Question

Show that any separable equation, $$ M(x)+N(y) y^{\prime}=0 $$ is also exact.

Short answer

#Conclusion# Any separable equation, which can be written in the form $M(x) + N(y) y' = 0$, is also an exact equation. This is because the partial derivatives of $M(x)$ with respect to $y$ and $N(y)$ with respect to $x$ are both zero, satisfying the condition for an exact equation: $\frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N}{\partial x}$.

Step-by-step solution

Write the given equation

We are given the separable equation: $$ M(x) + N(y) y' = 0 $$

Consider it as an exact equation

Now let's consider the given equation as an exact equation. We have: $$ M(x,y) = M(x) \quad \text{and} \quad N(x,y) = N(y) $$

Find the partial derivatives

To show that the separable equation is an exact equation, we need to find the partial derivatives and check if the condition is satisfied: $$ \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} $$ Let's find these partial derivatives: $$ \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial M(x)}{\partial y} = 0 \quad \text{as M(x) is independent of y} $$ $$ \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial N(y)}{\partial x} = 0 \quad \text{as N(y) is independent of x} $$

Check if the condition is satisfied

Now let's check if the condition is satisfied: $$ \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} \Rightarrow 0 = 0 $$ Since the condition is satisfied, we can conclude that any separable equation is also an exact equation.

Key concepts

Separable Equations

Separable equations are a class of differential equations that can be rewritten so that each variable appears on opposite sides of the equation. This type of equation typically takes the form \( M(x) + N(y) y' = 0 \), where \( M \) and \( N \) are functions of \( x \) and \( y \), respectively. These equations allow us to manipulate and integrate each side independently.
Here’s how it works:

• Separate the variables: \( M(x) + N(y) y' = 0 \) can be rearranged to \( M(x)dx = -N(y)dy \).
• Integrate both sides: The separated equation can often be integrated on both sides to find a general solution.

This process essentially transforms the original differential equation into two independent integrals, simplifying the process of solving it. Separable equations are particularly useful because of their simplicity, allowing students to solve them with basic calculus techniques.

Exact Equations

Exact equations are a specific type of differential equations, which have a very strict yet fascinating condition. An equation \( M(x,y)dx + N(x,y)dy = 0 \) is considered exact if there exists a potential function \( \Psi(x, y) \) such that \( \frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial x} = M \) and \( \frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial y} = N \).
To determine its exactness:

• Find \( \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} \).
• Find \( \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} \).
• If \( \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} \), the equation is exact.

Exact equations allow students to find solutions using potential functions, which streamline solving the equation since it pivots on matching partial derivatives of the component functions.

Partial Derivatives

Partial derivatives are fundamental in understanding how a function changes with respect to one variable while keeping other variables constant. When dealing with functions of multiple variables, partial derivatives express the rate of change of the function as the input variables change incrementally.
Here's how they are used:

• Determine \( \frac{\partial M}{\partial y} \), treating \( x \) as a constant.
• Calculate \( \frac{\partial N}{\partial x} \), viewing \( y \) as a constant.
• Compare results to verify exactness condition.

By finding partial derivatives, you acquire essential relationships between multiple variables in the context of exactness, crucial for determining solutions to certain types of differential equations.

Mathematical Proof

Mathematical proof is a logical argument that demonstrates the truth of a statement using a sequence of logical steps. In solving the problem of whether a separable equation is exact, proof involves verifying that specific mathematical conditions hold true. Here’s a breakdown:

• Analyze the initial equation, \( M(x) + N(y) y' = 0 \).
• Transform and verify necessary conditions for exactness, such as comparing partial derivatives.
• Conclude with a logical affirmation, like showing \( 0 = 0 \), which demonstrates the exactness condition is met.

Proofs like this build a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning by providing clear and logical explanations, crucial for strengthening understanding and problem-solving skills in differential equations.