LINEAR EQUATIONS OF THE FIRST ORDER

A differential equation (of any order) which is of the first degree in the dependent variable and in
each of its derivatives is called a linear differential equation. Thus,

- (Equation 2)

Is the standard form of a linear differential equation of the First Order.

Solution:

Suppose we let V(x) which is a function of x alone be an integrating factor to make equation 2 an
exact equation.

Multiply equation 2 by V(x)

For Simplicity, we let:

V = V(x)

P = P(x)

Q = Q(x)

Vdy + VPydx = VQdx

(vPy – vQ)dx + vdy = 0

M = VPy - VQ N = V

Since, equation 2 is exact then,

Separating the Variables:

∫ ∫

∫ integrating factor

Therefore:

∫ ∫ ∫

( ∫ ) ∫
Hence, The General Solution is:

∫ ∫ ∫

STEPS IN SOLVING LINEAR EQUATIONS OF FIRST ORDER

1. Put the equation in the standard form

2. Obtain the integrating factor ∫

3. Apply the integrating factor to the equation of its standard form.

4. Solve the resulting exact equations.

NOTE: In integrating the exact equation, the integral of the left member is always the product of the
dependent variable and the integrating factor used.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

[Example 1]

(x4 + 2y) dx – xdy = 0

[Example 2]

dy = (x -3y) dx
[Example 3]

’ csc – ycotx
[Example 4]

(2ycosx + sin4x)dx = sinxdy

[Example 5]

(y –x + xycotx)dx + xdy = 0
[Example 6] Find the particular solution:

L + Ri = E ; when t = 0, i = 0.

Where: L, R & E are constants

i = dependent variable

t = independent variable

Assign:

Solve problem no. 1, 2, 3, 8, 11 pp. 42