Steply

Solve dy/dx = x/y

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Separable equations · Differential Equations

Step by step

The question

Question: solve dy/dx = x over y.

dydx = xy

The right side splits into an x part, x, times a y part, 1 over y.

That is a separable equation.

separable: x × 1y

1 Separate x and y

Multiply both sides by y, so y is only on the left.

y × dydx = x
× y both sides

Now multiply both sides by dx.

All the y parts are with dy, all the x parts with dx.

y dy = x dx

2 Integrate both sides

Put an integral sign on both sides.

∫ y dy = ∫ x dx

On the left: y² over 2.

On the right: ½x².

One + C is enough: the two numbers join into one.

y22 = 12x2 + C

The power rule backwards, for y.

∫ y dy = y22

3 Solve for y

Multiply both sides by 2.

y2 = x2 + 2C

2C is still just some number.

Call it C again.

y2 = x2 + C
2C = a new C

Careful!

The square root of a sum is not the sum of the roots.

It stays as one root.

Careful: not y = ±(x + √C) ✗

Take the square root: plus or minus.

So y = ±√(x² + C).

y = ±√x2 + C

4 Check

Let's check with a calculator.

Take C as 1, any number works.

At x = 1, our answer gives y ≈ 1.414.

C = 1, x = 1: y ≈ 1.414

The slope between two very close points: about 0.71.

slope: y(1.001) − y(0.999)0.002 ≈ 0.71

The right side at that point: about 0.71.

The same slope.

Right!

right side: x/y ≈ 0.71

Let's look back.

First: separate x and y.

Then: integrate both sides.

Then: solve for y.

Last: check.

Answer
y = ±√x2 + C

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

dydx = 4xy
Show the answer
y = ±√4x2 + C

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