Lesson 3: Family of

Curves
Dr. Joan P. Lazaro
Learning Outcomes:

 Sketch the equation to determine the

members or family of curves;
 Find the equivalent differential

equation for the given family of

curves.
INTRODUCTION
 An equation involving a parameter, as
well as one or both of the coordinates
of a point in a plane, may represent a
family of curves, one curve
corresponding to each value of the
parameter.
EXAMPLE #1:
 The equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥
+ 𝑚 or 𝑦 = 𝑚(𝑥 + 1)
may be interpreted
as the equation of
the family of straight
lines with slope and
y-intercept equal.
The figure below
shows several
elements, or
members, of this
family.
 Ifthe constant m is treated as an
arbitrary constant and is eliminated,
the result is called the differential
equation of the family represented by
the equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑚 or 𝑦 = 𝑚(𝑥 +
1).
 The elimination of the arbitrary

constant m proceeds as discussed in

the previous lesson.
EXAMPLE #2:
EXAMPLE #3:
TAKE NOTE:
 In finding the differential equation of a family of
curves, the following steps can be taken as a guide:
 (a) Start the solution by writing the equation of the
given curve (i.e. line, circle, parabola, ellipse, or
hyperbola).
 (b) Rewrite the equation by incorporating the given
conditions. These conditions will decrease the count
of the arbitrary constants in the equation of the
curve.
 (c) Get the differential equation by eliminating the
arbitrary constants.
EXAMPLE #4:
 In each of the following problems, find the differential
equation which has the given family of integral curves.

1. Family of lines that passes through the origin.

 Solution:
 From Step (a), the given curve is a line.

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 (2 arbitrary constants m and b)

 From Step (b), the condition is that the line passes through

the origin, (0, 0).

 Incorporating this condition will decrease the count of the

arbitrary constant from 2 to 1.

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 passing through (0, 0),
0 = 𝑚(0) + 𝑏
𝑏=0
EXAMPLE #5:
EXAMPLE #6: