First order Ordinary differential equation

1st ODEs involve only the first derivative of the unknown function and
no higher derivatives. These unknown functions will usually be
denoted y(x) by or y(t) when the independent variable denotes time t.

1st ODEs are either linear or nonlinear.

linear 1st order ODEs may be separable or non-separable

Linear separable 1st order ODEs are solved by Calculus.

Linear non-separable 1st order ODEs are solved by integrating factor

method.

Bernoulli equation is a nonlinear 1st order ODE.

Bernoulli equation is linearized first by introducing a new unknown

variable, then solved as either separable or non-separable 1st order
ODE

Understanding the basics of ODEs requires solving problems by paper

and pencil.

Definition:
An ordinary differential equation (ODE) is an equation that contains one
or several derivatives of an unknown function, the unknown function of x (or
t), and constants. For example :
First-order ODEs. Such equations contain only the first derivative and may
contain y and any given functions of x. Hence we can write

• Concept of Solution. A function, y = h(x), is called a solution of a

given ODE on some open interval (a˂ x ˂ b ) if h(x) is defined and
differentiable throughout the interval.

• The curve (the graph) of h is called a solution curve.

Important notes:
➢ General Solution contains an arbitrary constant c.

➢ Particular Solution specifies c with a numerical value using initial

conditions.

➢ Every solution not containing an arbitrary constant is obtained as a

particular solution by assigning a suitable value to c.

➢ Initial Value Problem. The unique solution of a given problem,

hence a particular solution, is obtained from a general solution by an
initial condition y(xo) = yo to determine a value of the arbitrary
constant
Mathematical modeling :The process of setting up a model, mathematically
solving and interpreting the result in physical or other terms. Modeling
needs special experience.

Example: Describe the following electric system by a mathematical model.

Example: Give the differential equation of the following system
and solve it.