Math 33B-1, Spring 2017

Practice Problem Set 1

Disclaimer: The actual midterm will vary from this problem set in content and length. This
practice set should not be considered a comprehensive study guide.

1. Find the general solution of the ODE below.

(x2 + y 2 )dx + (x2 − xy)dy = 0

2. Find the equilibrium solutions of the differential equation below and classify each as
either asymptotically stable or unstable. Sketch the phase line, the equilibrium solutions in the
ty-plane, and one non-equilibrium solution trajectory in each region.

y 0 = y sin y

3. Find the solution to the initial value problem below and indicate its interval of existence.

t 2 x0 = e x , x(1) = 0

4. Find the solution to the IVP below. Indicate its interval of existence.
dy y2 − 1
= 2 , y(2) = 2
dx x −1

5. Without solving, derive an upper and lower bound to the initial problem below. Justify
your answer.
dy
= xy(x + y)(y − π), y(0) = 2
dx

6. Find the general solution of the ODE below.

(x2 + 1)y 0 + 3xy = 2x

7. A tank is partially filled with 100 gallons of fluid in which 20 pounds of salt are dissolved.
Brine containing 21 pound of salt per gallon is pumped into the tank at a rate of 6 gal/min.
The well-mixed solution is then pumped out at a slower rate of 4 gal/min. Find the differential
equation representing this system and and then find its general solution (you do not need to
solve for the constant using the initial value).
8. Suppose the ODE in differential form

P (x, y)dx + Q(x, y)dy = 0

has an integrating factor µ = µ(y) that is a function of y alone.

• Suppose the resulting differential equation is exact when we multiply by µ. Using a

property of exact equations, find a differential equation which must hold involving µ, dµ
dy ,
and potentially P and Q and their partial derivatives.
dµ
• Solve the equation algebraically for dy .

• Assuming this equation gives us a function of y alone, the differential equation has the
form dµ
dy = µg(y). Solve the differential equation using separation of variables to get the
formula for the integrating factor µ discussed in class.

9. You remove a baked potato from a 450 degree oven and set it in a room that is 70 degrees.
5 minutes later, its temperature is 300 degrees. Assuming Newton’s law of heating and cooling,
how long will it take the potato to cool to a temperature of 100 degrees? Leave your answer in
terms of logarithms.

10. Find the general solution of the ODE below.

dy
2ty 2 + 4t3 + 2t2 y =0
dt