Calculus 2 Quiz: General Solutions Separation Of Variables
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General Solutions Separation Of VariablesQuestion 1 of 20

Which of the following implicitly defines the general solution to dydx=ln(x)xy\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\ln(x)}{xy}?

y^2 = 2(\ln x)^2 + C
\frac{y^2}{2} = \frac{1}{x} + C
y^2 = (\ln x)^2 + C
y = \sqrt{(\ln x)^2} + C
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Calculus 2 Quiz

Calculus 2 Quiz: General Solutions Separation Of Variables

Practice General Solutions Separation Of Variables in Calculus 2 with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on General Solutions Separation Of Variables, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Calculus 2.

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Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

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Question 1

Which of the following implicitly defines the general solution to dydx=ln(x)xy\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\ln(x)}{xy}?

  1. y^2 = 2(\ln x)^2 + C
  2. \frac{y^2}{2} = \frac{1}{x} + C
  3. y^2 = (\ln x)^2 + C (correct answer)
  4. y = \sqrt{(\ln x)^2} + C
Explanation: To solve, we separate the variables: ydy=ln(x)xdxy dy = \frac{\ln(x)}{x} dx. Next, we integrate both sides: ydy=ln(x)xdx\int y dy = \int \frac{\ln(x)}{x} dx. The left side is y22\frac{y^2}{2}. For the right side, we use u-substitution with u=ln(x)u = \ln(x), so du=1xdxdu = \frac{1}{x} dx. The integral becomes udu=u22=(lnx)22\int u du = \frac{u^2}{2} = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2}. So, we have y22=(lnx)22+C1\frac{y^2}{2} = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} + C_1. Multiplying by 2 gives y2=(lnx)2+2C1y^2 = (\ln x)^2 + 2C_1. Letting C=2C1C = 2C_1 gives the implicit solution y2=(lnx)2+Cy^2 = (\ln x)^2 + C.

Question 2

What is the general solution to dydx=1+y21+x2\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1+y^2}{1+x^2}?

  1. y = x+C
  2. y = \frac{x+A}{1-Ax} (correct answer)
  3. y^2 = A(1+x21+x^2) - 1
  4. y = \arctan(x) + C
Explanation: Separating variables gives 11+y2dy=11+x2dx\frac{1}{1+y^2} dy = \frac{1}{1+x^2} dx. Integrating both sides gives arctan(y)=arctan(x)+C\arctan(y) = \arctan(x) + C. To solve for yy, we take the tangent of both sides: y=tan(arctan(x)+C)y = \tan(\arctan(x) + C). Using the tangent addition formula tan(a+b)=tan(a)+tan(b)1tan(a)tan(b)\tan(a+b) = \frac{\tan(a)+\tan(b)}{1-\tan(a)\tan(b)}, we have y=tan(arctanx)+tanC1tan(arctanx)tanCy = \frac{\tan(\arctan x) + \tan C}{1 - \tan(\arctan x)\tan C}. Let A=tan(C)A = \tan(C), which is an arbitrary constant. This simplifies to y=x+A1Axy = \frac{x+A}{1-Ax}.

Question 3

For the differential equation dydx=sin(x)y2+y\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sin(x)}{y^2 + y}, after factoring the denominator and using partial fractions, the separated form becomes:

  1. (y1+y+11)dy=sin(x)dx\left(\frac{y}{1} + \frac{y+1}{1}\right)dy = \sin(x)dx
  2. (1y+1y+1)dy=sin(x)dx\left(\frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{y+1}\right)dy = \sin(x)dx
  3. dyy(y+1)=sin(x)dx\frac{dy}{y(y+1)} = \sin(x)dx
  4. (1y1y+1)dy=sin(x)dx\left(\frac{1}{y} - \frac{1}{y+1}\right)dy = \sin(x)dx (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter a separable differential equation like this one, your goal is to get all terms involving y on one side and all terms involving x on the other. The key challenge here is dealing with the denominator y2+yy^2 + y using partial fraction decomposition. First, factor the denominator: y2+y=y(y+1)y^2 + y = y(y+1). Now you need to decompose 1y(y+1)\frac{1}{y(y+1)} into partial fractions. Set up: 1y(y+1)=Ay+By+1\frac{1}{y(y+1)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{y+1} To find A and B, multiply both sides by y(y+1)y(y+1): 1=A(y+1)+By1 = A(y+1) + By Setting y=0y = 0: 1=A(1)A=11 = A(1) \Rightarrow A = 1 Setting y=1y = -1: 1=B(1)B=11 = B(-1) \Rightarrow B = -1 Therefore: 1y(y+1)=1y1y+1\frac{1}{y(y+1)} = \frac{1}{y} - \frac{1}{y+1} The separated form becomes: (1y1y+1)dy=sin(x)dx\left(\frac{1}{y} - \frac{1}{y+1}\right)dy = \sin(x)dx Choice A incorrectly puts y in the numerators instead of using the reciprocals from partial fractions. Choice B uses the correct format but has the wrong sign—it shows addition instead of subtraction. Choice C stops at the factored form without actually performing the partial fraction decomposition that the question specifically asks for. Study tip: When doing partial fractions with linear factors, remember that each factor (ay+b)(ay+b) in the denominator contributes a term Aay+b\frac{A}{ay+b} to your decomposition. Always verify your A and B values by substituting convenient values of the variable.

Question 4

Find the general solution to the differential equation dydx=xy+2yx2\frac{dy}{dx} = xy + 2y - x - 2.

  1. y = 1 + A e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x} (correct answer)
  2. y = -1 + A e^{\frac{x^2}{2} - 2x}
  3. y = A + e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x}
  4. y = 1 + A e^{x^2 + 2x}
Explanation: The right side of the equation can be factored by grouping: y(x+2)1(x+2)=(y1)(x+2)y(x+2) - 1(x+2) = (y-1)(x+2). The equation is dydx=(y1)(x+2)\frac{dy}{dx} = (y-1)(x+2). Separating variables gives 1y1dy=(x+2)dx\frac{1}{y-1} dy = (x+2) dx. Integrating both sides, 1y1dy=(x+2)dx\int \frac{1}{y-1} dy = \int (x+2) dx, yields lny1=x22+2x+C1\ln|y-1| = \frac{x^2}{2} + 2x + C_1. Exponentiating both sides gives y1=ex22+2x+C1=eC1ex22+2x|y-1| = e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x + C_1} = e^{C_1}e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x}. Let A=±eC1A = \pm e^{C_1}. Then y1=Aex22+2xy-1 = A e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x}, and the general solution is y=1+Aex22+2xy = 1 + A e^{\frac{x^2}{2} + 2x}.

Question 5

A tank contains a solution where the rate of change of salt concentration SS with respect to time satisfies dSdt=S24t2+1\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{S^2 - 4}{t^2 + 1}. If S(0)=3S(0) = 3, what constraint must be considered when finding the domain of the solution?

  1. The solution is undefined when S24=0S^2 - 4 = 0, so S±2S \neq \pm 2
  2. The solution is undefined when t2+1=0t^2 + 1 = 0, which never occurs for real tt
  3. The solution may approach S=2S = 2 or S=2S = -2 asymptotically (correct answer)
  4. The solution is valid for all real values since S(0)=3>0S(0) = 3 > 0
Explanation: When separating variables: dSS24=dtt2+1\frac{dS}{S^2-4} = \frac{dt}{t^2+1}. The separation is valid only when S240S^2-4 \neq 0, i.e., S±2S \neq \pm 2. Since S(0)=3>2S(0) = 3 > 2, the solution might approach S=2S = 2 as an asymptote, which would limit the domain. Choice A states when separation fails but doesn't address domain implications. Choice B is incorrect since t2+1>0t^2+1 > 0 always. Choice D ignores the asymptotic behavior near S=2S = 2.

Question 6

The general solution to the differential equation dydx=1+y21x2\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1+y^2}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} is which of the following?

  1. y = \tan(\arcsin(x)) + C
  2. y = \sqrt{A e^{2\arcsin(x)} - 1}
  3. y = \tan(\arcsin(x) + C) (correct answer)
  4. y = \tan(ln\ln|x+x21\sqrt{x^2-1}| + C)
Explanation: Separate the variables to get 11+y2dy=11x2dx\frac{1}{1+y^2} dy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} dx. Integrate both sides: 11+y2dy=11x2dx\int \frac{1}{1+y^2} dy = \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}} dx. Both are standard inverse trigonometric integrals. The result is arctan(y)=arcsin(x)+C\arctan(y) = \arcsin(x) + C. To solve for yy, take the tangent of both sides: y=tan(arcsin(x)+C)y = \tan(\arcsin(x) + C).

Question 7

Find the general solution to the differential equation (x2+4)dydx=1(x^2+4)\frac{dy}{dx} = 1.

  1. y = \ln(x2+4x^2+4) + C
  2. y = \frac{1}{2}\arctan(x2\frac{x}{2}) + C (correct answer)
  3. y = 2\arctan(x2\frac{x}{2}) + C
  4. y = \frac{2x}{x^2+4} + C
Explanation: The equation is separable. Rearrange it to dy=1x2+4dxdy = \frac{1}{x^2+4} dx. Integrate both sides: dy=1x2+4dx\int dy = \int \frac{1}{x^2+4} dx. The left side is yy. The right side is a standard integral of the form 1a2+u2du=1aarctan(ua)\int \frac{1}{a^2+u^2} du = \frac{1}{a}\arctan(\frac{u}{a}). Here, u=xu=x and a=2a=2. So, 1x2+22dx=12arctan(x2)\int \frac{1}{x^2+2^2} dx = \frac{1}{2}\arctan(\frac{x}{2}). The general solution is y=12arctan(x2)+Cy = \frac{1}{2}\arctan(\frac{x}{2}) + C.

Question 8

Determine the general solution of the differential equation dydx=ysin(x)cos(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = y \sin(x) \cos(x).

  1. y = A e^{-\frac{1}{2}\cos^2(x)}
  2. y = A e^{\frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x)} (correct answer)
  3. y = A e^{\sin(x)\cos(x)}
  4. \ln|y| = \sin(x) - \cos(x) + C
Explanation: Separate the variables to get 1ydy=sin(x)cos(x)dx\frac{1}{y} dy = \sin(x)\cos(x) dx. Integrate both sides: 1ydy=sin(x)cos(x)dx\int \frac{1}{y} dy = \int \sin(x)\cos(x) dx. The left side is lny\ln|y|. For the right side, use u-substitution with u=sin(x)u = \sin(x), so du=cos(x)dxdu = \cos(x) dx. The integral becomes udu=u22=sin2(x)2\int u du = \frac{u^2}{2} = \frac{\sin^2(x)}{2}. Thus, lny=12sin2(x)+C1\ln|y| = \frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x) + C_1. Exponentiating both sides gives y=e12sin2(x)+C1=eC1e12sin2(x)|y| = e^{\frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x) + C_1} = e^{C_1}e^{\frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x)}. Let A=±eC1A = \pm e^{C_1}. The solution is y=Ae12sin2(x)y = A e^{\frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x)}. Note that 12cos2(x)=12(1sin2(x))=12+12sin2(x)-\frac{1}{2}\cos^2(x) = -\frac{1}{2}(1-\sin^2(x)) = -\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\sin^2(x), so choice A is also technically correct by absorbing the constant, but B is the more direct result.

Question 9

A population model is described by the differential equation dPdt=P(100P)t+1\frac{dP}{dt} = \frac{P(100-P)}{t+1}, where P(t)P(t) represents population at time tt. After separating variables, what is the correct integral setup?

  1. dPP(100P)=dtt+1\int \frac{dP}{P(100-P)} = \int \frac{dt}{t+1} (correct answer)
  2. P(100P)dP1=(t+1)dt\int \frac{P(100-P)dP}{1} = \int (t+1)dt
  3. dPP+dP100P=dtt+1\int \frac{dP}{P} + \int \frac{dP}{100-P} = \int \frac{dt}{t+1}
  4. PdP100P=(t+1)dt\int \frac{P dP}{100-P} = \int (t+1)dt
Explanation: Separating variables: dPP(100P)=dtt+1\frac{dP}{P(100-P)} = \frac{dt}{t+1}. Integrating both sides gives the setup in choice A. Choice B fails to separate properly. Choice C incorrectly splits the left integral (partial fractions comes after separation). Choice D incorrectly moves only part of the denominator.

Question 10

The equation dydx=x212y+3\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x^2 - 1}{2y + 3} has a solution passing through (1,1)(1, -1). Which of the following is true about this solution?

  1. The solution does not exist because 2(1)+3=102(-1) + 3 = 1 \neq 0
  2. The solution does not exist because 2y+3=02y + 3 = 0 when y=1y = -1
  3. The solution exists but is not unique near (1,1)(1, -1)
  4. The solution exists and is unique in a neighborhood of (1,1)(1, -1) (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter a differential equation like this, you need to check whether a solution exists and is unique at the given point. This involves examining the equation's form and applying existence and uniqueness theorems. This differential equation can be written as dydx=f(x,y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x,y) where f(x,y)=x212y+3f(x,y) = \frac{x^2 - 1}{2y + 3}. For the solution to exist and be unique near (1,1)(1, -1), you need both f(x,y)f(x,y) and fy\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} to be continuous in a neighborhood of that point. Let's check continuity at (1,1)(1, -1). First, the denominator: 2(1)+3=102(-1) + 3 = 1 \neq 0, so f(x,y)f(x,y) is continuous near (1,1)(1, -1). The partial derivative fy=x21(2y+3)2\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = -\frac{x^2 - 1}{(2y + 3)^2} is also continuous there since the denominator doesn't equal zero. By the existence and uniqueness theorem, the solution exists and is unique in a neighborhood of (1,1)(1, -1). Option A incorrectly suggests the solution doesn't exist because 2(1)+3=102(-1) + 3 = 1 \neq 0, but this non-zero value actually ensures existence. Option B makes a calculation error, claiming 2(1)+3=02(-1) + 3 = 0, which is false. Option C correctly identifies that a solution exists but wrongly claims it's not unique—since both continuity conditions are met, uniqueness is guaranteed. Remember: for differential equations of the form dydx=f(x,y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(x,y), check if the denominator equals zero at your point. If not, and if the partial derivative exists, you typically have existence and uniqueness.

Question 11

The differential equation dydx=2xcos(x2)3y2+1\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x\cos(x^2)}{3y^2 + 1} can be solved by separation of variables. Which of the following represents the correct form after separation but before integration?

  1. (3y2+1)dy=2xcos(x2)dx(3y^2 + 1)dy = 2x\cos(x^2)dx (correct answer)
  2. (3y2+1)dx=2xcos(x2)dy(3y^2 + 1)dx = 2x\cos(x^2)dy
  3. dy3y2+1=2xcos(x2)dx\frac{dy}{3y^2 + 1} = 2x\cos(x^2)dx
  4. dx2xcos(x2)=dy3y2+1\frac{dx}{2x\cos(x^2)} = \frac{dy}{3y^2 + 1}
Explanation: To separate variables, multiply both sides by (3y2+1)dx(3y^2 + 1)dx: dy=2xcos(x2)3y2+1dxdy = \frac{2x\cos(x^2)}{3y^2 + 1}dx, then (3y2+1)dy=2xcos(x2)dx(3y^2 + 1)dy = 2x\cos(x^2)dx. Choice B incorrectly switches dxdx and dydy. Choice C fails to multiply the left side by (3y2+1)(3y^2 + 1). Choice D incorrectly inverts both sides.

Question 12

Determine the general solution of the differential equation dydx=xsec(y)\frac{dy}{dx} = x \sec(y).

  1. y = \arcsin(x22\frac{x^2}{2} + C) (correct answer)
  2. y = \sin(x22\frac{x^2}{2} + C)
  3. y = \arccos(-x22\frac{x^2}{2} + C)
  4. An implicit solution is given by lnsec(y)+tan(y)=x22+C\ln|\sec(y) + \tan(y)| = \frac{x^2}{2} + C.
Explanation: The equation is separable. We can write it as 1sec(y)dy=xdx\frac{1}{\sec(y)} dy = x dx, which simplifies to cos(y)dy=xdx\cos(y) dy = x dx. Integrating both sides gives cos(y)dy=xdx\int \cos(y) dy = \int x dx, which results in sin(y)=x22+C\sin(y) = \frac{x^2}{2} + C. To solve for yy, we take the inverse sine of both sides, yielding y=arcsin(x22+C)y = \arcsin(\frac{x^2}{2} + C).

Question 13

Find the general solution to the differential equation dydx=xsin(x)ey\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x \sin(x)}{e^y}.

  1. y = \ln(\sin(x) - x\cos(x) + C) (correct answer)
  2. y = \ln(x\sin(x) - \sin(x) + C)
  3. y = \ln(-x\cos(x) - \sin(x) + C)
  4. y = \ln(\frac{x^2}{2} \sin(x) + C)
Explanation: Separate the variables to get eydy=xsin(x)dxe^y dy = x \sin(x) dx. Integrate both sides: eydy=xsin(x)dx\int e^y dy = \int x \sin(x) dx. The left integral is eye^y. The right integral requires integration by parts. Let u=xu = x and dv=sin(x)dxdv = \sin(x) dx. Then du=dxdu = dx and v=cos(x)v = -\cos(x). The integral is uvvdu=xcos(x)(cos(x))dx=xcos(x)+cos(x)dx=xcos(x)+sin(x)+Cuv - \int v du = -x\cos(x) - \int (-\cos(x)) dx = -x\cos(x) + \int \cos(x) dx = -x\cos(x) + \sin(x) + C. So, ey=sin(x)xcos(x)+Ce^y = \sin(x) - x\cos(x) + C. Taking the natural logarithm gives y=ln(sin(x)xcos(x)+C)y = \ln(\sin(x) - x\cos(x) + C).

Question 14

An implicit form of the general solution to dydxx=y3\frac{dy}{dx} \sqrt{x} = y^3 for x>0x > 0 is given by:

  1. y^2 = \frac{1}{C - 4\sqrt{x}} (correct answer)
  2. y^2 = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{x} + C}
  3. y^{-2} = C - 2\sqrt{x}
  4. y^{-4} = C - \frac{2}{3}x^{-3/2}
Explanation: Rearrange and separate variables: y3dy=x1/2dxy^{-3} dy = x^{-1/2} dx. Integrate both sides: y3dy=x1/2dx\int y^{-3} dy = \int x^{-1/2} dx. This gives y22=x1/21/2+C1\frac{y^{-2}}{-2} = \frac{x^{1/2}}{1/2} + C_1, which simplifies to 12y2=2x+C1-\frac{1}{2y^2} = 2\sqrt{x} + C_1. Multiply by -2: 1y2=4x2C1\frac{1}{y^2} = -4\sqrt{x} - 2C_1. Let C=2C1C = -2C_1, a new arbitrary constant. Then 1y2=C4x\frac{1}{y^2} = C - 4\sqrt{x}. Inverting both sides gives y2=1C4xy^2 = \frac{1}{C - 4\sqrt{x}}.

Question 15

Find the general solution to the differential equation xdydx2y=xyx \frac{dy}{dx} - 2y = xy.

  1. y = A e^{x} x^2 (correct answer)
  2. y = e^{x} + x^2 + C
  3. y = A(x+2)^2 e^x
  4. y = Ax^2 + e^x
Explanation: The differential equation can be rewritten as xdydx=y(x+2)x \frac{dy}{dx} = y(x+2). This is a separable equation. We separate the variables to get 1ydy=x+2xdx\frac{1}{y} dy = \frac{x+2}{x} dx. Integrating both sides gives 1ydy=(1+2x)dx\int \frac{1}{y} dy = \int (1 + \frac{2}{x}) dx. This yields lny=x+2lnx+C1\ln|y| = x + 2\ln|x| + C_1. Exponentiating both sides, we get y=ex+2lnx+C1=exe2lnxeC1=exeln(x2)eC1=Cexx2|y| = e^{x + 2\ln|x| + C_1} = e^x \cdot e^{2\ln|x|} \cdot e^{C_1} = e^x \cdot e^{\ln(x^2)} \cdot e^{C_1} = C e^x x^2. Replacing the constant CC with AA gives the general solution y=Aexx2y = A e^{x} x^2.

Question 16

The general solution to the differential equation y=x2y24x2y' = x^2 y^2 - 4x^2 is given by which of the following?

  1. -\frac{1}{y-2} = \frac{x^3}{3} + C
  2. \frac{1}{2} \ln|\frac{y-2}{y+2}| = \frac{x^3}{3} + C
  3. \arctan(y2\frac{y}{2}) = \frac{x^3}{3} + C
  4. \frac{1}{4} \ln|\frac{y-2}{y+2}| = \frac{x^3}{3} + C (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter a differential equation like y=x2y24x2y' = x^2 y^2 - 4x^2, look for opportunities to factor and use separation of variables. Notice that you can factor out x2x^2 from the right side: y=x2(y24)y' = x^2(y^2 - 4). Since y24=(y2)(y+2)y^2 - 4 = (y-2)(y+2), the equation becomes dydx=x2(y2)(y+2)\frac{dy}{dx} = x^2(y-2)(y+2). Now separate variables: dy(y2)(y+2)=x2dx\frac{dy}{(y-2)(y+2)} = x^2 dx. To integrate the left side, use partial fraction decomposition. Set 1(y2)(y+2)=Ay2+By+2\frac{1}{(y-2)(y+2)} = \frac{A}{y-2} + \frac{B}{y+2}. Solving gives A=14A = \frac{1}{4} and B=14B = -\frac{1}{4}, so 1(y2)(y+2)=14(1y21y+2)\frac{1}{(y-2)(y+2)} = \frac{1}{4}\left(\frac{1}{y-2} - \frac{1}{y+2}\right). Integrating both sides: 14lny214lny+2=x33+C\frac{1}{4}\ln|y-2| - \frac{1}{4}\ln|y+2| = \frac{x^3}{3} + C. Using logarithm properties, this simplifies to 14lny2y+2=x33+C\frac{1}{4}\ln\left|\frac{y-2}{y+2}\right| = \frac{x^3}{3} + C, which matches option D. Option A results from incorrectly attempting separation without partial fractions. Option B has the wrong coefficient (12\frac{1}{2} instead of 14\frac{1}{4}), likely from errors in the partial fraction decomposition. Option C suggests using inverse tangent, which would only apply if the denominator were y2+4y^2 + 4, not y24y^2 - 4. Remember: when you see y2a2y^2 - a^2 in denominators, think partial fractions leading to logarithmic solutions, not inverse trigonometric functions.

Question 17

Which of the following implicitly defines the general solution to the differential equation dydt=tty+y\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{t}{ty+y}?

  1. \frac{y^2}{2} = \ln|t+1| + C
  2. y^2 = \ln|t+1| + C
  3. \frac{y^2}{2} = t - \ln|t+1| + C (correct answer)
  4. \frac{y^2}{2} = \arctan(t) + C
Explanation: First, factor the denominator: dydt=ty(t+1)\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{t}{y(t+1)}. This is a separable equation. Separate the variables: ydy=tt+1dty dy = \frac{t}{t+1} dt. To integrate the right side, use polynomial long division or substitution u=t+1u=t+1, t=u1t=u-1. tt+1dt=u1udu=(11u)du=ulnu=(t+1)lnt+1\int \frac{t}{t+1} dt = \int \frac{u-1}{u} du = \int (1 - \frac{1}{u}) du = u - \ln|u| = (t+1) - \ln|t+1|. So, integrating both sides of the separated equation yields y22=t+1lnt+1+C1\frac{y^2}{2} = t+1 - \ln|t+1| + C_1. Since C1C_1 is an arbitrary constant, C=C1+1C = C_1+1 is also an arbitrary constant. Therefore, the solution is y22=tlnt+1+C\frac{y^2}{2} = t - \ln|t+1| + C.

Question 18

Determine the general solution to the differential equation dPdt=aPbP2\frac{dP}{dt} = aP - bP^2, where aa and bb are positive constants.

  1. P(t) = \frac{a}{b} - C e^{-at}
  2. P(t) = \frac{a/b}{C + e^{-at}}
  3. \ln|aP - bP^2| = t + C
  4. P(t) = \frac{a}{b + C e^{-at}} (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter a differential equation like dPdt=aPbP2\frac{dP}{dt} = aP - bP^2, recognize this as a separable differential equation that can also be solved using partial fractions. This particular form often models population growth with limiting factors. To solve this, first separate variables by factoring: dPdt=P(abP)\frac{dP}{dt} = P(a - bP). This gives us dPP(abP)=dt\frac{dP}{P(a - bP)} = dt. The left side requires partial fraction decomposition: 1P(abP)=AP+BabP\frac{1}{P(a - bP)} = \frac{A}{P} + \frac{B}{a - bP}. Solving for coefficients gives us 1a(1P+babP)\frac{1}{a}\left(\frac{1}{P} + \frac{b}{a - bP}\right). Integrating both sides: 1a[lnPlnabP]=t+C1\frac{1}{a}[\ln|P| - \ln|a - bP|] = t + C_1, which simplifies to lnPabP=at+C2\ln\left|\frac{P}{a - bP}\right| = at + C_2. Exponentiating and solving for P yields P(t)=ab+CeatP(t) = \frac{a}{b + Ce^{-at}}, confirming answer D. Answer A has the wrong functional form entirely—it's linear rather than rational. Answer B has the exponential term in the wrong location in the denominator. Answer C represents an intermediate step before solving for P explicitly, leaving the equation in implicit logarithmic form rather than the explicit solution requested. Study tip: For separable differential equations involving quadratic terms, always check if partial fractions can simplify your integration. Practice recognizing the logistic equation form dPdt=rP(1PK)\frac{dP}{dt} = rP(1 - \frac{P}{K}), as it appears frequently in applications.

Question 19

Find the general solution for the differential equation (1+x2)y2xy2=0(1+x^2)y' - 2xy^2 = 0.

  1. y = \frac{1}{C - \ln(1+x21+x^2)} (correct answer)
  2. y = \frac{1}{\ln(1+x21+x^2) + C}
  3. y = C - \ln(1+x21+x^2)
  4. y = \frac{1}{C - 2\arctan(x)}
Explanation: First, rearrange the equation to (1+x2)dydx=2xy2(1+x^2)\frac{dy}{dx} = 2xy^2. Separate the variables: 1y2dy=2x1+x2dx\frac{1}{y^2} dy = \frac{2x}{1+x^2} dx. Integrate both sides: y2dy=2x1+x2dx\int y^{-2} dy = \int \frac{2x}{1+x^2} dx. The left side gives y1-y^{-1}. For the right side, use u-substitution with u=1+x2u = 1+x^2, du=2xdxdu = 2x dx, so the integral is 1udu=lnu=ln(1+x2)\int \frac{1}{u} du = \ln|u| = \ln(1+x^2). The equation is 1y=ln(1+x2)+C1-\frac{1}{y} = \ln(1+x^2) + C_1. Multiply by -1: 1y=ln(1+x2)C1\frac{1}{y} = -\ln(1+x^2) - C_1. Let C=C1C = -C_1. Then 1y=Cln(1+x2)\frac{1}{y} = C - \ln(1+x^2). Finally, take the reciprocal to find y=1Cln(1+x2)y = \frac{1}{C - \ln(1+x^2)}. Note that choice B is equivalent if C is replaced by -C, but the direct algebraic path leads to A.

Question 20

What is the general solution for the differential equation ysin(y)=cos(x)sin(x)y' \sin(y) = \cos(x) - \sin(x)?

  1. \frac{1}{2}\sin^2(y) = \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C
  2. \cos(y) = \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C
  3. -\cos(y) = -\sin(x) - \cos(x) + C
  4. -\cos(y) = \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C (correct answer)
Explanation: This is a separable differential equation, which means you can separate the variables and integrate both sides. When you see an equation where you can get all terms involving yy on one side and all terms involving xx on the other, separation of variables is your go-to method. Starting with ysin(y)=cos(x)sin(x)y' \sin(y) = \cos(x) - \sin(x), rewrite yy' as dydx\frac{dy}{dx} and separate: sin(y)dy=(cos(x)sin(x))dx\sin(y) \, dy = (\cos(x) - \sin(x)) \, dx. Now integrate both sides. The left side gives sin(y)dy=cos(y)\int \sin(y) \, dy = -\cos(y). The right side gives (cos(x)sin(x))dx=sin(x)(cos(x))=sin(x)+cos(x)\int (\cos(x) - \sin(x)) \, dx = \sin(x) - (-\cos(x)) = \sin(x) + \cos(x). Therefore: cos(y)=sin(x)+cos(x)+C-\cos(y) = \sin(x) + \cos(x) + C, which is answer D. Answer A incorrectly uses 12sin2(y)\frac{1}{2}\sin^2(y) as the antiderivative of sin(y)\sin(y), but the correct antiderivative is cos(y)-\cos(y). Answer B has the correct form for the right side but uses cos(y)\cos(y) instead of cos(y)-\cos(y), missing the negative sign from integration. Answer C gets the left side correct as cos(y)-\cos(y), but incorrectly integrates the right side as sin(x)cos(x)-\sin(x) - \cos(x), putting negative signs where they don't belong. Remember: when integrating sin(y)\sin(y), you get cos(y)-\cos(y), and when integrating cos(x)sin(x)\cos(x) - \sin(x), you get sin(x)+cos(x)\sin(x) + \cos(x). Double-check your antiderivatives—they're where most errors occur in separable equations.