Question:medium

Consider the differential equations \(\frac{dy}{dx}(x+y+1)=1\) and \(\frac{dx}{dy}=3y+2x^2\).
Which of the following is correct regarding these two differential equations?

Show Hint

Always check the dependent variable by inspecting the highest power and the presence of products between the dependent variable and its derivative.
Updated On: Jun 9, 2026
  • Both are linear in x
  • Both are linear in y
  • One is linear in x and other is linear in y
  • One is linear in x and other is not a linear equation
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall what "linear" means.
A differential equation is linear in $y$ if it can be written as $\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)\,y = Q(x)$, with no powers or products of $y$ and its derivative. The same idea, with roles swapped, defines linear in $x$.
Step 2: Rearrange the first equation.
From $\frac{dy}{dx}(x+y+1)=1$ we get $\frac{dx}{dy} = x + y + 1$.
Step 3: Test the first for linearity in $x$.
Rewrite as $\frac{dx}{dy} - x = y + 1$. This is exactly the linear form with $x$ as the dependent variable and $y$ as the independent one. So equation one is linear in $x$.
Step 4: Look at the second equation.
The second is $\frac{dx}{dy} = 3y + 2x^2$. Treated as an equation for $x$, the $x^2$ term breaks linearity in $x$.
Step 5: View the second from the $y$ side.
Reading it for $y$ instead, the right side is linear in $y$ (the $3y$ term is first power, and $2x^2$ acts as a known function). So this equation behaves as linear in $y$.
Step 6: Combine the findings.
Equation one is linear in $x$, and equation two is linear in $y$. That matches the option below.
\[ \boxed{\text{One is linear in } x \text{ and the other is linear in } y} \]
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