Home

Tutoring

Subjects

Live Classes

Study Coach

Essay Review

On-Demand Courses

Colleges

Games


Sign up

Log in

Opening subject page...

Loading your content

Practice

  • All Subjects
  • Algebra Flashcards
  • SAT Math Practice Tests
  • Math Question of the Day
  • Live Classes
  • On-Demand Courses

Varsity Tutors

  • Find a Tutor
  • Test Prep
  • Online Classes
  • K-12 Learning
  • College Search
  • VarsityTutors.com

© 2026 Varsity Tutors. All rights reserved.

← Back to quizzes

Differential Equations Quiz

Differential Equations Quiz: Solving Separable Equations

Practice Solving Separable Equations in Differential Equations with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

Question 1 / 20

0 of 20 answered

Consider the initial value problem dydx=2xy2,y(0)=1\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x y^2, \quad y(0) = 1dxdy​=2xy2,y(0)=1 The solution y(x)y(x)y(x) is defined on a maximal open interval (a,b)(a, b)(a,b) containing x=0x=0x=0. What is this interval?

Select an answer to continue

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Solving Separable Equations, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Differential Equations.

How to use this quiz

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.

All questions

Question 1

Consider the initial value problem dydx=2xy2,y(0)=1\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x y^2, \quad y(0) = 1dxdy​=2xy2,y(0)=1 The solution y(x)y(x)y(x) is defined on a maximal open interval (a,b)(a, b)(a,b) containing x=0x=0x=0. What is this interval?

  1. (−∞,∞)(-\infty, \infty)(−∞,∞)
  2. (−1,1)(-1, 1)(−1,1) (correct answer)
  3. (1,∞)(1, \infty)(1,∞)
  4. (0,1)(0, 1)(0,1)

Explanation: To solve the differential equation, we separate variables: dyy2=2x dx\frac{dy}{y^2} = 2x \, dxy2dy​=2xdx Integrating both sides gives: ∫y−2 dy=∫2x dx\int y^{-2} \, dy = \int 2x \, dx∫y−2dy=∫2xdx −y−1=x2+C-y^{-1} = x^2 + C−y−1=x2+C −1y=x2+C\frac{-1}{y} = x^2 + Cy−1​=x2+C Now, we apply the initial condition y(0)=1y(0) = 1y(0)=1: −11=02+C  ⟹  C=−1\frac{-1}{1} = 0^2 + C \implies C = -11−1​=02+C⟹C=−1 Substituting C=−1C=-1C=−1 back into the equation gives the particular solution: −1y=x2−1\frac{-1}{y} = x^2 - 1y−1​=x2−1 Solving for y(x)y(x)y(x), we get: y(x)=−1x2−1=11−x2y(x) = \frac{-1}{x^2 - 1} = \frac{1}{1 - x^2}y(x)=x2−1−1​=1−x21​ The solution is defined for all xxx such that the denominator is not zero, i.e., 1−x2≠01 - x^2 \neq 01−x2=0, which means x≠±1x \neq \pm 1x=±1. This breaks the domain into three intervals: (−∞,−1)(-\infty, -1)(−∞,−1), (−1,1)(-1, 1)(−1,1), and (1,∞)(1, \infty)(1,∞). The maximal open interval of existence for the solution to an initial value problem must contain the initial point, which is x=0x=0x=0. The interval containing x=0x=0x=0 is (−1,1)(-1, 1)(−1,1).

  • (A) is incorrect. This would be the domain if the denominator were never zero, for example, if C=1C=1C=1, leading to y=−1/(x2+1)y = -1/(x^2+1)y=−1/(x2+1).
  • (C) is incorrect. While the function is defined on this interval, it does not contain the initial point x=0x=0x=0.
  • (D) is incorrect. This is a subinterval of the correct maximal interval of existence.

Question 2

Consider the initial value problem dydx=ex+y,y(0)=−ln⁡(2)\frac{dy}{dx} = e^{x+y}, \quad y(0) = -\ln(2)dxdy​=ex+y,y(0)=−ln(2) What is the value of y(ln⁡(2))y(\ln(2))y(ln(2))?

  1. −ln⁡(3)-\ln(3)−ln(3)
  2. 000 (correct answer)
  3. 111
  4. ln⁡(3)\ln(3)ln(3)

Explanation: The differential equation can be written as dydx=exey\frac{dy}{dx} = e^x e^ydxdy​=exey. We separate the variables: e−y dy=ex dxe^{-y} \, dy = e^x \, dxe−ydy=exdx Integrating both sides, we get: ∫e−y dy=∫ex dx\int e^{-y} \, dy = \int e^x \, dx∫e−ydy=∫exdx −e−y=ex+C-e^{-y} = e^x + C−e−y=ex+C We use the initial condition y(0)=−ln⁡(2)y(0) = -\ln(2)y(0)=−ln(2) to find CCC: −e−(−ln⁡(2))=e0+C-e^{-(-\ln(2))} = e^0 + C−e−(−ln(2))=e0+C −eln⁡(2)=1+C-e^{\ln(2)} = 1 + C−eln(2)=1+C −2=1+C  ⟹  C=−3-2 = 1 + C \implies C = -3−2=1+C⟹C=−3 The implicit solution is −e−y=ex−3-e^{-y} = e^x - 3−e−y=ex−3, or e−y=3−exe^{-y} = 3 - e^xe−y=3−ex. To find the explicit solution, we take the natural logarithm of both sides: −y=ln⁡(3−ex)-y = \ln(3 - e^x)−y=ln(3−ex) y(x)=−ln⁡(3−ex)y(x) = -\ln(3 - e^x)y(x)=−ln(3−ex) Finally, we evaluate y(ln⁡(2))y(\ln(2))y(ln(2)): y(ln⁡(2))=−ln⁡(3−eln⁡(2))=−ln⁡(3−2)=−ln⁡(1)=0y(\ln(2)) = -\ln(3 - e^{\ln(2)}) = -\ln(3 - 2) = -\ln(1) = 0y(ln(2))=−ln(3−eln(2))=−ln(3−2)=−ln(1)=0

  • (A) results from a sign error in the integration of e−ye^{-y}e−y, i.e., ∫e−ydy=e−y\int e^{-y} dy = e^{-y}∫e−ydy=e−y. This leads to e−y=ex+Ce^{-y} = e^x + Ce−y=ex+C. The IC gives eln⁡(2)=1+C  ⟹  C=1e^{\ln(2)} = 1+C \implies C=1eln(2)=1+C⟹C=1. The solution becomes y(x)=−ln⁡(ex+1)y(x) = -\ln(e^x+1)y(x)=−ln(ex+1), and y(ln⁡(2))=−ln⁡(2+1)=−ln⁡(3)y(\ln(2)) = -\ln(2+1) = -\ln(3)y(ln(2))=−ln(2+1)=−ln(3).
  • (C) results from an algebraic error when solving for yyy from e−y=3−exe^{-y} = 3-e^xe−y=3−ex, such as incorrectly concluding y=1/(3−ex)y = 1/(3-e^x)y=1/(3−ex). This would give y(ln⁡(2))=1/(3−2)=1y(\ln(2)) = 1/(3-2) = 1y(ln(2))=1/(3−2)=1.
  • (D) results from two sign errors, such as integrating e−ye^{-y}e−y incorrectly and also making a sign error when solving for yyy.

Question 3

What is the value of y(π)y(\pi)y(π) for the solution to the initial value problem dydx=(y−1)cos⁡(x),y(0)=1\frac{dy}{dx} = (y-1)\cos(x), \quad y(0)=1dxdy​=(y−1)cos(x),y(0)=1?

  1. 000
  2. 1+e1+e1+e
  3. 222
  4. 111 (correct answer)

Explanation: When you encounter a separable differential equation with an initial condition, your first step is to check if there's an equilibrium solution that might satisfy the initial condition directly. Looking at dydx=(y−1)cos⁡(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = (y-1)\cos(x)dxdy​=(y−1)cos(x) with y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1, notice that when y=1y = 1y=1, the right side equals (1−1)cos⁡(x)=0(1-1)\cos(x) = 0(1−1)cos(x)=0. This means dydx=0\frac{dy}{dx} = 0dxdy​=0, so yyy remains constant. Since the initial condition gives us y(0)=1y(0) = 1y(0)=1, the constant solution y(x)=1y(x) = 1y(x)=1 satisfies both the differential equation and initial condition. Therefore, y(π)=1y(\pi) = 1y(π)=1. To verify this is the unique solution, you could separate variables: dyy−1=cos⁡(x)dx\frac{dy}{y-1} = \cos(x)dxy−1dy​=cos(x)dx. Integrating both sides gives ln⁡∣y−1∣=sin⁡(x)+C\ln|y-1| = \sin(x) + Cln∣y−1∣=sin(x)+C. Applying the initial condition y(0)=1y(0) = 1y(0)=1 would require ln⁡∣1−1∣=ln⁡(0)\ln|1-1| = \ln(0)ln∣1−1∣=ln(0), which is undefined. This confirms that the equilibrium solution y=1y = 1y=1 is indeed the appropriate solution. Choice A (000) might tempt you if you confused this with a different type of equation. Choice B (1+e1+e1+e) could arise from incorrectly handling the integration and exponential operations. Choice C (222) has no clear connection to this problem's structure. Study tip: Always check for equilibrium solutions first when the initial condition makes the derivative zero. These constant solutions often provide the quickest path to the answer and help you avoid unnecessary integration complications.

Question 4

A population y(t)y(t)y(t) is modeled by the logistic-type differential equation dydt=y(4−y)\frac{dy}{dt} = y(4-y)dtdy​=y(4−y). If the initial population is y(0)=2y(0)=2y(0)=2, what is the limiting population as t→∞t \to \inftyt→∞?

  1. 000
  2. 222
  3. 444 (correct answer)
  4. ∞\infty∞

Explanation: We can solve this by separating variables. Note that y=0y=0y=0 and y=4y=4y=4 are equilibrium solutions. Since the initial value is y(0)=2y(0)=2y(0)=2, the solution will not be an equilibrium solution. dyy(4−y)=dt\frac{dy}{y(4-y)} = dty(4−y)dy​=dt We use partial fraction decomposition for the left side: 1y(4−y)=Ay+B4−y  ⟹  1=A(4−y)+By\frac{1}{y(4-y)} = \frac{A}{y} + \frac{B}{4-y} \implies 1 = A(4-y) + Byy(4−y)1​=yA​+4−yB​⟹1=A(4−y)+By Setting y=0y=0y=0 gives 1=4A  ⟹  A=1/41=4A \implies A=1/41=4A⟹A=1/4. Setting y=4y=4y=4 gives 1=4B  ⟹  B=1/41=4B \implies B=1/41=4B⟹B=1/4. So the equation becomes: 14(1y+14−y)dy=dt\frac{1}{4}\left(\frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{4-y}\right) dy = dt41​(y1​+4−y1​)dy=dt Integrating both sides: ∫(1y+14−y)dy=∫4 dt\int \left(\frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{4-y}\right) dy = \int 4 \, dt∫(y1​+4−y1​)dy=∫4dt ln⁡∣y∣−ln⁡∣4−y∣=4t+C1\ln|y| - \ln|4-y| = 4t + C_1ln∣y∣−ln∣4−y∣=4t+C1​ ln⁡∣y4−y∣=4t+C1\ln\left|\frac{y}{4-y}\right| = 4t + C_1ln​4−yy​​=4t+C1​ Exponentiating both sides: y4−y=Ce4t\frac{y}{4-y} = C e^{4t}4−yy​=Ce4t Using the initial condition y(0)=2y(0)=2y(0)=2: 24−2=Ce0  ⟹  1=C\frac{2}{4-2} = C e^0 \implies 1 = C4−22​=Ce0⟹1=C The solution satisfies y4−y=e4t\frac{y}{4-y} = e^{4t}4−yy​=e4t. To find the limit, we solve for yyy: y=(4−y)e4t=4e4t−ye4ty = (4-y)e^{4t} = 4e^{4t} - y e^{4t}y=(4−y)e4t=4e4t−ye4t y(1+e4t)=4e4t  ⟹  y(t)=4e4t1+e4t=4e−4t+1y(1+e^{4t}) = 4e^{4t} \implies y(t) = \frac{4e^{4t}}{1+e^{4t}} = \frac{4}{e^{-4t}+1}y(1+e4t)=4e4t⟹y(t)=1+e4t4e4t​=e−4t+14​ Now we take the limit as t→∞t \to \inftyt→∞: lim⁡t→∞y(t)=lim⁡t→∞4e−4t+1=40+1=4\lim_{t\to\infty} y(t) = \lim_{t\to\infty} \frac{4}{e^{-4t}+1} = \frac{4}{0+1} = 4limt→∞​y(t)=limt→∞​e−4t+14​=0+14​=4

  • (A) would be the limit if the initial population were between 0 and the other equilibrium solution, but with a different equation structure. For this equation, an initial population of 2 grows towards 4. This answer can arise from a sign error in the setup, leading to y(t)=4/(1+e4t)y(t) = 4/(1+e^{4t})y(t)=4/(1+e4t).
  • (B) is the initial value, not the limiting value.
  • (D) is what a student might guess if they see the term e4te^{4t}e4t and don't correctly simplify the rational expression.

Question 5

Given the initial value problem dydx=1−y2,y(0)=32\frac{dy}{dx} = \sqrt{1-y^2}, \quad y(0) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}dxdy​=1−y2​,y(0)=23​​ find the first positive value of xxx for which y(x)=0y(x)=0y(x)=0.

  1. 2π3\frac{2\pi}{3}32π​ (correct answer)
  2. π3\frac{\pi}{3}3π​
  3. 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6}65π​
  4. 5π3\frac{5\pi}{3}35π​

Explanation: When you encounter a differential equation of the form dydx=1−y2\frac{dy}{dx} = \sqrt{1-y^2}dxdy​=1−y2​, recognize this as a separable equation that's closely related to inverse trigonometric functions. To solve this, separate variables: dy1−y2=dx\frac{dy}{\sqrt{1-y^2}} = dx1−y2​dy​=dx. The left side integrates to arcsin⁡(y)\arcsin(y)arcsin(y), so integrating both sides gives arcsin⁡(y)=x+C\arcsin(y) = x + Carcsin(y)=x+C. Using the initial condition y(0)=32y(0) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}y(0)=23​​: arcsin⁡(32)=0+C\arcsin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = 0 + Carcsin(23​​)=0+C. Since arcsin⁡(32)=π3\arcsin\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \frac{\pi}{3}arcsin(23​​)=3π​, we have C=π3C = \frac{\pi}{3}C=3π​. Therefore, arcsin⁡(y)=x+π3\arcsin(y) = x + \frac{\pi}{3}arcsin(y)=x+3π​, which gives us y=sin⁡(x+π3)y = \sin\left(x + \frac{\pi}{3}\right)y=sin(x+3π​). To find where y(x)=0y(x) = 0y(x)=0, solve sin⁡(x+π3)=0\sin\left(x + \frac{\pi}{3}\right) = 0sin(x+3π​)=0. This occurs when x+π3=nπx + \frac{\pi}{3} = n\pix+3π​=nπ for integer nnn. The first positive solution is when n=1n = 1n=1: x+π3=πx + \frac{\pi}{3} = \pix+3π​=π, so x=2π3x = \frac{2\pi}{3}x=32π​. Looking at the wrong answers: B) π3\frac{\pi}{3}3π​ is the phase shift but not where the function equals zero. C) 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6}65π​ and D) 5π3\frac{5\pi}{3}35π​ correspond to other points on the sine curve but not the first zero. The answer is A) 2π3\frac{2\pi}{3}32π​. Study tip: For differential equations involving 1−y2\sqrt{1-y^2}1−y2​, immediately think inverse trig functions. The key is correctly applying initial conditions to find the phase shift.

Question 6

Find the explicit solution y(x)y(x)y(x) for the initial value problem eyy′−x−xey=0,y(1)=0e^y y' - x - x e^y = 0, \quad y(1)=0eyy′−x−xey=0,y(1)=0

  1. y(x)=x2−12y(x) = \frac{x^2-1}{2}y(x)=2x2−1​
  2. y(x)=ln⁡(2ex2−1−1)y(x) = \ln(2e^{x^2-1} - 1)y(x)=ln(2ex2−1−1)
  3. y(x)=ln⁡(2e(x2−1)/2−1)y(x) = \ln(2e^{(x^2-1)/2} - 1)y(x)=ln(2e(x2−1)/2−1) (correct answer)
  4. y(x)=ln⁡(x2+ln⁡(4)−1)y(x) = \ln(x^2+\ln(4)-1)y(x)=ln(x2+ln(4)−1)

Explanation: First, rearrange the differential equation to separate variables: eydydx=x+xey=x(1+ey)e^y \frac{dy}{dx} = x + xe^y = x(1+e^y)eydxdy​=x+xey=x(1+ey) ey1+eydy=x dx\frac{e^y}{1+e^y} dy = x \, dx1+eyey​dy=xdx Now integrate both sides. For the left side, use the substitution u=1+eyu = 1+e^yu=1+ey, so du=eydydu = e^y dydu=eydy. ∫1udu=∫x dx\int \frac{1}{u} du = \int x \, dx∫u1​du=∫xdx ln⁡∣u∣=x22+C\ln|u| = \frac{x^2}{2} + Cln∣u∣=2x2​+C Substituting back u=1+eyu=1+e^yu=1+ey (which is always positive), we get: ln⁡(1+ey)=x22+C\ln(1+e^y) = \frac{x^2}{2} + Cln(1+ey)=2x2​+C Use the initial condition y(1)=0y(1)=0y(1)=0: ln⁡(1+e0)=122+C\ln(1+e^0) = \frac{1^2}{2} + Cln(1+e0)=212​+C ln⁡(1+1)=12+C\ln(1+1) = \frac{1}{2} + Cln(1+1)=21​+C ln⁡(2)=12+C  ⟹  C=ln⁡(2)−12\ln(2) = \frac{1}{2} + C \implies C = \ln(2) - \frac{1}{2}ln(2)=21​+C⟹C=ln(2)−21​ The implicit solution is ln⁡(1+ey)=x22+ln⁡(2)−12\ln(1+e^y) = \frac{x^2}{2} + \ln(2) - \frac{1}{2}ln(1+ey)=2x2​+ln(2)−21​. To find the explicit solution, we exponentiate both sides: 1+ey=ex22−12+ln⁡(2)=ex2−12⋅eln⁡(2)=2e(x2−1)/21+e^y = e^{\frac{x^2}{2} - \frac{1}{2} + \ln(2)} = e^{\frac{x^2-1}{2}} \cdot e^{\ln(2)} = 2e^{(x^2-1)/2}1+ey=e2x2​−21​+ln(2)=e2x2−1​⋅eln(2)=2e(x2−1)/2 ey=2e(x2−1)/2−1e^y = 2e^{(x^2-1)/2} - 1ey=2e(x2−1)/2−1 y(x)=ln⁡(2e(x2−1)/2−1)y(x) = \ln(2e^{(x^2-1)/2} - 1)y(x)=ln(2e(x2−1)/2−1)

  • (A) results from an incorrect integration of the left side, e.g., if ∫ey1+eydy\int \frac{e^y}{1+e^y} dy∫1+eyey​dy was incorrectly calculated as yyy.
  • (B) results from an incorrect integration of the right side, using ∫xdx=x2\int x dx = x^2∫xdx=x2 instead of x2/2x^2/2x2/2. This leads to C=ln⁡(2)−1C=\ln(2)-1C=ln(2)−1 and y(x)=ln⁡(ex2+ln⁡(2)−1−1)=ln⁡(2ex2−1−1)y(x) = \ln(e^{x^2+\ln(2)-1}-1)=\ln(2e^{x^2-1}-1)y(x)=ln(ex2+ln(2)−1−1)=ln(2ex2−1−1).
  • (D) results from multiple errors, such as forgetting to exponentiate to solve for yyy and making an integration error like ∫xdx=x2\int x dx = x^2∫xdx=x2.

Question 7

The solution y(x)y(x)y(x) to the initial value problem dydx=2x(y−1)2,y(0)=2\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x(y-1)^2, \quad y(0)=2dxdy​=2x(y−1)2,y(0)=2 has vertical asymptotes at x=ax=ax=a and x=bx=bx=b. Which of the following statements about the solution is true for xxx in the interval (a,b)(a, b)(a,b)?

  1. lim⁡x→1−y(x)=+∞\lim_{x \to 1^-} y(x) = +\inftylimx→1−​y(x)=+∞ (correct answer)
  2. y(x)y(x)y(x) has a local maximum at x=0x=0x=0.
  3. The solution is defined for all real xxx.
  4. lim⁡x→−1+y(x)=−∞\lim_{x \to -1^+} y(x) = -\inftylimx→−1+​y(x)=−∞

Explanation: First, we solve the initial value problem. Separating variables gives: dy(y−1)2=2x dx\frac{dy}{(y-1)^2} = 2x \, dx(y−1)2dy​=2xdx Integrating both sides: ∫(y−1)−2 dy=∫2x dx\int (y-1)^{-2} \, dy = \int 2x \, dx∫(y−1)−2dy=∫2xdx −(y−1)−1=x2+C-(y-1)^{-1} = x^2 + C−(y−1)−1=x2+C Using the initial condition y(0)=2y(0)=2y(0)=2: −(2−1)−1=02+C  ⟹  −1=C-(2-1)^{-1} = 0^2 + C \implies -1 = C−(2−1)−1=02+C⟹−1=C So the particular solution is: −1y−1=x2−1  ⟹  1y−1=1−x2\frac{-1}{y-1} = x^2 - 1 \implies \frac{1}{y-1} = 1 - x^2y−1−1​=x2−1⟹y−11​=1−x2 Solving for y(x)y(x)y(x): y−1=11−x2  ⟹  y(x)=1+11−x2=2−x21−x2y-1 = \frac{1}{1-x^2} \implies y(x) = 1 + \frac{1}{1-x^2} = \frac{2-x^2}{1-x^2}y−1=1−x21​⟹y(x)=1+1−x21​=1−x22−x2​ The solution has vertical asymptotes where the denominator is zero, i.e., at x=±1x=\pm 1x=±1. The interval of existence (a,b)(a, b)(a,b) containing the initial point x=0x=0x=0 is (−1,1)(-1, 1)(−1,1). Now we analyze the given statements.

  • (A) Let's check the limit as x→1−x \to 1^-x→1−. As xxx approaches 1 from the left, x2x^2x2 approaches 1 from the left, so 1−x21-x^21−x2 approaches 0+0^+0+. The numerator 2−x22-x^22−x2 approaches 111. Therefore, lim⁡x→1−y(x)=10+=+∞\lim_{x \to 1^-} y(x) = \frac{1}{0^+} = +\inftylimx→1−​y(x)=0+1​=+∞. This statement is true.
  • (B) To check for a local maximum, we find the derivative, which is given as y′(x)=2x(y−1)2y'(x) = 2x(y-1)^2y′(x)=2x(y−1)2. Substituting our solution for yyy: y′(x)=2x(11−x2)2=2x(1−x2)2y'(x) = 2x\left(\frac{1}{1-x^2}\right)^2 = \frac{2x}{(1-x^2)^2}y′(x)=2x(1−x21​)2=(1−x2)22x​. At x=0x=0x=0, y′(0)=0y'(0)=0y′(0)=0. For xxx near 0, the denominator is positive. If x<0x<0x<0, y′<0y'<0y′<0 (decreasing). If x>0x>0x>0, y′>0y'>0y′>0 (increasing). By the first derivative test, y(x)y(x)y(x) has a local minimum at x=0x=0x=0, so this statement is false.
  • (C) This is false, as there are vertical asymptotes at x=±1x=\pm 1x=±1.
  • (D) Let's check the limit as x→−1+x \to -1^+x→−1+. As xxx approaches -1 from the right, x2x^2x2 approaches 1 from the left, so 1−x21-x^21−x2 approaches 0+0^+0+. The numerator approaches 1. Therefore, lim⁡x→−1+y(x)=10+=+∞\lim_{x \to -1^+} y(x) = \frac{1}{0^+} = +\inftylimx→−1+​y(x)=0+1​=+∞. This statement is false.

Question 8

Given the initial value problem xdydx=y(1+x)x \frac{dy}{dx} = y(1+x)xdxdy​=y(1+x) for x>0x > 0x>0 with y(1)=2ey(1) = 2ey(1)=2e, what is the value of y(2)y(2)y(2)?

  1. 2e2+e2e^2 + e2e2+e
  2. 2e7/22e^{7/2}2e7/2
  3. 4e4e4e
  4. 4e24e^24e2 (correct answer)

Explanation: First, we rearrange the equation to separate the variables. For y≠0y \neq 0y=0 and x>0x > 0x>0: xdydx=y(1+x)x \frac{dy}{dx} = y(1+x)xdxdy​=y(1+x) 1ydydx=1+xx\frac{1}{y} \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1+x}{x}y1​dxdy​=x1+x​ dyy=(1x+1)dx\frac{dy}{y} = \left(\frac{1}{x} + 1\right) dxydy​=(x1​+1)dx Next, we integrate both sides: ∫1ydy=∫(1x+1)dx\int \frac{1}{y} dy = \int \left(\frac{1}{x} + 1\right) dx∫y1​dy=∫(x1​+1)dx ln⁡∣y∣=ln⁡∣x∣+x+C1\ln|y| = \ln|x| + x + C_1ln∣y∣=ln∣x∣+x+C1​ Since x>0x > 0x>0, ∣x∣=x|x|=x∣x∣=x. Exponentiating both sides gives: ∣y∣=eln⁡(x)+x+C1=eln⁡(x)exeC1=xexK|y| = e^{\ln(x) + x + C_1} = e^{\ln(x)} e^x e^{C_1} = x e^x K∣y∣=eln(x)+x+C1​=eln(x)exeC1​=xexK where K=eC1>0K = e^{C_1} > 0K=eC1​>0. This implies y=Cxexy = C x e^xy=Cxex for some constant CCC. We use the initial condition y(1)=2ey(1) = 2ey(1)=2e: 2e=C(1)e1  ⟹  C=22e = C(1)e^1 \implies C = 22e=C(1)e1⟹C=2 The particular solution is y(x)=2xexy(x) = 2xe^xy(x)=2xex. Finally, we evaluate this solution at x=2x=2x=2: y(2)=2(2)e2=4e2y(2) = 2(2)e^2 = 4e^2y(2)=2(2)e2=4e2

  • (A) results from incorrectly handling the constant of integration, assuming a solution of the form y=xex+Cy=xe^x+Cy=xex+C. Applying the IC gives 2e=1e1+C  ⟹  C=e2e=1e^1+C \implies C=e2e=1e1+C⟹C=e, leading to y(2)=2e2+ey(2)=2e^2+ey(2)=2e2+e.
  • (B) results from an incorrect separation of variables, such as dyy=(1+x)dx\frac{dy}{y} = (1+x) dxydy​=(1+x)dx, which leads to an incorrect solution form.
  • (C) results from a calculation error when evaluating the final expression, such as y(2)=2(2)e=4ey(2)=2(2)e=4ey(2)=2(2)e=4e.

Question 9

The solution to the initial value problem dydx=−xy,y(3)=4\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}, \quad y(3)=4dxdy​=−yx​,y(3)=4 describes a curve in the xy-plane. What is the value of yyy on this curve when x=0x=0x=0?

  1. 555 (correct answer)
  2. −5-5−5
  3. ±5\pm 5±5
  4. The solution is not defined at x=0x=0x=0.

Explanation: When you encounter a separable differential equation like this one, your goal is to separate variables and integrate both sides to find the general solution, then apply the initial condition. Starting with dydx=−xy\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}dxdy​=−yx​, you can separate variables by multiplying both sides by yyy and dxdxdx: y dy=−x dxy \, dy = -x \, dxydy=−xdx Integrating both sides: ∫y dy=∫−x dx\int y \, dy = \int -x \, dx∫ydy=∫−xdx, which gives you y22=−x22+C\frac{y^2}{2} = -\frac{x^2}{2} + C2y2​=−2x2​+C Multiplying by 2 and rearranging: y2+x2=2Cy^2 + x^2 = 2Cy2+x2=2C. Let K=2CK = 2CK=2C, so x2+y2=Kx^2 + y^2 = Kx2+y2=K This represents a circle centered at the origin! Now apply the initial condition y(3)=4y(3) = 4y(3)=4: 32+42=K3^2 + 4^2 = K32+42=K, so K=9+16=25K = 9 + 16 = 25K=9+16=25 The solution is therefore x2+y2=25x^2 + y^2 = 25x2+y2=25, a circle with radius 5. When x=0x = 0x=0: 02+y2=250^2 + y^2 = 2502+y2=25, so y2=25y^2 = 25y2=25 and y=±5y = \pm 5y=±5 However, since we have an initial value problem with a specific starting point (3,4)(3,4)(3,4), we're looking at one continuous branch of the solution. The differential equation dydx=−xy\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}dxdy​=−yx​ is undefined when y=0y = 0y=0, which means the solution cannot cross the x-axis. Since we start with y(3)=4>0y(3) = 4 > 0y(3)=4>0, we must stay on the upper semicircle, giving us y=5y = 5y=5 when x=0x = 0x=0. Choice A is correct. Choice B gives the lower semicircle, choice C ignores the initial condition's constraint, and choice D incorrectly assumes the solution breaks down at x=0x = 0x=0. Strategy tip: For initial value problems, always check whether the solution curve can cross regions where the differential equation is undefined—this often determines which branch to choose.

Question 10

A 100-liter tank initially contains brine with 10 kg of salt. Pure water flows into the tank at a rate of 5 L/min. The mixture is kept uniform by stirring and flows out at the same rate. Let A(t)A(t)A(t) be the amount of salt in kg after ttt minutes. How long does it take for the amount of salt in the tank to be reduced to 1 kg?

  1. 10ln⁡(10)10 \ln(10)10ln(10) minutes
  2. 20ln⁡(9)20 \ln(9)20ln(9) minutes
  3. 20ln⁡(10)20 \ln(10)20ln(10) minutes (correct answer)
  4. 181818 minutes

Explanation: The rate of change of salt in the tank is given by dAdt=Rate in−Rate out\frac{dA}{dt} = \text{Rate in} - \text{Rate out}dtdA​=Rate in−Rate out. The rate of salt flowing in is 0, since pure water is entering. Rate in = 0. The rate of salt flowing out depends on the concentration of salt in the tank at time ttt. The volume of the mixture is constant at 100 L. The concentration is A(t)100\frac{A(t)}{100}100A(t)​ kg/L. The mixture flows out at 5 L/min. So, Rate out = 5×A(t)100=A205 \times \frac{A(t)}{100} = \frac{A}{20}5×100A(t)​=20A​ kg/min. The differential equation is dAdt=0−A20=−A20\frac{dA}{dt} = 0 - \frac{A}{20} = -\frac{A}{20}dtdA​=0−20A​=−20A​. This is a separable equation. We solve it: dAA=−120dt\frac{dA}{A} = -\frac{1}{20} dtAdA​=−201​dt Integrating both sides: ln⁡(A)=−t20+C\ln(A) = -\frac{t}{20} + Cln(A)=−20t​+C (We can use AAA instead of ∣A∣|A|∣A∣ since amount of salt is non-negative). Exponentiating gives: A(t)=e−t/20+C=Ke−t/20A(t) = e^{-t/20 + C} = K e^{-t/20}A(t)=e−t/20+C=Ke−t/20 The initial condition is A(0)=10A(0)=10A(0)=10 kg. 10=Ke0  ⟹  K=1010 = K e^0 \implies K=1010=Ke0⟹K=10 The amount of salt at time ttt is A(t)=10e−t/20A(t) = 10e^{-t/20}A(t)=10e−t/20. We want to find the time ttt when A(t)=1A(t)=1A(t)=1 kg. 1=10e−t/201 = 10e^{-t/20}1=10e−t/20 0.1=e−t/200.1 = e^{-t/20}0.1=e−t/20 ln⁡(0.1)=−t20\ln(0.1) = -\frac{t}{20}ln(0.1)=−20t​ ln⁡(1/10)=−t20\ln(1/10) = -\frac{t}{20}ln(1/10)=−20t​ −ln⁡(10)=−t20-\ln(10) = -\frac{t}{20}−ln(10)=−20t​ t=20ln⁡(10)t = 20 \ln(10)t=20ln(10)

  • (A) results from an algebraic error, possibly using 10 instead of 20 when solving for ttt.
  • (B) results from a conceptual error, perhaps by considering the change in salt, 10−1=910-1=910−1=9, and using ln⁡(9)\ln(9)ln(9) instead of ln⁡(10)\ln(10)ln(10).
  • (D) would be the result of assuming a constant rate of decay. The initial rate of salt leaving is 10/20=0.510/20 = 0.510/20=0.5 kg/min. If this rate were constant, the time to lose 9 kg would be 9/0.5=189 / 0.5 = 189/0.5=18 minutes. This linear model is incorrect.

Question 11

The solution to the initial value problem dydx=ex2y+1,y(0)=1\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{e^x}{2y+1}, \quad y(0) = 1dxdy​=2y+1ex​,y(0)=1 satisfies the implicit equation y2+y=ex+1y^2 + y = e^x + 1y2+y=ex+1. For what positive value of xxx is y=2y=2y=2?

  1. ln⁡(4)\ln(4)ln(4)
  2. ln⁡(5)\ln(5)ln(5) (correct answer)
  3. ln⁡(8)\ln(8)ln(8)
  4. 555

Explanation: The problem can be solved in two ways: by verifying the provided implicit solution or by solving from scratch. Let's assume the provided implicit solution is correct (a quick check confirms this: separating gives (2y+1)dy=exdx(2y+1)dy = e^x dx(2y+1)dy=exdx, integrating gives y2+y=ex+Cy^2+y=e^x+Cy2+y=ex+C. With y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1, 12+1=e0+C  ⟹  2=1+C  ⟹  C=11^2+1=e^0+C \implies 2=1+C \implies C=112+1=e0+C⟹2=1+C⟹C=1. So y2+y=ex+1y^2+y=e^x+1y2+y=ex+1 is correct). We are asked to find the value of xxx for which y=2y=2y=2. We substitute y=2y=2y=2 into the implicit solution: (2)2+(2)=ex+1(2)^2 + (2) = e^x + 1(2)2+(2)=ex+1 4+2=ex+14 + 2 = e^x + 14+2=ex+1 6=ex+16 = e^x + 16=ex+1 ex=5e^x = 5ex=5 x=ln⁡(5)x = \ln(5)x=ln(5)

  • (A) would result from making an error in evaluating the constant of integration, for example, by assuming e0=0e^0=0e0=0. This would give C=2C=2C=2 and the equation y2+y=ex+2y^2+y=e^x+2y2+y=ex+2. Setting y=2y=2y=2 gives 6=ex+26=e^x+26=ex+2, so ex=4e^x=4ex=4 and x=ln⁡(4)x=\ln(4)x=ln(4).
  • (C) would result from an integration error, such as integrating ∫(2y+1)dy\int(2y+1)dy∫(2y+1)dy as 2y2+y2y^2+y2y2+y. This would lead to the implicit solution 2y2+y=ex+22y^2+y=e^x+22y2+y=ex+2. Setting y=2y=2y=2 gives 2(4)+2=ex+22(4)+2=e^x+22(4)+2=ex+2, so 10=ex+210=e^x+210=ex+2, ex=8e^x=8ex=8, and x=ln⁡(8)x=\ln(8)x=ln(8).
  • (D) results from the algebraic mistake of concluding x=5x=5x=5 from ex=5e^x=5ex=5.

Question 12

Find the implicit solution to the differential equation dydx=xex2cos⁡(y)\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x e^{x^2}}{\cos(y)}dxdy​=cos(y)xex2​ with the initial condition y(0)=π2y(0) = \frac{\pi}{2}y(0)=2π​.

  1. 2sin⁡(y)=ex2−12\sin(y) = e^{x^2} - 12sin(y)=ex2−1
  2. sin⁡(y)=ex2\sin(y) = e^{x^2}sin(y)=ex2
  3. 2sin⁡(y)=3−ex22\sin(y) = 3 - e^{x^2}2sin(y)=3−ex2
  4. 2sin⁡(y)=ex2+12\sin(y) = e^{x^2} + 12sin(y)=ex2+1 (correct answer)

Explanation: This is a separable differential equation. We can write it as cos⁡(y) dy=xex2 dx\cos(y) \, dy = x e^{x^2} \, dxcos(y)dy=xex2dx. Integrating both sides, we have ∫cos⁡(y) dy=∫xex2 dx\int \cos(y) \, dy = \int x e^{x^2} \, dx∫cos(y)dy=∫xex2dx. The integral of the left side is sin⁡(y)\sin(y)sin(y). For the right side, we use the substitution u=x2u = x^2u=x2, so du=2x dxdu = 2x \, dxdu=2xdx. The integral becomes 12∫eu du=12eu=12ex2\frac{1}{2} \int e^u \, du = \frac{1}{2} e^u = \frac{1}{2} e^{x^2}21​∫eudu=21​eu=21​ex2. So, the general solution is sin⁡(y)=12ex2+C\sin(y) = \frac{1}{2} e^{x^2} + Csin(y)=21​ex2+C. Using the initial condition y(0)=π2y(0) = \frac{\pi}{2}y(0)=2π​, we substitute x=0x=0x=0 and y=π2y=\frac{\pi}{2}y=2π​: sin⁡(π2)=12e02+C\sin(\frac{\pi}{2}) = \frac{1}{2} e^{0^2} + Csin(2π​)=21​e02+C, which gives 1=12(1)+C1 = \frac{1}{2}(1) + C1=21​(1)+C, so C=12C = \frac{1}{2}C=21​. Substituting CCC back, we get sin⁡(y)=12ex2+12\sin(y) = \frac{1}{2} e^{x^2} + \frac{1}{2}sin(y)=21​ex2+21​. Multiplying by 2 gives the implicit solution 2sin⁡(y)=ex2+12\sin(y) = e^{x^2} + 12sin(y)=ex2+1.

Question 13

A tank initially contains 100 L of pure water. A salt solution with a concentration of 0.5 kg/L is pumped into the tank at a rate of 2 L/min. The well-mixed solution is pumped out at the same rate. Let S(t)S(t)S(t) be the amount of salt (in kg) in the tank at time ttt (in minutes). At what time ttt will the amount of salt in the tank reach 40 kg?

  1. 50ln⁡(1.8)50 \ln(1.8)50ln(1.8) minutes
  2. 100ln⁡(5/3)100 \ln(5/3)100ln(5/3) minutes
  3. 50ln⁡(5)50 \ln(5)50ln(5) minutes (correct answer)
  4. 50ln⁡(40)50 \ln(40)50ln(40) minutes

Explanation: The rate of change of salt is dSdt=(rate in)−(rate out)\frac{dS}{dt} = (\text{rate in}) - (\text{rate out})dtdS​=(rate in)−(rate out). The rate in is (0.5 kg/L)×(2 L/min)=1 kg/min(0.5 \text{ kg/L}) \times (2 \text{ L/min}) = 1 \text{ kg/min}(0.5 kg/L)×(2 L/min)=1 kg/min. The concentration in the tank at time ttt is S(t)/100S(t)/100S(t)/100 kg/L. The rate out is (S(t)/100 kg/L)×(2 L/min)=S/50 kg/min(S(t)/100 \text{ kg/L}) \times (2 \text{ L/min}) = S/50 \text{ kg/min}(S(t)/100 kg/L)×(2 L/min)=S/50 kg/min. The differential equation is dSdt=1−S50=50−S50\frac{dS}{dt} = 1 - \frac{S}{50} = \frac{50-S}{50}dtdS​=1−50S​=5050−S​. This is a separable equation: dS50−S=150dt\frac{dS}{50-S} = \frac{1}{50} dt50−SdS​=501​dt. Integrating both sides gives −ln⁡∣50−S∣=t50+C-\ln|50-S| = \frac{t}{50} + C−ln∣50−S∣=50t​+C. The initial condition is S(0)=0S(0)=0S(0)=0 (pure water), so −ln⁡∣50−0∣=C-\ln|50-0| = C−ln∣50−0∣=C, which means C=−ln⁡(50)C = -\ln(50)C=−ln(50). The equation becomes −ln⁡∣50−S∣=t50−ln⁡(50)-\ln|50-S| = \frac{t}{50} - \ln(50)−ln∣50−S∣=50t​−ln(50), or ln⁡(50)−ln⁡∣50−S∣=t50\ln(50) - \ln|50-S| = \frac{t}{50}ln(50)−ln∣50−S∣=50t​. Since SSS will not exceed 50 kg, we can drop the absolute value: ln⁡(5050−S)=t50\ln\left(\frac{50}{50-S}\right) = \frac{t}{50}ln(50−S50​)=50t​. We want to find ttt when S=40S=40S=40: ln⁡(5050−40)=t50\ln\left(\frac{50}{50-40}\right) = \frac{t}{50}ln(50−4050​)=50t​, which simplifies to ln⁡(5)=t50\ln(5) = \frac{t}{50}ln(5)=50t​. Therefore, t=50ln⁡(5)t = 50 \ln(5)t=50ln(5) minutes.

Question 14

Find the implicit solution to the initial value problem (y2+1)dydx=yex(y^2 + 1) \frac{dy}{dx} = y e^x(y2+1)dxdy​=yex with y(0)=1y(0) = 1y(0)=1.

  1. y2+2ln⁡(y)=2ex+1y^2 + 2\ln(y) = 2e^x + 1y2+2ln(y)=2ex+1
  2. y2+2ln⁡(y)=2ex−1y^2 + 2\ln(y) = 2e^x - 1y2+2ln(y)=2ex−1 (correct answer)
  3. y22+y=ex+12\frac{y^2}{2} + y = e^x + \frac{1}{2}2y2​+y=ex+21​
  4. y2−2y2=2ex−3y^2 - \frac{2}{y^2} = 2e^x - 3y2−y22​=2ex−3

Explanation: The differential equation is separable. We separate the variables by dividing by yyy and multiplying by dxdxdx: y2+1ydy=exdx\frac{y^2+1}{y} dy = e^x dxyy2+1​dy=exdx. The left side can be written as (y+1y)dy(y + \frac{1}{y}) dy(y+y1​)dy. Now we integrate both sides: ∫(y+1y)dy=∫exdx\int (y + \frac{1}{y}) dy = \int e^x dx∫(y+y1​)dy=∫exdx. This yields y22+ln⁡∣y∣=ex+C\frac{y^2}{2} + \ln|y| = e^x + C2y2​+ln∣y∣=ex+C. We use the initial condition y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1 to find CCC. Substituting x=0x=0x=0 and y=1y=1y=1: 122+ln⁡∣1∣=e0+C\frac{1^2}{2} + \ln|1| = e^0 + C212​+ln∣1∣=e0+C, which simplifies to 12+0=1+C\frac{1}{2} + 0 = 1 + C21​+0=1+C. Solving for CCC, we get C=−12C = -\frac{1}{2}C=−21​. Since y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1 is positive, we can drop the absolute value for the solution near x=0x=0x=0. The implicit solution is y22+ln⁡(y)=ex−12\frac{y^2}{2} + \ln(y) = e^x - \frac{1}{2}2y2​+ln(y)=ex−21​. To match the answer choices, we multiply the entire equation by 2: y2+2ln⁡(y)=2ex−1y^2 + 2\ln(y) = 2e^x - 1y2+2ln(y)=2ex−1.

Question 15

Find the value of y(1)y(1)y(1) for the solution to the initial value problem dydx−x(y+1)=y+1\frac{dy}{dx} - x(y+1) = y+1dxdy​−x(y+1)=y+1, with y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1.

  1. 2e−12e - 12e−1
  2. e3/2e^{3/2}e3/2
  3. 2e3/2−12e^{3/2} - 12e3/2−1 (correct answer)
  4. 2e3/22e^{3/2}2e3/2

Explanation: First, we rearrange the equation to see if it is separable. dydx=y+1+x(y+1)\frac{dy}{dx} = y+1 + x(y+1)dxdy​=y+1+x(y+1). We can factor out (y+1)(y+1)(y+1) on the right side: dydx=(1+x)(y+1)\frac{dy}{dx} = (1+x)(y+1)dxdy​=(1+x)(y+1). This is a separable equation. We separate the variables to get dyy+1=(1+x)dx\frac{dy}{y+1} = (1+x) dxy+1dy​=(1+x)dx. Now, we integrate both sides: ∫dyy+1=∫(1+x)dx\int \frac{dy}{y+1} = \int (1+x) dx∫y+1dy​=∫(1+x)dx. This gives ln⁡∣y+1∣=x+x22+C\ln|y+1| = x + \frac{x^2}{2} + Cln∣y+1∣=x+2x2​+C. We use the initial condition y(0)=1y(0)=1y(0)=1 to find CCC: ln⁡∣1+1∣=0+022+C\ln|1+1| = 0 + \frac{0^2}{2} + Cln∣1+1∣=0+202​+C, which means ln⁡(2)=C\ln(2) = Cln(2)=C. So, the solution is ln⁡∣y+1∣=x+x22+ln⁡(2)\ln|y+1| = x + \frac{x^2}{2} + \ln(2)ln∣y+1∣=x+2x2​+ln(2). Since y(0)=1>−1y(0)=1> -1y(0)=1>−1, we can drop the absolute value sign. To find y(1)y(1)y(1), we first solve for y(x)y(x)y(x). ln⁡(y+1)−ln⁡(2)=x+x22\ln(y+1) - \ln(2) = x + \frac{x^2}{2}ln(y+1)−ln(2)=x+2x2​, so ln⁡(y+12)=x+x22\ln(\frac{y+1}{2}) = x + \frac{x^2}{2}ln(2y+1​)=x+2x2​. Exponentiating both sides gives y+12=ex+x2/2\frac{y+1}{2} = e^{x + x^2/2}2y+1​=ex+x2/2. Then y(x)=2ex+x2/2−1y(x) = 2e^{x + x^2/2} - 1y(x)=2ex+x2/2−1. Finally, we evaluate at x=1x=1x=1: y(1)=2e1+12/2−1=2e3/2−1y(1) = 2e^{1 + 1^2/2} - 1 = 2e^{3/2} - 1y(1)=2e1+12/2−1=2e3/2−1.

Question 16

Find the general solution to the differential equation ey dx−(ex+1) dy=0e^y \, dx - (e^x + 1) \, dy = 0eydx−(ex+1)dy=0.

  1. e−y=ln⁡(1+e−x)+Ce^{-y} = \ln(1 + e^{-x}) + Ce−y=ln(1+e−x)+C (correct answer)
  2. e−y=−ln⁡(1+e−x)+Ce^{-y} = -\ln(1 + e^{-x}) + Ce−y=−ln(1+e−x)+C
  3. ey=ex+x+Ce^y = e^x + x + Cey=ex+x+C
  4. −e−y=ln⁡(ex+1)+C-e^{-y} = \ln(e^x + 1) + C−e−y=ln(ex+1)+C

Explanation: First, we rearrange the equation to separate the variables. The equation can be written as (ex+1)dy=eydx(e^x + 1) dy = e^y dx(ex+1)dy=eydx. Dividing both sides by eye^yey and (ex+1)(e^x+1)(ex+1), we get dyey=dxex+1\frac{dy}{e^y} = \frac{dx}{e^x+1}eydy​=ex+1dx​, which is e−ydy=1ex+1dxe^{-y} dy = \frac{1}{e^x+1} dxe−ydy=ex+11​dx. We integrate both sides: ∫e−ydy=∫1ex+1dx\int e^{-y} dy = \int \frac{1}{e^x+1} dx∫e−ydy=∫ex+11​dx. The left side integral is −e−y-e^{-y}−e−y. The right side integral is less straightforward. A useful trick is to multiply the numerator and denominator by e−xe^{-x}e−x: ∫e−xe−x(ex+1)dx=∫e−x1+e−xdx\int \frac{e^{-x}}{e^{-x}(e^x+1)} dx = \int \frac{e^{-x}}{1+e^{-x}} dx∫e−x(ex+1)e−x​dx=∫1+e−xe−x​dx. Now, we can use a substitution u=1+e−xu = 1+e^{-x}u=1+e−x, which gives du=−e−xdxdu = -e^{-x} dxdu=−e−xdx. The integral becomes ∫−duu=−ln⁡∣u∣=−ln⁡∣1+e−x∣\int \frac{-du}{u} = -\ln|u| = -\ln|1+e^{-x}|∫u−du​=−ln∣u∣=−ln∣1+e−x∣. Since 1+e−x1+e^{-x}1+e−x is always positive, this is −ln⁡(1+e−x)-\ln(1+e^{-x})−ln(1+e−x). Equating the results of the integration: −e−y=−ln⁡(1+e−x)+C-e^{-y} = -\ln(1+e^{-x}) + C−e−y=−ln(1+e−x)+C. Multiplying by -1 gives e−y=ln⁡(1+e−x)−Ce^{-y} = \ln(1+e^{-x}) - Ce−y=ln(1+e−x)−C. Since CCC is an arbitrary constant, we can write this as e−y=ln⁡(1+e−x)+Ce^{-y} = \ln(1+e^{-x}) + Ce−y=ln(1+e−x)+C.

Question 17

Let y(x)y(x)y(x) be the solution to the initial value problem dydx=−xy\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}dxdy​=−yx​ with y(0)=3y(0) = 3y(0)=3. What is the largest open interval on which the solution y(x)y(x)y(x) is defined?

  1. (−∞,∞)(-\infty, \infty)(−∞,∞)
  2. [−3,3][-3, 3][−3,3]
  3. (−3,3)(-3, 3)(−3,3) (correct answer)
  4. (0,∞)(0, \infty)(0,∞)

Explanation: The equation is separable: y dy=−x dxy \, dy = -x \, dxydy=−xdx. Integrating both sides gives ∫y dy=∫−x dx\int y \, dy = \int -x \, dx∫ydy=∫−xdx, which results in y22=−x22+C\frac{y^2}{2} = -\frac{x^2}{2} + C2y2​=−2x2​+C. We can write this as x2+y2=2Cx^2 + y^2 = 2Cx2+y2=2C. Let K=2CK=2CK=2C. Using the initial condition y(0)=3y(0)=3y(0)=3, we find 02+32=K0^2 + 3^2 = K02+32=K, so K=9K=9K=9. The implicit solution is the circle x2+y2=9x^2 + y^2 = 9x2+y2=9. To find the explicit solution y(x)y(x)y(x), we solve for yyy: y2=9−x2y^2 = 9 - x^2y2=9−x2, so y(x)=±9−x2y(x) = \pm \sqrt{9-x^2}y(x)=±9−x2​. Since the initial condition is y(0)=3y(0)=3y(0)=3 (which is positive), we must take the positive root: y(x)=9−x2y(x) = \sqrt{9-x^2}y(x)=9−x2​. The function y(x)y(x)y(x) is defined when the term inside the square root is non-negative, i.e., 9−x2≥09-x^2 \ge 09−x2≥0, or x2≤9x^2 \le 9x2≤9, which corresponds to the closed interval [−3,3][-3, 3][−3,3]. However, the original differential equation dydx=−xy\frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{x}{y}dxdy​=−yx​ is undefined when y=0y=0y=0. The values of xxx for which y=0y=0y=0 are x=−3x=-3x=−3 and x=3x=3x=3. Therefore, the solution is only differentiable on the open interval (−3,3)(-3, 3)(−3,3). The largest open interval containing the initial point x=0x=0x=0 on which the solution is defined and differentiable is (−3,3)(-3, 3)(−3,3).

Question 18

The differential equation dydx=12(y2−1)\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{2}(y^2 - 1)dxdy​=21​(y2−1) has two constant solutions, y=1y=1y=1 and y=−1y=-1y=−1. A particular solution to this equation passes through the point (0,3)(0, 3)(0,3). Which of the following statements is true about this particular solution y(x)y(x)y(x)?

  1. The solution y(x)y(x)y(x) is defined for all real numbers xxx.
  2. The solution is always increasing on its interval of existence. (correct answer)
  3. lim⁡x→∞y(x)=−1\lim_{x \to \infty} y(x) = -1limx→∞​y(x)=−1.
  4. The solution y(x)y(x)y(x) approaches the constant solution y=1y=1y=1 as x→∞x \to \inftyx→∞.

Explanation: First, we solve the initial value problem. Separating variables gives dyy2−1=12dx\frac{dy}{y^2 - 1} = \frac{1}{2} dxy2−1dy​=21​dx. Using partial fraction decomposition, 1y2−1=1/2y−1−1/2y+1\frac{1}{y^2 - 1} = \frac{1/2}{y-1} - \frac{1/2}{y+1}y2−11​=y−11/2​−y+11/2​. Integrating gives 12∫(1y−1−1y+1)dy=∫12dx\frac{1}{2} \int (\frac{1}{y-1} - \frac{1}{y+1}) dy = \int \frac{1}{2} dx21​∫(y−11​−y+11​)dy=∫21​dx, which yields ln⁡∣y−1∣−ln⁡∣y+1∣=x+C\ln|y-1| - \ln|y+1| = x + Cln∣y−1∣−ln∣y+1∣=x+C, or ln⁡∣y−1y+1∣=x+C\ln\left|\frac{y-1}{y+1}\right| = x + Cln​y+1y−1​​=x+C. Given y(0)=3y(0)=3y(0)=3, we have ln⁡∣3−13+1∣=0+C\ln\left|\frac{3-1}{3+1}\right| = 0+Cln​3+13−1​​=0+C, so C=ln⁡(1/2)=−ln⁡(2)C = \ln(1/2) = -\ln(2)C=ln(1/2)=−ln(2). The solution is y−1y+1=ex−ln⁡(2)=12ex\frac{y-1}{y+1} = e^{x-\ln(2)} = \frac{1}{2}e^xy+1y−1​=ex−ln(2)=21​ex. Solving for y(x)y(x)y(x), we find y(x)=2+ex2−exy(x) = \frac{2+e^x}{2-e^x}y(x)=2−ex2+ex​. The solution has a vertical asymptote where 2−ex=02-e^x = 02−ex=0, i.e., at x=ln⁡(2)x=\ln(2)x=ln(2). Since the initial condition is at x=0x=0x=0, the interval of existence is (−∞,ln⁡(2))(-\infty, \ln(2))(−∞,ln(2)). Thus, statement (A) is false. Statement (C) is false because the limit is taken outside the domain of the solution. To check statement (B), we find the derivative of the solution: y′(x)=ex(2−ex)−(2+ex)(−ex)(2−ex)2=4ex(2−ex)2y'(x) = \frac{e^x(2-e^x) - (2+e^x)(-e^x)}{(2-e^x)^2} = \frac{4e^x}{(2-e^x)^2}y′(x)=(2−ex)2ex(2−ex)−(2+ex)(−ex)​=(2−ex)24ex​. Since ex>0e^x > 0ex>0 and (2−ex)2>0(2-e^x)^2 > 0(2−ex)2>0 on the interval of existence, y′(x)>0y'(x) > 0y′(x)>0. Therefore, the solution is always increasing. Statement (D) is false; as x→−∞x \to -\inftyx→−∞, y(x)→2+02−0=1y(x) \to \frac{2+0}{2-0} = 1y(x)→2−02+0​=1.

Question 19

Consider the solution y(x)y(x)y(x) to the initial value problem dydx=y(2−y)\frac{dy}{dx} = y(2-y)dxdy​=y(2−y) with y(0)=0.5y(0) = 0.5y(0)=0.5. Determine the value of lim⁡x→∞y(x)\lim_{x \to \infty} y(x)limx→∞​y(x).

  1. 222 (correct answer)
  2. 0.50.50.5
  3. 000
  4. The limit does not exist.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of autonomous differential equations and their long-term behavior. When you see an equation of the form dydx=f(y)\frac{dy}{dx} = f(y)dxdy​=f(y) where the right side depends only on yyy (not xxx), you should immediately think about equilibrium solutions and phase analysis. The differential equation dydx=y(2−y)\frac{dy}{dx} = y(2-y)dxdy​=y(2−y) has equilibrium points where the derivative equals zero: y(2−y)=0y(2-y) = 0y(2−y)=0, giving us y=0y = 0y=0 and y=2y = 2y=2. To determine stability, examine the sign of dydx\frac{dy}{dx}dxdy​ in different regions. For 0<y<20 < y < 20<y<2, we have y>0y > 0y>0 and (2−y)>0(2-y) > 0(2−y)>0, so dydx>0\frac{dy}{dx} > 0dxdy​>0, meaning yyy is increasing. For y>2y > 2y>2, we have y>0y > 0y>0 but (2−y)<0(2-y) < 0(2−y)<0, so dydx<0\frac{dy}{dx} < 0dxdy​<0, meaning yyy is decreasing. Since our initial condition is y(0)=0.5y(0) = 0.5y(0)=0.5, which lies between 0 and 2, the solution will increase toward the stable equilibrium at y=2y = 2y=2. Choice A (222) is correct because y=2y = 2y=2 is the stable equilibrium that attracts all solutions starting between 0 and 2. Choice B (0.50.50.5) incorrectly assumes the solution remains constant at its initial value, ignoring that dydx≠0\frac{dy}{dx} \neq 0dxdy​=0 when y=0.5y = 0.5y=0.5. Choice C (000) would only be correct if the initial condition were negative, as y=0y = 0y=0 repels solutions away from it. Choice D is wrong because autonomous equations with bounded solutions always approach equilibrium points. Study tip: For autonomous equations, always find equilibrium points first, then use phase analysis to determine which equilibria attract or repel solutions based on your initial condition.

Question 20

Solve the initial value problem xdydx=yln⁡(x)x \frac{dy}{dx} = y \ln(x)xdxdy​=yln(x) with the initial condition y(e)=2y(e) = 2y(e)=2.

  1. y(x)=2exp⁡((ln⁡x)2+12)y(x) = 2 \exp\left(\frac{(\ln x)^2 + 1}{2}\right)y(x)=2exp(2(lnx)2+1​)
  2. y(x)=exp⁡((ln⁡x)22)+2−ey(x) = \exp\left(\frac{(\ln x)^2}{2}\right) + 2 - \sqrt{e}y(x)=exp(2(lnx)2​)+2−e​
  3. y(x)=2exp⁡((ln⁡x)2−1)y(x) = 2 \exp\left((\ln x)^2 - 1\right)y(x)=2exp((lnx)2−1)
  4. y(x)=2exp⁡((ln⁡x)2−12)y(x) = 2 \exp\left(\frac{(\ln x)^2 - 1}{2}\right)y(x)=2exp(2(lnx)2−1​) (correct answer)

Explanation: The differential equation is separable. We separate the variables to get dyy=ln⁡(x)xdx\frac{dy}{y} = \frac{\ln(x)}{x} dxydy​=xln(x)​dx. Integrating both sides gives ∫dyy=∫ln⁡(x)xdx\int \frac{dy}{y} = \int \frac{\ln(x)}{x} dx∫ydy​=∫xln(x)​dx. The left side is ln⁡∣y∣\ln|y|ln∣y∣. For the right side, we use substitution u=ln⁡(x)u = \ln(x)u=ln(x), so du=1xdxdu = \frac{1}{x} dxdu=x1​dx. The integral becomes ∫u du=u22=(ln⁡x)22\int u \, du = \frac{u^2}{2} = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2}∫udu=2u2​=2(lnx)2​. Thus, we have ln⁡∣y∣=(ln⁡x)22+C\ln|y| = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} + Cln∣y∣=2(lnx)2​+C. Using the initial condition y(e)=2y(e)=2y(e)=2, we get ln⁡(2)=(ln⁡e)22+C\ln(2) = \frac{(\ln e)^2}{2} + Cln(2)=2(lne)2​+C, which simplifies to ln⁡(2)=12+C\ln(2) = \frac{1}{2} + Cln(2)=21​+C. So, C=ln⁡(2)−12C = \ln(2) - \frac{1}{2}C=ln(2)−21​. The solution is ln⁡∣y∣=(ln⁡x)22+ln⁡(2)−12\ln|y| = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} + \ln(2) - \frac{1}{2}ln∣y∣=2(lnx)2​+ln(2)−21​. Since y(e)=2>0y(e)=2>0y(e)=2>0, we can drop the absolute value. Rearranging gives ln⁡(y)−ln⁡(2)=(ln⁡x)22−12\ln(y) - \ln(2) = \frac{(\ln x)^2}{2} - \frac{1}{2}ln(y)−ln(2)=2(lnx)2​−21​, so ln⁡(y2)=(ln⁡x)2−12\ln(\frac{y}{2}) = \frac{(\ln x)^2 - 1}{2}ln(2y​)=2(lnx)2−1​. Exponentiating both sides, we get y2=exp⁡((ln⁡x)2−12)\frac{y}{2} = \exp\left(\frac{(\ln x)^2 - 1}{2}\right)2y​=exp(2(lnx)2−1​), which gives the final solution y(x)=2exp⁡((ln⁡x)2−12)y(x) = 2 \exp\left(\frac{(\ln x)^2 - 1}{2}\right)y(x)=2exp(2(lnx)2−1​).