Differential equations/Integrating factors

From Wikiversity
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Educational level: this is a tertiary (university) resource.
Type classification: this is a lesson resource.
Subject classification: this is a mathematics resource.
Completion status: this resource is ~25% complete.

Definition[edit | edit source]

If the expression is not exact or homogeneous, an integrating factor can be found so that the equation:



is exact.

Solution[edit | edit source]

There are 2 approaches to a solution.

  1. If the function is of the form , then the integrating factor is .

    OR

    If the function is of the standard form , then the integrating factor is or .
  2. Substitute the integration factor into the equation and solve.