Question:medium

Find the general solution of the differential equation: \( \frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{y}{x} = x^2 \)

Show Hint

For linear differential equations, ensure the coefficient of \( \frac{dy}{dx} \) is exactly \( 1 \) before isolating your \( P(x) \) and \( Q(x) \) functions.
Updated On: May 30, 2026
  • \( yx = \frac{x^4}{4} + C \)
  • \( y = x^3 + Cx \)
  • \( yx^2 = \frac{x^3}{3} + C \)
  • \( y = \frac{x^4}{4} + C \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a first-order linear differential equation.
The standard form is $\frac{dy}{dx} + P(x)y = Q(x)$.
To solve this, we compute an Integrating Factor (I.F.), which allows us to write the left-hand side as a single derivative of a product.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. $I.F. = e^{\int P(x) dx}$.
2. The general solution is $y \cdot (I.F.) = \int [Q(x) \cdot (I.F.)] dx + C$.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given: $\frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{1}{x} y = x^{2}$.
Comparing with the standard form, we identify:
$P(x) = \frac{1}{x}$ and $Q(x) = x^{2}$.
Calculate the Integrating Factor:
\[ I.F. = e^{\int \frac{1}{x} dx} = e^{\ln x} = x \]
Now, multiply the entire differential equation by $x$:
$x \frac{dy}{dx} + y = x^{3}$.
The left side is the derivative of $(yx)$ by the product rule:
$\frac{d}{dx}(yx) = x^{3}$.
Integrating both sides with respect to $x$:
\[ \int \frac{d}{dx}(yx) dx = \int x^{3} dx \]
\[ yx = \frac{x^{4}}{4} + C \]
This matches Option (A).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The general solution is $yx = \frac{x^{4}}{4} + C$.
Was this answer helpful?
0


Questions Asked in CUET (UG) exam