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MathsMediumClass 12

Homogeneous Differential Equations

Differential Equations

12

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

75

min

Master the systematic approach of recognition, substitution, separation of variables, integration, and back-substitution to reliably solve homogeneous differential equations.

🧮 Key Formulas

A function f(x, y) is homogeneous of degree n if f(tx, ty) = t^n * f(x, y).
A differential equation dy/dx = F(x, y) is homogeneous if F(x, y) is a homogeneous function of degree zero, which can be expressed as f(y/x).
Substitution for dy/dx = f(y/x): Let y = vx => dy/dx = v + x * dv/dx.
Substitution for dx/dy = g(x/y): Let x = vy => dx/dy = v + y * dv/dy.

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1Always first check if the given differential equation can be written in the form dy/dx = f(y/x) or dx/dy = g(x/y). This often means all terms in the numerator and denominator have the same degree.
  • 2If the equation is of the form dy/dx = f(y/x), substitute y = vx. Differentiate this with respect to x using the product rule to get dy/dx = v + x * dv/dx.
  • 3If the equation is of the form dx/dy = g(x/y), substitute x = vy. Differentiate this with respect to y using the product rule to get dx/dy = v + y * dv/dy.
  • 4After substitution and simplification, the differential equation will always transform into a variable separable form, which can then be solved by direct integration.
  • 5After integrating, remember to substitute back v = y/x (or v = x/y) into the general solution to express it in terms of the original variables x and y.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Errors in differentiating the substitution (e.g., product rule for v*x or v*y) leading to incorrect transformed equations.
  • Algebraic mistakes during the separation of variables step after substitution, preventing correct integration.
  • Forgetting to substitute back v = y/x (or v = x/y) into the final solution, leaving the answer in terms of v, x, and y.
  • Incorrectly identifying a non-homogeneous differential equation as homogeneous, leading to futile attempts at substitution.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 12 Mathematics Ch 9: Differential Equations