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MathsMediumClass 12

Variable Separable

Differential Equations

12

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Master all integration techniques, as accurate and efficient integration is the most crucial skill for correctly solving variable separable differential equations.

🧮 Key Formulas

If dy/dx = g(x) / f(y), then f(y) dy = g(x) dx
integral(f(y) dy) = integral(g(x) dx) + C

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1Identify differential equations where terms involving 'x' and 'dx' can be completely separated from terms involving 'y' and 'dy'.
  • 2Algebraically manipulate the equation to bring all 'y' terms (including dy) to one side and all 'x' terms (including dx) to the other side.
  • 3Integrate both sides independently after separation. Remember to add a single arbitrary constant 'C' on only one side (usually with the x-integral).
  • 4For particular solutions, substitute the given initial conditions (x0, y0) into the general solution to find the specific value of C.
  • 5Be mindful of implicit solutions vs. explicit solutions. Sometimes it's difficult or impossible to express y explicitly as a function of x.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to add the constant of integration 'C' after integrating, or adding 'C' to both sides redundantly.
  • Incorrect algebraic manipulation while attempting to separate variables, especially with expressions like (x+y) or (xy).
  • Errors in the integration step itself, requiring strong command over indefinite integration techniques.
  • Not using absolute values in logarithms (e.g., integral(1/y dy) = ln|y|), which can lead to domain issues or incorrect solutions.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 12 Mathematics Ch 9: Differential Equations