2.

2 Exact Equations
From calculus, the differential of a function u(x , y)
∂u ∂u
du= dx+ d y (1)
∂x ∂y
From this it follows that if u ( x , y )=c=constant , then du=0
For example, if u=x+ x 2 y 3=c
∂ ( x+ x 2 y 3) ∂( x + x2 y3 )
du= dx + dx=0
∂x ∂x

du=( 1+2 x y 3 ) dx +3 x2 y 2 dx=0 , ( 2 )

Note: Taking partial derivative with respect to x means y is considered constant. On the other hand,
taking partial derivative with respect to y means x is considered constant
From (2)
'dy −1+ 2 x y 3
y= =
dx 3 x2 y2
a differential equation that we can solve by going backward.
The differential equation du=0 is called the exact equation of u ( x , y )=c. From the example
' dy −1+ 2 x y 3
above, y = = 2 2 is an exact equation because du=( 1+2 x y 3 ) dx +3 x2 y 2 dx=0 is an exact
dx 3x y
derivative of u=x+ x 2 y 3=c .
To Determine if M ( x , y ) dx+ N ( x , y ) dy=0 is an Exact Equati on of u ( x , y )=c
∂u ∂u
From calculus du= dx+ dy
∂x ∂y
By comparing this with M ( x , y ) dx+ N ( x , y ) dy
∂u
M= ,(3)
∂x
∂u
N= , ( 4)
∂y
Differentiating M with respect to y and N with respect to x
∂2 u
∧∂ N
∂M ∂ y ∂ x ∂2 u
= = .
∂y ∂x ∂x∂y
again from calculus
∂2u ∂2 u
= ,
∂ y∂ x ∂x ∂ y
provided that these partial derivatives are continuous. Therefore, if M ( x , y ) dx+ N ( x , y ) dy=0 is an
exact equation
∂M ∂ N
= .
∂ y ∂x
Theorem 1. If M , N , ∂ M /∂ y ,∧∂ N /∂ x are continuous functions of x and y, then a necessary and
sufficient condition that
M dx+ N dy =0
be an exact equation is that
∂M ∂ N
= .
∂ y ∂x

Obtaining a Set of Soluti on of Exact Equati on

Use equations (3) and (4) in obtaining a set of solution, u=c , of an exact equation.
∂u
M= ,(3)
∂x
∂u
N= , ( 4)
∂y
The process is best explained in the following examples.
Example 1
Solve the equation
( x + y ) dx+ ( x− y ) dy =0 , ( 6 )
First, let’s test for exactness of equation (6).
M =x + y , N =x− y
∂M ∂N
=1 , =1
∂y ∂x
∂M ∂ N
Since = , we conclude that equation (6) is exact. Therefore, its solution is u=c , where
∂ y ∂x
∂u
=M =x + y , ( 7 )
∂x
and
∂u
=N =x− y , ( 8 )
∂y
Let us attempt to determine u from equation (7). Integration of both sides of (7) with respect to x,
holding y constant, yields
x2
u= + xy +T ( y ) , ( 9 )
2
where the usual arbitrary constant in indefinite integration is now necessarily a function T ( y) , as yet
unknown. To determine T ( y) , we use the fact that the function u of equation (9) must satisfy equation
(8). Hence
x2
∂( + xy +T ( y ) )
2
=x − y
∂y
x +T ' ( y )=x− y
T ' ( y )=− y
Integrate with respect to y.
− y2
T ( y )=
2
No arbitrary constant is needed since one is being introduced on the right in the solution u=c . From (9)
x2 y2
u= + xy − .
2 2
Finally, a set of solution of equation (6) is defined by
x 3 y −3 x2 + y 2=c .
Example 2
Solve the equation
( 2 xy−3 x 2 ) dx+ ( x2 + y ) dy=0 , ( 10 )
To test for exactness
M =2 xy−3 x 2 , N =x2 + y
∂M ∂N
=2 x , =2 x
∂y ∂x
∂M ∂ N
Since = , we conclude that (10) is an exact equation. Therefore, its solution is u=c , where
∂ y ∂x
∂u
=2 xy−3 x 2 , ( 11 )
∂x
and
∂u
=x 2 + y , ( 12 )
∂y
For variety’s sake, let us start the determination of F from equation (12). Integrate both sides of (12)
with respect to y while holding x constant.
2 y2
u=x y + +Q ( x ) ,(13)
2
Arbitrary constant is a function of x. Substitute (13) for u in (11).
y2
∂(x 2 y + +Q ( x ))
2
=2 xy−3 x 2
∂x
2 xy+ Q ' ( x )=2 xy−3 x 2
Q ' ( x )=−3 x 2
Integrate with respect to x.
Q ( x ) =−x 3
No arbitrary constant is needed in obtaining Q(x ), since one is being introduced on the right in the
solution u=c . Substitute the value of Q(x ) from (13).
2 y2 3
u=x y + −x ,
2
Finally, a set of solutions of equation (10) is defined by
2 y2 3
x y+ −x =c .
2