Determination of

Integrating Factor
Prepared By
Engr. Raymond S. Abesamis, ME, CLSSYB, MIE

College
 I. INTRODUCTION TO THE LESSON

● Lesson Title
Determination of Integrating Factor
● Lesson Overview
If a differential equation of the form 𝑀(𝑥,𝑦)𝑑𝑥+𝑁(𝑥,𝑦)𝑑𝑦=0 →(1) is an inexact equation, then there exists a function 𝜇(𝑥,𝑦) such
that the equivalent equation obtained by multiplying both sides of (1) by 𝜇, 𝜇𝑀𝑑𝑥+𝜇𝑁𝑑𝑦=0 will be exact. Such a function 𝜇 is
called an integrating factor (IF) which turns inexact equations into exact.
The question is, how do you find an integrating factor of an inexact equation?

Determination of Integrating Factor

 I. INTRODUCTION TO THE LESSON

● Lesson Outline
• Non-exact Equation made Exact
● Intended Learning Outcomes
• Transform an inexact equation by means of integrating factor
• Recall conditions for exactness
• Recall solving for exact equation
● Time Allotment
1.5 hours

Determination of Integrating Factor

 II. LESSON PROPER
  Two special cases can be considered:
Case I. If is inexact, then ; that is . However, if is a function of 𝑥 only, then will be the
integrating factor (IF).

Case II. If is inexact, then ; that is . However, if is a function of y only, then will be the
integrating factor (IF).

Determination of Integrating Factor

 II. LESSON PROPER
  Steps in solving inexact equations:
1. Find the and
2. Take the difference of
3. Solve whether it is under Case I or Case II
4. Solve for the IF
5. Multiply both sides of the original equation by IF and set and
6. Test and for exactness
7. From the result of step 5, shall be integrated partially with respect to and
with respect to . If there is a common term, consider them as one term.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Example 1: Solve for the general solution of the following differential equations.
a.
 
Step 1: Find the 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦 and 𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥 Step 3: Solve whether it is under Case I or Case II

Step 2: Take the difference of 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦−𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 4: Solve for the IF Step 6: Test 𝑀 ̅ and 𝑁 ̅ for exactness

Step 5: Multiply both sides of the original equation

by IF and set 𝜇𝑀=𝑀 ̅ and 𝜇𝑁=𝑁 ̅

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 7: From the result of step 5, 𝑀 ̅ shall be integrated partially with respect to 𝑥 and 𝑁 ̅ with respect to 𝑦. If there is a
common term, consider them as one term.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
b.
 
Step 1: Find the 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦 and 𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥 Step 3: Solve whether it is under Case I or Case II

Step 2: Take the difference of 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦−𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 4: Solve for the IF Step 6: Test 𝑀 ̅ and 𝑁 ̅ for exactness

Step 5: Multiply both sides of the original equation

by IF and set 𝜇𝑀=𝑀 ̅ and 𝜇𝑁=𝑁 ̅

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 7: From the result of step 5, 𝑀 ̅ shall be integrated partially with respect to 𝑥 and 𝑁 ̅ with respect to 𝑦. If there is a
common term, consider them as one term.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
c.
Step 1: Find the 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦 and 𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥 Step 3: Solve whether it is under Case I or Case II

Step 2: Take the difference of 𝜕𝑀/𝜕𝑦−𝜕𝑁/𝜕𝑥 Step 4: Solve for the IF

Integrating
Exact
Separation
Differential
Factors
of Variables
byEquations
Inspection
 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 5: Multiply both sides of the original equation Step 6: Test 𝑀 ̅ and 𝑁 ̅ for exactness
by IF and set 𝜇𝑀=𝑀 ̅ and 𝜇𝑁=𝑁 ̅

Determination of Integrating Factor

 III. OTHER LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Step 7: From the result of step 5, 𝑀 ̅ shall be integrated partially with respect to 𝑥 and 𝑁 ̅ with respect to 𝑦. If there is a
common term, consider them as one term.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 IV. SUMMARY OF LESSONS
 The determination of integrating factor will help to solve for the solution of an inexact DE.
 There are two (2) cases to consider in order to identify if what integrating factor is going
to be used.
 There are seven (7) steps in solving for the solution of an inexact DE.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 V. ASSESSMENT
Find the general solution for the following differential equations using
determination of integrating factors.

Determination of Integrating Factor

 V. ASSESSMENT

Determination of Integrating Factor