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MathsMediumClass 12

Bernoulli Differential Equations

Differential Equations

12

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Master the transformation process from the Bernoulli form to a Linear Differential Equation using the correct substitution; this step is critical and often a source of calculation errors.

🧮 Key Formulas

Bernoulli Differential Equation: dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x)y^n
Substitution: Let v = y^(1-n)
Differentiating substitution: dv/dx = (1-n)y^(1-n-1) dy/dx = (1-n)y^(-n) dy/dx
Transformed Linear Differential Equation: dv/dx + (1-n)P(x)v = (1-n)Q(x)
Integrating Factor (IF) for linear DE (dv/dx + P'(x)v = Q'(x)): IF = e^(∫P'(x)dx)
Solution of Linear DE: v * IF = ∫(Q'(x) * IF)dx + C

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1Identify the standard Bernoulli form: dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x)y^n (or dx/dy + P(y)x = Q(y)x^n). This is crucial for recognizing when to apply the Bernoulli method.
  • 2The core strategy involves a specific substitution, v = y^(1-n), which transforms the Bernoulli equation into a standard First Order Linear Differential Equation.
  • 3Carefully derive the new differential equation in terms of v and x (or x and y for the other form), ensuring all terms are correctly transformed.
  • 4After solving the resulting linear DE for v, always perform the back-substitution (y = v^(1/(1-n))) to express the final solution in terms of y (or x).
  • 5Pay close attention to algebraic manipulations and integration steps, as errors here are common.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Incorrectly identifying P(x), Q(x), or 'n' from the given equation, leading to an erroneous substitution or transformation.
  • Errors in differentiating the substitution (e.g., dv/dx for v = y^(1-n)) or algebraic mistakes while rearranging terms after substitution.
  • Miscalculating the Integrating Factor (IF) for the transformed linear differential equation or making errors during the final integration.
  • Forgetting to back-substitute v = y^(1-n) (or x = v^(1/(1-n))) at the end, leaving the solution in terms of v instead of the original variable.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 12 Mathematics Ch 9: Differential Equations