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LECTURE MODULE 5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

TOPIC 5
HOMOGENEOUS DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

It was discussed in the first module how to classify a differential equation according to its type, degree, order
and linearity. In Chapter 2, we are going to study all the different solutions in solving a differential equation in the
first order and first degree. There are several solutions in solving these types of differential equations but each one
must follow a particular condition in order to use the solution.

A differential equation may also be solved in more than one solution and it is up to you, students, what to use
for as long as the equation satisfies the condition for the particular solution. Each solution will be presented then
according to the level of difficulty.

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. examine the applicable solution to solve a first-order first-degree differential equation;

2. perform the solution for homogeneous differential equations.

1.1 Homogeneous Differential Equations

A function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is said to be homogeneous of degree 𝒌, if and only if for every real number 𝜆,

𝑓(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆𝑘 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)

The definition holds true for all the functions of more than two variables.

Example 1:

Determine whether 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2 + 3𝑥 2 is homogeneous or not.

Solution:

𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2 + 3𝑥 2
𝑓(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = (𝜆𝑥)(𝜆𝑦) + 2(𝜆𝑦)2 + 3(𝜆𝑥)2
𝑓(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = (𝜆2 𝑥𝑦) + 2(𝜆2 𝑦 2 ) + 3(𝜆2 𝑥 2 )
𝑓(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆2 (𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 2 + 3𝑥 2 )
𝑓(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆2 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)

Since 𝒇(𝝀𝒙, 𝝀𝒚) = 𝝀𝟐 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚), the function is homogeneous of degree 2.

Theorem 1:

If 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) are both homogeneous of degree 𝑘, the quotient

𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)

is homogeneous of degree zero.

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

LECTURE MODULE 5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

Theorem 2:

A differential equation 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 is said to be homogeneous if the functions 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)
are both homogeneous of degree 𝑘.

The equation 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 can be written in the form 𝐶(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + 𝐷(𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0 by using the substitution
𝒚 = 𝒗𝒙 or 𝒙 = 𝒖𝒚. It will be the student’s discretion to use which transformation expression he wishes to use,
according to his own ease.

Example 2:

Find the general solution of the equation 𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = 0.

Solution:

Check whether the given equation is homogeneous.

𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑦
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = (𝜆𝑥)(𝜆𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆2 (𝑥𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝟐 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)

𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) = −(𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 )
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = −[(𝜆𝑥)2 + 3(𝜆𝑦)2 ]
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = −[𝜆2 𝑥 2 + 3𝜆2 𝑦 2 ]
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = −𝜆2 (𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 )
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝟐 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)

Since both 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)and 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) are homogeneous of degree 2, then the differential equation is homogeneous.

Choose which expression you wish to use: 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥 or 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦. In this example, the lecturer opted to use 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦.

𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦
𝑑𝑥 = 𝑢 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑢

Substitute 𝑥 and 𝑑𝑥 to the given equation.

𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 − (𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = 0
(𝑢𝑦)𝑦(𝑢 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦 𝑑𝑢) − [(𝑢𝑦)2 + 3𝑦 2 ]𝑑𝑦 = 0
𝑢2 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦 3 𝑑𝑢 − (𝑢𝑦)2 𝑑𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = 0
𝑢2 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑢𝑦 3 𝑑𝑢 − 𝑢2 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = 0
𝑢𝑦 3 𝑑𝑢 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = 0

Solve using separation of variables.

𝑢𝑦 3 𝑑𝑢 − 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦 = 0
𝑦3
𝑢𝑦 𝑑𝑢 3𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
3
− =0
𝑦3 𝑦3
𝑑𝑦
𝑢𝑑𝑢 − 3 =0
𝑦
𝑑𝑦
∫ 𝑢𝑑𝑢 − 3 ∫ = ∫0
𝑦
𝑢2
− 3 ln 𝑦 = 𝐶
2
𝑢2 − 6 ln 𝑦 = 2𝐶
𝑢2 − 6 ln 𝑦 = 𝐶

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LECTURE MODULE 5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2
𝑥
Substitute original variables. Since 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦, then 𝑢 = ,
𝑦

𝑥 2
( ) − 6 ln 𝑦 = 𝐶
𝑦
𝑥2
− 6 ln 𝑦 = 𝐶
𝑦2
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟔𝒚𝟐 𝐥𝐧 𝒚 = 𝑪𝒚𝟐

Note: The student is encouraged to try using 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥 and do same process as above. The answer or solution for the
differential equation must be the same.

Example 3:
Find the general solution of the equation (𝑥 − 2𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0.

Solution:

Check whether the given equation is homogeneous.

𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 − 2𝑦
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = (𝜆𝑥) − 2(𝜆𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆(𝑥 − 2𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)

𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 2(𝜆𝑥) + (𝜆𝑦)
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆(2𝑥 + 𝑦)
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)

Since both 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)and 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) are homogeneous of degree 1, then the differential equation is homogeneous.

Choose which expression you wish to use: 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥 or 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦. In this example, the lecturer opted to use 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥.

𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 𝑣 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑣

Substitute 𝑦 and 𝑑𝑦 to the given equation.

(𝑥 − 2𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 0

[𝑥 − 2(𝑣𝑥)]𝑑𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 𝑣𝑥)(𝑣 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑣) = 0
𝑥𝑑𝑥 − 2𝑣𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 + 𝑣 2 𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑣𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 + 𝑣 2 𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑣𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 𝑣 2 𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 + 𝑣𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥(1 + 𝑣 2 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 2 (2 + 𝑣)𝑑𝑣 = 0

Solve using separation of variables.

𝑥(1 + 𝑣 2 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 2 (2 + 𝑣)𝑑𝑣 = 0

𝑥 2 (1 + 𝑣 2 )
𝑥(1 + 𝑣 2 )𝑑𝑥 𝑥 2 (2 + 𝑣)𝑑𝑣
+ 2 =0
𝑥 2 (1 + 𝑣 2 ) 𝑥 (1 + 𝑣 2 )
𝑑𝑥 (2 + 𝑣)
+ 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥 1 + 𝑣2
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑣
∫ +∫ 2
𝑑𝑣 + ∫ 𝑑𝑣 = ∫ 0
𝑥 1+𝑣 1 + 𝑣2
1
ln|𝑥| + 2 arctan 𝑣 + ln|1 + 𝑣 2 | = 𝐶
2

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LECTURE MODULE 5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

1
ln|𝑥| + 2 arctan 𝑣 + ln|1 + 𝑣 2 | = 𝐶
2
2ln|𝑥| + 4 arctan 𝑣 + ln|1 + 𝑣 2 | = 2𝐶
2ln|𝑥| + 4 arctan 𝑣 + ln|1 + 𝑣 2 | = 𝐶
ln|𝑥 2 | + ln|1 + 𝑣 2 | + 4 arctan 𝑣 = 𝐶
ln|𝑥 2 (1 + 𝑣 2 )| + 4 arctan 𝑣 = 𝐶
𝑦
Substitute original variables. Since 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥, then 𝑣 = 𝑥 ,

𝑦 2 𝑦
ln |𝑥 2 (1 + ( ) )| + 4 arctan ( ) = 𝐶
𝑥 𝑥
2
𝑦2 𝑦
ln |𝑥 (1 + 2 )| + 4 arctan ( ) = 𝐶
𝑥 𝑥
2 2
𝑥 +𝑦 𝑦
ln |𝑥 2 ( 2 )| + 4 arctan ( ) = 𝐶
𝑥 𝑥
𝟐 𝟐
𝒚
𝐥𝐧|𝒙 + 𝒚 | + 𝟒 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧 ( ) = 𝑪
𝒙

Note: The student is encouraged to try using 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦 and do same process as above. The answer or solution for the
differential equation must be the same.

Example 4:

Solve the initial-value problem, (3𝑥 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑑𝑦 = 0; 𝑦(0) = 1.

Solution:

Check whether the given equation is homogeneous.

𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦) = 3𝑥 + 2𝑦
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 3(𝜆𝑥) + 2(𝜆𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆(3𝑥 + 2𝑦)
𝑀(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)

𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2𝑥
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 2(𝜆𝑥)
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝜆(2𝑥)
𝑁(𝜆𝑥, 𝜆𝑦) = 𝝀𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦)

Since both 𝑀(𝑥, 𝑦)and 𝑁(𝑥, 𝑦) are homogeneous of degree 1, then the differential equation is homogeneous.

Choose which expression you wish to use: 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥 or 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑦. In this example, the lecturer opted to use 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥.

𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = 𝑣 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑣

Substitute 𝑦 and 𝑑𝑦 to the given equation.

(3𝑥 + 2𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑑𝑦 = 0

[3𝑥 + 2(𝑣𝑥)]𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥(𝑣 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑣) = 0
3𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
3𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 4𝑣𝑥𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥(3 + 4𝑣)𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0

Solve using separation of variables.

𝑥(3 + 4𝑣)𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣)

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LECTURE MODULE 5
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: CHAPTER 2

𝑥(3 + 4𝑣)𝑑𝑥 2𝑥 2 𝑑𝑣
+ =0
𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣) 𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣)
𝑑𝑥 2
+ 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥 (3 + 4𝑣)
𝑑𝑥 2
∫ +∫ 𝑑𝑣 = 0
𝑥 (3 + 4𝑣)
2
ln|𝑥| + ln|3 + 4𝑣| = 𝐶
4
1
ln|𝑥| + ln|3 + 4𝑣| = 𝐶
2
2 ln|𝑥| + ln|3 + 4𝑣| = 2𝐶
2 ln|𝑥| + ln|3 + 4𝑣| = 𝐶
ln|𝑥 2 | + ln|3 + 4𝑣| = 𝐶
ln|𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣)| = 𝐶
log 𝑒 |𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣)| = 𝐶
𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣) = 𝑒 𝐶
𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣) = 𝐶
𝑦
Substitute original variables. Since 𝑦 = 𝑣𝑥, then 𝑣 = ,
𝑥

𝑥 2 (3 + 4𝑣) = 𝐶
𝑦
𝑥 2 [3 + 4 ( )] = 𝐶
𝑥
2
3𝑥 + 4𝑦
𝑥 [ ]=𝐶
𝑥
𝑥(3𝑥 + 4𝑦) = 𝐶

From the IVP, 𝑦(0) = 1 means that 𝑦 = 1 when 𝑥 = 0. Solve for the value of 𝐶.

𝑥(3𝑥 + 4𝑦) = 𝐶
0[3(0) + 4(1)] = 𝐶
𝐶=0

The particular solution of the IVP is,

𝑥(3𝑥 + 4𝑦) = 𝐶
𝒙(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟒𝒚) = 𝟎

Assess if the equations are homogeneous, then find the solution to the following differential equations.

1. 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑦 3 𝑑𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑦(𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 𝑥𝑑𝑦) Ans. (𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 )4 = 𝐶(𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 )

2. (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 = 0 Ans. ln 𝑥 +
2√3 2𝑦+𝑥
arctan 3𝑥 =𝐶
3 √
3. (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥
− (𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦
=0 Ans. 𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 𝐶(𝑥 + 𝑦)
2 2

Canva. (n.d.). Retrieved from Canva: www.canva.com

Zill, D. G., & Wright, W. S. (2013). Succeeding with Differential Equations (8th Edition). Cengage Learning.

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