CBSE Class 12 • 2023 • 5 Marks

Differential Equations: Homogeneous Differential Equations

Official examination question with verified M1/A1 mark scheme and step-by-step mathematical reasoning.

Problem Statement

Find the particular solution of the differential equation: $(x^2 - y^2)dx + 2xy\,dy = 0$, given that $y = 1$ when $x = 1$.

Verified Solution & Marking Scheme

Rearrange to check homogeneity
$2xy \, dy = -(x^2 - y^2) \, dx \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{y^2 - x^2}{2xy} = \frac{(y/x)^2 - 1}{2(y/x)}$ Both numerator and denominator are homogeneous of degree 2.
Substitute y = vx
Let $y = vx \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = v + x\frac{dv}{dx}$: $v + x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v^2 - 1}{2v}$ $x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{v^2 - 1}{2v} - v = \frac{v^2 - 1 - 2v^2}{2v} = \frac{-(v^2 + 1)}{2v}$
Separate variables and integrate
$\frac{2v}{v^2 + 1} \, dv = -\frac{dx}{x}$ Integrating both sides: $\ln(v^2 + 1) = -\ln|x| + \ln C = \ln\left(\frac{C}{x}\right)$ $v^2 + 1 = \frac{C}{x} \implies \frac{y^2}{x^2} + 1 = \frac{C}{x} \implies x^2 + y^2 = Cx$
Apply initial condition y(1) = 1
Substitute $x = 1, y = 1$: $1^2 + 1^2 = C(1) \implies C = 2$ Thus, the particular solution is: $x^2 + y^2 = 2x \quad \text{or} \quad (x - 1)^2 + y^2 = 1$
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