GSEB Class 12 (HSC) • 2022 • 4 Marks

Differential Equations: Homogeneous First Order Differential Equation

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

Problem Statement

Solve the differential equation $(x - y)\,dy - (x + y)\,dx = 0$.

Verified Solution & Marking Scheme

Express as dy/dx
$(x - y)\,dy = (x + y)\,dx \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x + y}{x - y}$
Substitute y = vx
Let $y = vx \implies \frac{dy}{dx} = v + x\frac{dv}{dx}$: $v + x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{x + vx}{x - vx} = \frac{1 + v}{1 - v}$ $x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{1 + v}{1 - v} - v = \frac{1 + v - v(1 - v)}{1 - v} = \frac{1 + v^2}{1 - v}$
Separate Variables and Integrate
$\frac{1 - v}{1 + v^2} \, dv = \frac{dx}{x} \implies \int \frac{1}{1 + v^2} \, dv - \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{2v}{1 + v^2} \, dv = \int \frac{dx}{x}$ $\arctan v - \frac{1}{2}\ln(1 + v^2) = \ln|x| + C$ $\arctan\left(\frac{y}{x}\right) = \ln|x| + \frac{1}{2}\ln\left(1 + \frac{y^2}{x^2}\right) + C = \ln\sqrt{x^2 + y^2} + C$
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