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Solve Separable Differential Equations

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It is simply the "Separation of variables". The separation enables you to rewrite the differential equations so as to achieve a similarity of measures between two integrals we can assess. A separable equation is actually the first order differential equations that can be straightaway solved using this technique.


Write a Separable Differential Equations

A function of two independent variables is said to be separable if it can be demonstrated as a product of 2 functions, each of them based upon only one variable. So, A separable differential equation can be written in the form of \[\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x)g(y) dx dy = f(x)g(y)\]. 


Separate and Integrate: The Power of C

The process takes place in only 3 easy Steps:

Step 1: Bring all the ‘y’ products (including dy) to one side of the expression and all the ‘x’ terms (including dx) to the other side of the equation.

Step 2: Integrate one side concerning ‘y’ and the other side concerning ‘x’. Don't you forget "+ C" [the constant of integration]

Step 3: Simplify


Solve Differential Equations by Variable Separable Method

How to solve separable differential equations is not that difficult as it seems to be, especially, if you have understood the theory of differential equations.

Now you will find detailed solutions to Differential Equations by Variable Separable Method. Based on f(x) and g(y), these mathematical expressions can be solved systematically.


Example1

Solve and identify a general solution to the differential equation.

y ' = 3 e y x 2


Solution

You need to first rewrite the provide equation in form of a differential equation and with variables isolated (separated), the x's on one side while the y's on the other side as given below.

e -y dy = 3 x 2 dx

Integrate both the sides

ò e -y dy = ò 3 x 2 dx

which presents to you

-e -y + C1 = x 3 + C2, C1 and C2 that are constant of integration.

Now, Solve the above equation for y

y = - ln( - x 3 - C ) , where C = C2 - C1.

Then, confirm that the solution acquired fulfills the differential equation given above.


Example2

Find and solve the differential equation using the variable separable e method (x² + 4)y′ = 2xy.


Solution

The product xy on either sides does not permit isolating (separating) the variables. Hence, we make the substitution:

xy=tory=tx.

The connection for differentials is provided by

dy=xdt−td x x².

Substituting this into the expression, we can write in form:

tx (1 + t) dx = x(1−t)x dt − td x x².

Then, By multiplying each of the sides by x and then canceling the correlating fractions in the right and the left, we obtain

t(1+t)dx = (1−t)(xdt−tdx).

Make a note that x=0 is a solution of the equation, which you can verify by direct substitution.

Now, Simplifying the last mentioned equation:

tdx + t²dx = xdt − tdx − xtdt + t²dx,⇒2tdt = x(1−t)dt.

Now the variables x and t have been separated:

2dxx = (1−t)dtt or 2dxx = (1t−1)dt.

After integrating we obtain

2 ∫dxx=∫(1t−1)dt+C,⇒2ln|x|=ln|t|−t+C,⇒lnx²=ln|t|−t+C.

By inducing the reverse substitution t=xy, you discover the general solution of the equation:

lnx²=ln|xy|−xy+C,⇒ln∣∣∣xyx²∣∣∣−xy+C=0,⇒ln∣∣yx∣∣−xy+C=0.

Finally, a complete solution is written in the form:

ln∣∣yx∣∣−xy+C=0,x=0.


Find Out if the Following Differential Equations are Separable?

By the rule of Separability, a first-order differential equation is called a separable equation, provided after solving it for the derivative,

dy

dx

= F(x, y),

Next, The right-hand side can be factored (divided) as “a formula of just x ” times “a formula of just y ”,

F(x, y) = f [x]g[y]

If you observe that this factoring is not possible, the equation is not separable.

In short, a first-order differential equation is said to be separable if and only if it can be written in the form of:-

dy

dx

= f [x]g[y)] in which f and g are definite functions.

 

Fun Facts

ü  separation of variables is also known as the Fourier method within mathematics

ü  Crucial logistic differential equation are also separable

ü  Newton's Law of Cooling contributed to continuance of separable differential equations

ü  partial differential equations variable separable method is used when the partial differential equation and the boundary situations are linear and homogeneous

ü  A 'constant of integration' only provides a family of functions that develops a general solution when solving a differential equation.

ü  You will always need to add a constant when finding the indefinite integral. Just can ignore it

ü  You will be able to find the solutions to specific separable differential equations by separating variables, integrating in regard to 't',and finally solving the resulting algebraic equation for 'y'.

ü  Separable differential equation enables us to effectively solve many significant physical occurrences that occur in the world around us. For example, problems of growth and decay.

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FAQs on Solve Separable Differential Equations

1. What is the variable separable method used to solve differential equations in Class 12 Maths?

The variable separable method involves expressing a differential equation in the form dy/dx = f(x)g(y) and then rearranging so that all terms involving y are on one side and terms with x on the other. Integration is performed on both sides to find the solution curve.

2. How can you identify if a first order differential equation is separable?

A first order equation dy/dx = f(x, y) is considered separable if it can be written as dy/dx = p(x)h(y), where p(x) is a function of x only and h(y) is a function of y only. Recognition of this form makes it possible to solve by separating variables and integrating.

3. Why are separable differential equations important in CBSE Class 12 exams?

Separable differential equations regularly feature in the Class 12 Maths board exam as they assess understanding of integration, analytical skills, and physical application. These types of problems also appear frequently in 3-mark and 5-mark questions.

4. Can all first order differential equations be solved using the separable method?

No, only those equations that can be rearranged as the product of two separate functions of x and y are separable. If the equation cannot be factored or separated in this way, other methods, such as integrating factors or exact equations, must be used.

5. In what real-life situations is the method of separable differential equations applied?

Applications of separable differential equations include:

  • Modeling population growth or decay
  • Solving chemical reaction rates
  • Describing projectile motion under simple forces
  • Calculating cooling or heating of objects using Newton’s Law of Cooling

6. What is the general solution form for a separable differential equation as per CBSE 2025-26 syllabus?

The general solution is obtained by integrating both sides after variables are separated: ∫1/h(y) dy = ∫p(x) dx + C, where C is the constant of integration, as per CBSE Maths guidelines.

7. What mistakes do students commonly make when applying the variable separable method?

Common errors include:

  • Not completely separating variables before integrating
  • Forgetting to add the constant of integration
  • Incorrect integration, especially when dealing with logarithmic or trigonometric forms
  • Substituting wrong limits when dealing with definite integrals

8. How does the concept of exact differential equations relate to separable methods?

All separable equations are a subset of exact equations. In separable equations, integration directly provides an implicit or explicit solution. However, not all exact equations are separable, but separable equations are always exact due to the preserved quantity after integration.

9. What are higher-order effects or special cases that students should be aware of when solving separable differential equations?

Special cases include:

  • Situations where h(y) = 0 at specific points, leading to constant solutions
  • Cases where integration results in logarithmic or inverse trigonometric forms
  • Checking domain and initial conditions to ensure validity of the general solution

10. How can you verify the correctness of your solution to a separable differential equation?

To check your answer, differentiate the found solution and substitute back into the original differential equation. If both sides are equal for all valid values, the solution is correct as per CBSE 2025-26 standards.