceyx
Example # 5
Solve :

dy
= (ex + 1) (1 + y2)
dx

Solution.
The equation can be written as
dy
1 y

( e x 1)dx

Integrating both sides,

tan1 y = ex + x + c.
Example # 6
Solve : y x

2 dy
dy

= a y
dx
dx

Solution.
The equation can be written as
y ay2 = (x + a)

dy
dx

dx
dy

x a y ay 2

dx
1

x a y(1 ay ) dy

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MATHS
1
dx
a

x a y 1 ay dy
Integrating both sides,
n (x + a) = n y n (1 ay) + n c

cy
n (x + a) = n 1 ay

cy = (x + a) (1 ay)
where 'c' is an arbitrary constant.
5.1.1

Polar coordinates transformations :

Sometimes transformation to the polar co-ordinates facilitates separation of variables. In this
connection it is convenient to remember the following differentials:
(a)
If x = r cos ; y = r sin then,
(i)
x dx + y dy = r dr
(ii) dx 2 + dy2 = dr2 + r2d2
(iii) x dy y dx = r2d
If x = r sec & y = r tan then
(i)
x dx y dy = r dr
(ii) x dy y dx = r 2 sec d.

(b)

Example # 7
Solve the differential equation xdx + ydy = x (xdy ydx)
Solution.
Taking x = r cos, y = r sin
x2 + y2 = r2
2x dx + 2ydy = 2rdr
xdx + ydy = rdr

.........(i)

y
= tan
x
x

dy
y
d
dx
= sec2.
2
dx
x

xdy y dx = x2 sec2 . d
xdy ydx = r2 d
........(ii)
Using (i) & (ii) in the given differential equation then it becomes
r dr = r cos. r2 d
dr
r2

= cos d

1
= sin +
r
1

x y
2

y 1
x2 y2

y
2

x y2
2

= c where = c

(y + 1)2 = c(x2 + y2)

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MATHS
5.1.2

Equations Reducible to the Variables Separable form : If a differential

equation can be reduced into a variables separable form by a proper substitution, then it is
said to be
Reducible to the variables separable type. Its general form is

dy
= f(ax + by + c) a, b
dx

0. To solve this, put ax + by + c = t.

Example # 8
Solve

dy
= (4x + y + 1)2
dx

Solution.
Putting 4x + y + 1 = t
dy
dt
=
dx
dx

4+

dy
dt
=
4
dx
dx
Given equation becomes
dt
4 = t2
dx

dt

= dx
t 4
Integrating both sides,
2

dt

4t

(Variables are separated)

dx

1
t
tan1
=x+c
2
2

4 x y 1
1
=x+c
tan1
2

Example # 9
Solve

dy
sin1 = x + y
dx

Solution.
dy
= sin (x + y)
dx
putting x + y = t
dy
dt
=
1
dx
dx

dt
1 = sin t
dx

dt
= 1 + sin t
dx

dt
1 sin t = dx

Integrating both sides,

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MATHS
dt

1 sin t = dx
1 sin t

cos

(sec

dt = x + c

t sec t tan t ) dt = x + c

tan t sec t = x + c
1 sin t
=x+c
cos t
sin t 1 = x cos t + c cos t
substituting the value of t
sin (x + y) = x cos (x + y) + c cos (x + y) + 1

Self Practice Problems :

(5)

Solve the differential equation x2 y

(6)

Solve the differential equation

(7)

Solve :

(8)

Solve : xy

(9)

Solve

(10)

dy
= sin(x + y) + cos (x + y)
dx

(11)

dy
= x tan (y x) + 1
dx

dy
= (x + 1) (y + 1)
dx

xdx ydy

x2 y2

ydx xdy
x2

dy
= ex + y + x2ey
dx
dy
= 1 + x + y + xy
dx

dy
= 1 + ex y
dx

Answer
(5)

y n (y + 1) = nx

(7)

(9)

5.2

1
ey

yx

= ex +

=x+c

1
+c
x

x3
+c
3

(10)

(6)

(8)

log tan

x2 y2 +

y
=c
x

y = x + n |x (1 + y)| + c

xy
1 = x + c
2

(11)

sin (y x) =

x2
c
e2

Homogeneous Differential Equations :

A differential equation of the form

f ( x, y )
dy
=
where f and g are homogeneous function of
g( x, y )
dx

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MATHS
x and y, and of the same degree, is called homogeneous differential equaiton and can be
solved easily by putting y = vx.
Example # 10
y 2
y

dy
Solve 2 + x 1

dx

Solution.
Putting y = vx
dy
dv
=v+x
dx
dx

dv

=0
2v + (v2 1) v x
dx

dv
2v
= 2
dx
v 1

v+x

dv
v(1 v 2 )
=
dx
v2 1

v2 1

v(1 v
2v

1 v

dv =

dx
x

1
dv = n x + c
v

n (1 + v2) n v = n x + c

1 v 2
.x
n
v
x2 y2
y

x2 + y2 = yc'

=c

=c
where

c = ec

Example # 11
Solve : (x2 y2) dx + 2xydy = 0 given that y = 1 when x = 1
Solution.

x2 y2
dy
=
2xy
dx
y = vx
dy
dv
=v+
dx
dx

v+x

dv
1 v 2
=
dx
2v

2v

1 v
at

dv =

dx
x

n (1 + v2) = nx + c
x = 1, y = 1

n 2 = c

v=1

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MATHS

1 y . x

n
= n2
2
x

x2 + y2 = 2x
5.2.1

Equations Reducible to the Homogeneous form

dy
ax by c

dx Ax By C

Equations of the form

.........(1)

can be made homogeneous (in new variables X and Y) by substituting x = X + h and y = Y + k,

where h and k are constants to obtain,

aX bY (ah bk c )
dY
=
. .........(2)
AX
BY ( Ah Bk C)
dX

These constants are chosen such that ah + bk + c = 0, and Ah + Bk + C = 0. Thus we obtain

dY
aX bY
=
.
dX
AX BY
The differential equation can now be solved by substituting Y = vX.

the following differential equation

Example # 12

x 2y 5
dy
=
2x y 4
dx

Solve the differential equation

Solution.
Let

x = X + h,

y=Y+k

dy
d
=
(Y + k)
dX
dX
dy
dY
=
dX
dX

...........(i)

dx
=1+0
dX

...........(ii)

on dividing (i) by (ii)

dy
dY
=
dx
dX

dY
X h 2( Y k ) 5
=
dX
2 X 2h Y k 4

X 2Y (h 2k 5)
2 X Y (2h k 4)

h & k are such that

dY
X 2Y
=
dX
2X Y

h + 2k 5 = 0 & 2h + k 4 = 0
h = 1, k = 2

which is homogeneous differential equation.

Now, substituting Y = vX
dY
dv
=v+X
dX
dX

dv
1 2v
=
v
dX
2v
2v

1 v

dv =

dX

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MATHS

2( v 1) 2(1 v ) dv = n X + c
1
3
n (v + 1)
n (1 v) = n X + c
2
2
v 1

(1 v )3

= nX2 + 2c

( Y X)

X2

(X Y)

X2

= e2c

X + Y = c(X Y)3
where e2c = c1
x 1 + y 2 = c (x 1 y + 2)3
x + y 3 = c(x y + 1)3
Special case :
Case - 1

a b
, then the substitution ax + by = v will reduce it to the form in
A B
which variables are separable.
In equation (1) if

Example # 13
Solve

2x 3 y 1
dy
= 4 x 6y 5
dx

Solution.
Putting u = 2x + 3y
du
dy
=2+3.
dx
dx

1 du
u 1
2 =

3 dx
2u 5

du
3u 3 4u 10
=
dx
2u 5
2u 5

7u 13

dx =

dx
1

1.du 7 7u 13 . du = x + c

2
7

2
9 1
u .
n (7u 13) = x + c
7
7 7

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MATHS
9
n (14x + 21y 13) = 7x + 7c
7

4x + 6y

3x + 6y

Case - 2

9
n (14x + 21y 13) = c
7
In equation (1), if b + A = 0, then by a simple cross multiplication equation (1) becomes
an exact differential equation.

Example # 14
Solve

x 2y 5
dy
= 2x y 1
dx

Solution.
Cross multiplying,
2xdy + y dy dy = xdx 2ydx + 5dx
2 (xdy + y dx) + ydy dy = xdx + 5 dx
2 d(xy) + y dy dy = xdx + 5dx
On integrating,

y2
x2
y=
+ 5x + c
2
2
x2 4xy y2 + 10x + 2y = c
2xy +

(C)

where

c = 2c

If the homogeneous equation is of the form :

yf(xy) dx + xg(xy)dy = 0, the variables can be separated by the substitution xy = v.

Self Practice Problems :

Solve the following differential equations
(12)

dy

y tan1 y = x given that y = 0 at x = 1

x
dx

(13)

(14)

x 2y 3
dy
= 2x y 3
dx

(15)

x y 1
dy
= 2x 2 y 3
dx

(16)

3 x 2y 5
dy
= 3 y 2x 5
dx

Answers

dy
y
= y x tan
dx
x

1 y

y
=C
x

(12)

x 2 y 2 = e x tan

(13)

x sin

(14)

x + y = c (x y + 6)3

(15)

3(2y x) + log (3x + 3y + 4) = C

(16)

3x + 4xy 3y 10x 10y = C

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MATHS
Exact Differential Equation :

5.3

The differential equation M + N

dy
=0
dx

...........(1)

Where M and N are functions of x and y is said to be exact if it can be derived by direct
differentiation (without any subsequent multiplication, elimination etc.) of an equation of the
form f(x, y) = c
y2 dy + x dx +

e.g.

dx
= 0 is an exact differential equation.
x

M N
The necessary condition for (1) to be exact is y x .

NOTE : (i)
(ii)

For finding the solution of exact differential equation, following results on exact differentials
should be remembered :

(a) xdy + y dx = d(xy)

(d)

(b)

xdy ydx
y
= d ln
xy
x
xdy ydx

(g)

x y

xdy ydx
x

xdy ydx

(e)

x y
2

y
= d
x

(c) 2(x dx + y dy) = d (x 2 + y2)

1 y

= d tan
x

(f)

xdy ydx
= d(ln xy)
xy

1
= d xy

Example # 15
xdy ydx

Solve : y dx + x dy =

x2 y2

Solution.
xdy ydx

ydx + xdy =

x2 y2

d (xy) = d (tan1 y/x)

Integrating both sides
xy = tan1 y/x + c
Example # 16

x2

Solve : (2x ny) dx + y 3y dy 0

Solution.
The given equation can be written as

dy
ny (2x) dx + x2 y + 3y2 dy = 0

ny d (x2) + x2 d (ny) + d (y3) = 0

d (x2 ny) + d (y3) = 0

Now integrating each term, we get
x2ny + y3 = c
Self Practice Problems :
(17)

Solve : xdy + ydx + xy ey dy = 0

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MATHS
(18)

Solve : yex/y dx (xex/y + y3) dy = 0

Answers

n (xy ) + ey = c

(17)

(18)

2ex/y + y2 = c

Linear Differential Equation :

A linear differential equation has the following characteristics :
(i)
Dependent variable and its derivative in first degree only and are not multiplied together
(ii)
All the derivatives should be in a polynomial form
(iii)
The order may be more than one
The m th order linear differential equation is of the form.
P0(x)

dm y
dx

+ P1(x)

dm1y
dx

m 1

+ .................... + Pm1 (x)

dy
+ Pm (x) y = (x),
dx

where P0(x), P1(x) ..................Pm(x) are called the coefficients of the differential equation.

NOTE :

dy
+ y2 sinx = lnx is not a Linear differential equation.
dx

6.1

Linear differential equations of first order :

The differential equation

dy
+ Py = Q , is linear in y. (Where P and Q are functions of x only).
dx

Integrating Factor (I.F.) : It is an expression which when multiplied to a differential equation converts
it into an exact form.
I.F for linear differential equation = e

Pdx

(constant of integration will not be considered)

after multiplying above equation by .F it becomes;

Pdx
Pdx
dy
. e Pdx + Py . e
= Q. e
dx

d
( y. e Pdx ) = Q. e Pdx
dx

y. e Pdx =

Q. e

Pdx

C .

NOTE : Some times differential equation becomes linear, if x is taken as the dependent variable, and y as
dx
independent variable. The differential equation has then the following form : dy + P1 x = Q1.
where P1 and Q1 are functions of y. The .F. now is e

P1 dy

Example # 17
Solve

Solution.

dy
3x 2
sin2 x
+
y
=
dx
1 x3
1 x3
dy
+ Py = Q
dx

P=

3x 2
1 x3

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MATHS
3x2

F = e P.dx = 1 x 3 dx = e n(1 x
e
General solution is

y(F) =

= 1 + x3

Q(IF).dx c
sin 2 x

y (1 + x3) =

1 x

y(1 + x3) =

y(1 + x3) =

1
sin 2x
x
+c
2
4

(1 + x3) dx + c

1 cos 2 x
dx + c
2

Example # 18
Solve : x nx

dy
+ y = 2 n x
dx

Solution.
dy
1
2
+
y=
dx
xnx
x

P=

1
2
,Q=
xnx
x

IF = e P.dx = xnx dx = e n( nx ) = n x
e

General solution is
1

y. (n x) =

x .nx.dx c

y (n x) = (n x)2 + c
Example # 19
Solve the differential equation
t (1 + t2) dx = (x + xt2 t2) dt and it given that x = /4 at t = 1
Solution.
t (1 + t2) dx = [x (1 + t2) t2] dt

x
t
dx
= t
(1 t 2 )
dt

dx x
t

dt t
1 t2
which is linear in

Here, P =

dx
dt

1
t
, Q=
t
1 t 2

1
dt
1

IF = e t = ent =
t

General solution is x

1
=
t

t . 1 t

dt + c

x
= tan1 t + c
t

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MATHS
putting x = /4, t = 1
/4 = /4 + c

x = t tan1 t
6.2
6.2.1

c=0

Equations reducible to linear form

By change of variable .
Often differential equation can be reduced to linear form by appropriate substitution of the
non-linear term

Example # 20
Solve : y sinx

dy
= cos x (sinx y2)
dx

Solution.
The given differential equation can be reduced to linear form by change of variable by a suitable
subtitution.
Substituting y2 = z
2y

dy
dz
=
dx
dx

differential equation becomes

sin x dz
+ cos x.z = sin x cos x
2 dx
dz
dz
+ 2 cot x . z = 2 cos x which is linear in
dx
dx

IF = e
e 2n sin x = sin2 x

General solution is 2 cot x dx

6.2.2

z. sin2 x =

2 cos x. sin

y2 sin2x =

2
sin3 x + c
3

x. dx c

Bernoullis equation :
Equations of the form

dy
+ Py = Q.yn, n 0 and n 1
dx

where P and Q are functions of x, is called Bernoullis equation and can be made linear in v by
dividing by yn and putting y n+1 = v. Now its solution can be obtained as in (v).
e.g. : 2 sin x

dy
y cos x = xy3 ex .
dx

Example # 21
Solve :

dy y y 2

dx x x 2

(Bernoulli's equation)

Solution.
Dividing both sides by y2
1 dy 1
1

2
2 dx
xy
y
x

..... (1)

1
Putting y = t

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MATHS

1 dy dt

y 2 dx dx

differential equation (1) becomes,

dt t
1

dx x x 2

dt t
1
2
dx x
x
1

which is linear differential equation in

dt
dx

IF = e x = enx = x

General solution is dx

t. x =

. x dx + c

tx = nx + c

x
y = nx + c
Self Practice Problems :
dy
= y (1 x2) + x2 nx
dx

(19)

Solve : x (x2 + 1)

(20)

Solve : (x + 2y3)

(21)

Solve : x

(22)

Solve the differential equation

dy
=y
dx

dy
+ y = y2 log x
dx

dy
xy2 2y3 = 2x3 given y = 1 at x = 1
dx

Answers

(19)

x 2 1

x y = x n x x + c

(20)

x = y (c + y2)

(21)

y (1 + cx + log x) = 1

(22)

y3 + 2x3 = 3x6

Clairauts Equation :
The differential equation
y = mx + f(m),

..............(1), where m =

dy
dx

is known as Clairauts Equation.

To solve (10), differentiate it w.r.t. x, which gives
dy
dm
d f (m) dm
=m+x
+
dx
dx
dm dx

dm
d f (m) dm
+
=0
dx
dm
dx

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MATHS
either

dm
=0m=c
dx

...........(2)

or

x + f(m) = 0

............(3)

NOTE : (i)
(ii)

If m is eliminated between (1) and (2), the solution obtained is a general solution of (1)
If m is eliminated between (1) and (3), then solution obtained does not contain any arbitrary
constant and is not particular solution of (1). This solution is called singular solution of (1).

Example # 22
Solve : y = mx + m m3

where, m =

dy
dx

Solution.
y = mx + m m3
..... (i)
The given equation is in clairaut's form.
Now, differentiating wrt. x dy
dm dm
dm
mx

3m 2
dx
dx
dx
dx

m=m+x

dm dm
dm

3m 2
dx
dx
dx

dm
(x + 1 3m2) = 0
dx
dm
=0
dx

or

m=c

..... (ii)

x + 1 3m2 = 0

m2 =

x 1
3

..... (iii)

Eliminating 'm' between (i) & (ii) is called the general solution of the given equation.
y = cx + c c3 where, 'c' is an arbitrary constant.
Again, eliminating 'm' between (i) & (iii) is called singular solution of the given equation.
y = m (x + 1 m2)

x 1

y=
3

1/ 2

1/ 2

x 1

y=
3

x 1

x 1

2
(x + 1)
3

x 1

y= 2
3

3/2

4
(x + 1)3
27
27y2 = 4 (x + 1)3
y2 =

Self Practice Problems :

(23)

Solve the differential equation

Y = mx + 2/m

(24)

where, m =

dy
dx

Solve : sin px cos y = cos px sin y + p

where p =

dy
dx

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MATHS
Answers

(23)

General solution : y = cx + 2/c where c is an arbitrary constant

Singular solution : y2 = 8x
General solution : y = cx sin1 (c) where c is an arbitrary constant.

(24)

Singular solution : y =

x 2 1 sin 1

x2 1
x2

Orthogonal Trajectory :
An orthogonal trajectory of a given system of curves is defined to be a curve which cuts every member of a
given family of curve at right angle.

Steps to find orthogonal trajectory :

(i)

Let f (x, y, c) = 0 be the equation of the given family of curves, where 'c' is an arbitrary constant.

(ii)

Differentiate the given equation w.r.t. x and then eliminate c.

(iii)

Replace

(iv)

Solve the differential equation obtained in (iii).

Hence solution obtained in (iv) is the required orthogonal trajectory.

dy
dx
by
in the equation obtained in (ii).
dx
dy

Example # 23
Find the orthogonal trajectory of family of straight lines passing through the origin.
Solution.
Family of straight lines passing through the origin is y = mx ..... (i)
where 'm' is an arbitrary constant.
Differentiating wrt x
dy
m
dx

..... (ii)

Eliminate 'm' from (i) & (ii)

y=

Replacing

dy
x
dx

dy
dx

dx
by dy ,

we get

dx
y = dy x
x dx + y dy = 0
Integrating each term,

x2 y2

=c
2
2

x2 + y2 = 2c
which is the required orthogonal trajectory.

Example # 24
Find the orthogonal trajectory of y2 = 4ax (a being the parameter).
Solution.
y2 = 4ax
..... (i)
2y

dy
= 4a
dx

..... (ii)

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MATHS
Eliminating 'a' from (i) & (ii)
y2 = 2y

dy
x
dx

Replacing

dy
dx

dx
by dy , we get

dx
y = 2 dy x

2 x dx + y dy = 0
Integrating each term,

y2
=c
2
2x2 + y2 = 2c
which is the required orthogonal trajectories.
x2 +

Self Practice Problems :

(25)

Find the orthogonal trajectory of family of circles concentric at (a, 0)

(26)

Find the orthogonal trajectory of family of circles touching x axis at the origin.

(27)

Find the orthogonal trajectory of the family of rectangular hyperbola xy = c2

Answers

(25)

y = c (x a)

where c is an arbitrary constant.

(26)

x2 + y2 = cx

where c is an arbitrary constant.

(27)

x2 y2 = k

where k is an arbitrary constant.

Geometrical application of differential equation :

Form a differential equation from a given geometrical problem. Often following formulae are useful to
remember

(i)

y 1 m2
Length of tangent (LT) =
m

(iii)

Length of sub-tangent (LST) =

y
m

(ii)

2
Length of normal (LN) = y 1 m

(ii)

Length of subnormal (LSN) = |my|

dy
where y is the ordinate of the point, m is the slope of the tangent
dx

Example # 25 Find the nature of the curve for which the length of the normal at a point 'P' is equal to the radius
vector of the point 'P'.
Solution.
Let the equation of the curve be y = f(x). P(x, y) be any point on the curve.
Slope of the tanget at P(x, y) is

dy
=m
dx

P(x,y)

Slope of the normal at P is

1
m
Equation of the normal at 'P'
m =

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G(x+my,0)

19

MATHS
1
(X x)
m
Co-ordinates of G (x + my, 0)
OP2 = PG2
x2 + y2 = m2y2 + y2
Yy=

Now,

x
m= y
x
dy
= y
dx
Taking as the sign

x
dy
= y
dx
y . dy = x . dx

y2
x2
=
+
2
2
x2 y2 = 2
x2 y2 = c
(Rectangular hyperbola)
Again taking as ve sign
x
dy
= y
dx
y dy = x dx

y2
x2
=
+
2
2
x2 + y2 = 2
x2 + y2 = c
(circle)
Example # 26
Find the curves for which the portion of the tangent included between the co-ordinate axes is
bisected at the point of contact.
Solution.
Let P (x, y) be any point on the curve.
Equation of tangent at P (x, y) is -

B
P(
x,
y)

Y y = m (X x) where m =

dy
is slope of the tangent at P (x, y).
dx

mx y
, 0 & B (0, ymx)
Co-ordinates of A
m

P is the middle point of A & B

mx y
= 2x
m

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MATHS

mx y = 2mx
mx = y

dy
x=y
dx

dy
dx
+ y =0
x

nx + ny = nc
xy = c

Example # 27
Show that (4x + 3y + 1) dx + (3x + 2y + 1) dy = 0 represents a hyperbola having the lines x + y = 0 and
2x + y + 1 = 0 as asymptotes
Solution.
(4x + 3y + 1) dx + (3x + 2y + 1) dy = 0
4xdx + 3 (y dx + x dy) + dx + 2y dy + dy = 0
Integrating each term,
2x2 + 3 xy + x + y2 + y + c = 0
2x2 + 3xy + y2 + x + y + c = 0
which is the equation of hyperbola when h2 > ab & 0.
Now, combined equation of its asymptotes is 2x2 + 3xy + y2 + x + y + = 0
which is pair of straight lines

=0

1 1 3
1
1
9
. . 2.
1.

=0
2 2 2
4
4
4

2.1 + 2 .

=0
2x2 + 3xy + y2 + x + y = 0
(x + y) (2x + y) + (x + y) = 0
(x + y) (2x + y + 1) = 0
x+y=0
or
2x + y + 1 = 0

Example # 28
The perpendicular from the origin to the tangent at any point on a curve is equal to the abscissa of the point
of contact. Find the equation of the curve satisfying the above condition and which passes through (1, 1)
Solution.
Let P (x, y) be any point on the curve
Equation of tangent at 'P' is Y y = m (X x)
mX Y + y mx = 0
Now,
y mx

2
1 m

=x

y2 + m2x2 2mxy = x2 (1 + m2)

y 2 x 2 dy

2xy
dx

which is homogeneous equation

Putting y = vx
dy
dv
=v+x
dx
dx

v+x

dv
v2 1
=
dx
2v

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MATHS
x

dv v 2 1 2v 2

dx
2v

2v

dv =

dx

1
n (v2 + 1) = n x + n c
2

y2

x 2 1 = c
x

Curve is passing through (1, 1)

c=2
x2 + y2 2x = 0

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