2.

4
a
Non-Exact
Differential
Equations
Outline
2.4 Non Exact Differential Equations
2.4.1 Determination of Integrating Factors
2.4.2 Integrating Factors Determined by Inspection
2.4.3 Example Problems
2.4.4 Supplementary Problems

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify differential equations if it is non-exact;

2. Find (manually, numerically) solutions to differential equations, systems of differential
equations, and initial-value problems by method of non-exact differential equations;
and
3. Interpret solutions to differential equations, systems of differential equations, and
initial-value problems by method of non-exact differential equations.

2.4 NON-EXACT DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In the differential equation M ( x, y ) dx + N ( x, y ) dy = 0  Eq.1 , if 𝜕𝑀
𝜕𝑦
≠
𝜕𝑁
𝜕𝑥
the equation
is said to be non-exact. It is however possible to some few special cases that the
multiplication of each term in the given Eq.1 by a function ∅(𝑥, 𝑦) will reduce it to an exact
differential equation or
𝑀∅𝑑𝑥 + 𝑁∅𝑑𝑦 = 0
such that
𝜕(𝑀∅) 𝜕(𝑁∅)
=
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
where ∅(𝑥, 𝑦) is called the integrating factor.

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 1

 2.4.1 DETERMINATION OF THE INTEGRATING FACTORS

The few special cases where the determination of the integrating factor are
relatively simple are the following:

Case 1: When the integrating factor is a function of x alone, or

∅ = ∅(𝑥)
1 𝜕𝑀 𝜕𝑁
𝑓(𝑥) = ( − )
𝑁 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

Then the integrating factor is:

∅ = 𝑒 ∫ 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥

Case 2: When the integrating factor is a function of y alone, or

∅ = ∅(𝑦)
1 𝜕𝑁 𝜕𝑀
𝑔(𝑦) = ( − )
𝑀 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Then the integrating factor is:

∅ = 𝑒 ∫ 𝑔(𝑦)𝑑𝑦

Case 3: When the integrating factor is the product of powers of the variables x
and y, or
∅ = 𝑥 𝑚 𝑦𝑛
𝑀𝑛 𝑁𝑚 𝜕𝑁 𝜕𝑀
− = −
𝑦 𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

where m and n are constant values. Then the integrating factor is:

∅ = 𝑥 𝑚 𝑦𝑛

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 2

2.4.2 INTEGRATING FACTORS DETERMINED BY INSPECTION
There are some differential equations which are very simple enough to enable
the determination of integrating factors by inspection. This is based on the ability to
recognize certain integrable combinations commonly occurring in the equations.
By some integrable combinations which are commonly encountered in
differential equations are listed below:

1. 𝑑(𝑥𝑦) = 𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑦𝑑𝑥

𝑥 𝑥𝑑𝑦−𝑦𝑑𝑥
2. 𝑑 (𝑦) = − 𝑦2
𝑦 𝑥𝑑𝑦−𝑦𝑑𝑥
3. 𝑑 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥2
−1 𝑦 𝑥𝑑𝑦−𝑦𝑑𝑥
4. 𝑑 (𝑡𝑎𝑛 )=
𝑥 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
1 𝑥+𝑦 𝑥𝑑𝑦−𝑦𝑑𝑥
5. 𝑑 (2 𝑙𝑛 𝑥−𝑦) = 𝑥 2 −𝑦 2
𝑦2 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦−𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥
6. 𝑑(𝑥) = 𝑥2
𝑥2 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑦−𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
7. 𝑑(𝑦) = 𝑦2

2.4.3 EXAMPLE PROBLEMS

PROBLEM 1

Given : ( 4 xy + 3 y 2 − x ) dx + x ( x + 2 y ) dy = 0
Solution
M = 4 xy + 3 y 2 − x N = x 2 + 2 xy
M N
= 4x + 6 y = 2x + 2 y
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x

Solve  :
1)try case 1:
1  M N 
 = e
f ( x ) dx
where f ( x ) =  − 
N  y x 

2x + 4 y 2 ( x + 2 y ) 2
f ( x) =
1
x + 2 xy
2 ( ( 4x + 6 y ) − ( 2x + 2 y )) = 2 = =
x + 2 xy x ( x + 2 y ) x
2 dx
 = e = e  x = e  x = e 2ln x = eln x = x 2
f ( x ) dx dx 2 2

• Multiply the DE by  = x 2

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 3

 ( 4 xy + 3 y 2 − x ) dx + x ( x + 2 y ) dy  x 2
 
( 4 x y + 3x y
3 2 2
− x 3 ) dx + ( x 4 + 2 x 3 y ) dy = 0
M  = 4 x3 y + 3x 2 y 2 − x3 N = x 4 + 2 x 3 y
M N
= 4 x3 + 6 x 2 y = 4 x3 + 6 x 2 y
y x
M  N
= ( exact )
y x

then

i ) F =  M x + f ( y )
F =  ( 4 x3 y + 3 x 2 y 2 − x 3 ) x + f ( y )
 x4   x3  x 4
F = 4 y   + 3y2   − + f ( y )
 4  3 4
4
x
F = x 4 y + x3 y 2 − + f ( y )
4
ii ) F =  Ny + g ( x )
F =  ( x 4 + 2 x 3 y ) dy + g ( x )
 y2 
F = x 4 y + 2 x3   + g ( x )
 2 
F = x y + x y + g ( x)
4 3 2

By symmetry, Compare i) and ii)

− x4
f(y)=0 and g(x) = .
4

x4
→ F = x 4 y + x3 y 2 − ;
4
F = C;
x4
x 4 y + x3 y 2 − =C
4

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 4

PROBLEM 2

Given :  y ( x + y + 1) dx + x ( x + 3 y + 2 ) dy = 0 
Solution :
M = y ( x + y + 1) N = x ( x + 3 y + 2)
M N
= x + 2 y +1 = 2x + 3y + 2
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x

Using Case 2
1  N M 
 = e
g ( y ) dy
where g ( y ) =  − 
M  x y 
then
1
g ( y) = ( 2x + 3 y + 2 − x − 2 y −1 )
y ( x + y + 1)
x + y +1 1
g ( y) = =
y ( x + y + 1) y
hence,
1
 
 = e
g ( y ) dy dy
= e  y
 = eln y = y

Multiply the DE by 
 y ( x + y + 1) dx + x ( x + 3 y + 2 ) dy = 0  y

(y x+ y
2 3
+ y 2 ) dx + ( x 2 y + 3xy 2 + 2 xy ) dy = 0
M  = y 2 x + y3 + y 2 N = x 2 y + 3 xy 2 + 2 xy
M  N
= 2 xy + 3 y 2 +2y = 2 xy + 3 y 2 +2y
y x
M  N
= ( exact )!
y x
likewise,
i.F =  M x + f ( y )
i.F =  ( y 2 x + y 3 + y 2 )x + f ( y )
 x2 
i.F = y 2   + y 3 x + y 2 x + f ( y )
 2
2 2
x y
i.F = + xy 3 + xy 2 + f ( y )
2

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 5

 ii.F =  Ny + g ( x )
ii.F =  ( x 2 y + 3xy 2 + +2 xy )y + g ( x )
 y2   y3   y2 
ii.F = x 2   + 3x   + 2 x   + g ( x )
 2   3   2 
x2 y 2
ii.F = + xy 3 + xy 2 + g ( x )
2

By symmetry, compare i ) & ii )

f ( y ) = 0 and g ( x) = 0

x2 y 2
F= + xy 3 + xy 2
2
F =C
x2 y 2
C= + xy 3 + xy 2
2

PROBLEM 3

Given : ( x 2 + y 2 ) dx − xydy = 0
Solution :
M = x2 + y 2 N = − xy
M N
= 2y = −y
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x

Using Case 3
 = xm y n

and
Mn Nm N M
− = −
y x x y
(x 2
+ y2 ) n
−
( − xy ) m = − y − 2 y
y x

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 6

then finding the values of m and n
 x2n y 2n 
 +  + ym = −3 y
 y x 
simplifying : x 2 n + y 2 n + y 2 m = −3 y 2
→ coefficient term y 2 : n + m = −3
→ coefficient term x 2 term : x 2 n = 0; n = 0
then, m = −3
solving 
 = x −3 y 0
 = x −3
Multiply the DE by 
( x 2 + y 2 ) dx + ( − xy ) dy = 0  x −3
 
(x −1
+ x −3 y 2 ) dx − ( x −2 y ) dy = 0
M  = x −1 + x −3 y 2 N = − x −2 y
M  N
= x −3 (2 y ) = −2 ( − x −3 ) y
y x
M  N
= 2 x −3 y = 2 x −3 y
y x
M  N
= ( exact )!
y x
likewise,
i.F =  M x + f ( y )
i.F =  ( x −1 + x −3 y 2 )x + f ( y )
 x −2 
i.F = ln x + y 2   + f ( y)
 −2 
x −2 y 2
i.F = ln x − + f ( y)
2

ii.F =  Ny + g ( x )
ii.F =  ( − x −2 y ) y + g ( x )
 y2 
ii.F = − x −2   + g ( x )
 2 
− x −2 y 2
ii.F = + g ( x)
2

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 7

By symmetry, compare i ) & ii )
f ( y ) = 0 and g ( x) = ln x

x −2 y 2
F = ln x −
2
F =C
Simplifying ,
x −2 y 2
C = ln x −
2
C1 = 2 ln x − x −2 y 2 ; C1 = 2C
C1 x 2 = x 2 ln x 2 − y 2

PROBLEM 4

Given : ( x 2 + y 2 + 1) dx + x ( x − 2 y ) dy = 0
Solution :
M = x2 + y 2 + 1 N = x( x − 2y)
M N
= 2y = 2x − 2 y
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x

Using Case 1:
1  M N 
 = e
f ( x ) dx
where f ( x ) =  − 
N  y x 
1
f ( x) = ( 2 y − 2x + 2 y )
x( x − 2y)
4 y − 2x
f ( x) =
x 2 − 2 xy
4 y − 2x
f ( x) = 2
x − 2 xy
−2 ( −2 y + x )
f ( x) =
x( x − 2y)
−2
f ( x) =
x

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 8

 −2 dx
 x
 = e
f ( x ) dx dx −2 −2
=e x
=e = e 2ln x = eln x
 = x −2

Multiply the DE by  = x −2

( )
 x 2 + y 2 + 1 dx + x ( x − 2 y ) dy = 0  12
 x
 y2 1   2y 
 1 + + 2  dx + 1 −  dy = 0
 x 
2
 x x 
y2 1 2y
M = 1+ 2 + 2 N = 1 −
x x x
M  2 y N 2 y
= 2 = 2
y x x x

M  N
= ( exact )!
y x
likewise,
i.F =  M x + f ( y )
 y2 1 
i.F =  1 + 2 + 2 x + f ( y )
 x x 
( )
i.F = x + − x −1 y 2 + − x −1 + f ( y )( )
y2 1
i.F = x − − + f ( y)
x x

ii.F =  Ny + g ( x )
 2y 
ii.F =  1 −  y + g ( x )
 x 
2 y2
ii.F = y − + g ( x)
2x
y2
ii.F = y − + g ( x )
x
By symmetry, compare i ) & ii )
1
f ( y ) = y and g ( x) = x −
x
2
y 1
F = x − − + y, F = C
x x
y2 1
x− − + y =C
x x

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 9

PROBLEM 5

Given : ( 2 xy − y 2 + y ) dx + ( 3x 2 − 4 xy + 3x ) dy = 0
Solution
M = 2 xy − y 2 + y N = 3x 2 − 4 xy + 3x
M N
= 2x − 2 y +1 = 6x − 4 y + 3
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x

Using Case 2
1  N M 
 = e
g ( y ) dy
where g ( y ) =  − 
M  x y 
then
 1  1
g ( y) =   ( 6 x − 4 y + 3) − ( 2 x − 2 y + 1)  = ( 6 x − 4 y + 3 − 2 x + 2 y − 1)
 2 xy − y + y  2 xy − y 2 + y
2

4x − 2 y + 2 2 ( 2 x − y + 1) 2
g ( y) = = =
y ( 2 x − y + 1) y ( 2 x − y + 1) y
hence,
2
  y dy
 = e
g ( y ) dy
=e
 = e 2ln y = eln y = y 2
2

Multiply the DE by 
( 2 xy − y 2 + y ) dx + ( 3x 2 − 4 xy + 3x ) dy = 0  y 2
 
( 2 xy 3
− y 4 + y 3 ) dx + ( 3x 2 y 2 − 4 xy 3 + 3xy 2 ) dy = 0
M  = 2 xy 3 − y 4 + y 3 N = 3 x 2 y 2 − 4 xy 3 + 3 xy 2
M  N
= 6 xy 2 − 4 y 3 + 3 y 2 = 6 xy 2 − 4 y 3 + 3 y 2
y x
M  N
= ( exact )!
y x
likewise,
i.F =  M x + f ( y )
i.F =  ( 2 xy 3 − y 4 + y 3 )x + f ( y )
 x2 
i.F = 2 y 3   − y 4 x + y 3 x + f ( y )
 2
i.F = x 2 y 3 − xy 4 + xy 3 + f ( y )

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 10

ii.F =  Ny + g ( x )
ii.F =  ( 3x 2 y 2 − 4 xy 3 + 3xy 2 ) y + g ( x )
 y3   y4   y3 
ii.F = 3x 2   − 4 x   + 3x   + g ( x )
 3   4   3 
ii.F = x 2 y 3 − xy 4 + xy 3 + g ( x )

By symmetry, compare i ) & ii )

f ( y ) = 0 and g ( x) = 0
F = x 2 y 3 − xy 4 + xy 3 , F = C
x 2 y 3 − xy 4 + xy 3 = C

PROBLEM 6

Given : 2 ydx + ( x − x3 y 3 ) dy = 0
Solution :
M = 2y N = x − x3 y 3
M N
=2 = 1 − 3x 2 y 3
y x
M N
 ( not exact )
y x
Using Case 3
 = xm y n
and
Mn Nm N M
− = −
y x x y
2 yn ( x − x y ) m
3 3

− = 1 − 3x 2 y 3 − 2
y x
mx mx 3 y 3
2n − + = 1 − 3x 2 y 3 − 2
x x
2n − m + mx y = −3x 2 y 3 − 1
2 3

then finding the values of m and n

coefficient term of x 2 y 3 : m = −3
cons tan t term : 2n − m = 1
evaluating n,
n = −2

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 11

solving 
 = x −3 y −2

Multiply the DE by 
 2 ydx + ( x − x3 y 3 ) dy = 0  x −3 y −2
 
2 x −3 y −1dx + ( x −2 y −2 − y ) dy = 0
M  = 2 x −3 y −1 N = x −2 y −2 − y
M  N
= −2 x −3 y −2 = −2 x −3 y −2
y x
M  N
= ( exact )!
y x
likewise,
i.F =  M x + f ( y )
i.F =  ( 2 x −3 y −1 )x + f ( y )
 x −2 
i.F = 2 y −1   + f ( y)
 −2 
−1
i.F = 2 + f ( y )
x y

ii.F =  Ny + g ( x )
ii.F =  ( x −2 y −2 − y ) y + g ( x )
 y −1  y 2
 − + g ( x)
−2
ii.F = x 
 −1  2
−1 y 2
ii.F = 2 − + g ( x )
x y 2

By symmetry, compare i ) & ii )

y2
f ( y) = − and g ( x) = 0
2

−1 y 2
F= −
x2 y 2
F =C
Simplifying ,
−1 y 2
C= −
x2 y 2

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 12

PROBLEM 7

Given : y ( x 2 + y 2 − 1) dx + x ( x 2 + y 2 + 1) dy = 0
Solution :
(x 2
y + y 3 − y ) dx + ( x 3 + xy 2 + x ) dy = 0

(x 2
ydx + y 3dx ) − ydx + ( x 3dy + xy 2 dy ) + xdy = 0
 y ( x 2 dx + y 2 dx ) − ydx + x ( x 2 dy + y 2 dy ) + xdy = 0 
 
 y ( x 2 dx + y 2 dx ) − ydx + x ( x 2 dy + y 2 dy ) + xdy = 0  2
1
  x + y2
ydx xdy
ydx − + xdy + 2 =0
x +y 2 2
x + y2
xdy − ydx
xdy + ydx + 2 =0
x + y2
 y
 d ( xy ) +  d  arctan x  =  0
y
xy + arctan =C
x

PROBLEM 8

Given : 1 + y tan ( xy )  dx + x tan ( xy ) dy = 0

Solution :
dx + y tan ( xy ) dx + x tan ( xy ) dy = 0

 dx +  tan ( xy )( ydx + xdy ) = 0

x + ln ( sec xy ) = C

PROBLEM 9

Given : y ( x 3 y 3 + 2 x 2 − y ) dx + x 3 ( xy 3 − 2 ) dy = 0; where x = 1, y = 1
Solution :
x3 y 4 dx + 2 x 3 ydx − y 2 dx + x 4 y 3dy − 2 x 3dy = 0
( x y dx + x
3 4 4
y 3dy ) + ( 2 x 2 ydx − 2 x 3dy ) − y 2 dx = 0
1
 x3 y 3 ( ydx + xdy ) + 2 x 2 ( ydx − xdy ) − y 2 dx = 0  2 2
x y

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 13

 2 ( ydx − xdy ) dx
 xyd ( xy ) +  y 2
− 2 = 0
x
x dx
 xyd ( xy ) + 2 d  y  −  x 2
=0

x2 y 2 2x 1
+ + =C
2 y x

solving for the particular solution :

1
+ 2(1) + 1 = C
2
7
C=
2
then,
x2 y 2 2x 1 7
+ + =
2 y x 2
simplifying ,
x3 y 3 + 4 x 2 + 2 y − 7 xy = 0

SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS

Solve the following differential equations by the method of non-exact differential

equations.

1] ( 2 x 2 y − 2 y 2 + 2 xy ) dx + ( x 2 − 2 y ) dy = 0
2] ( x 2 + y 2 ) dx − xydy = 0
3] ( x + 4 y 3 ) dy − ydx = 0
4] ( 4 xy + y 2 ) dx − 2 ( x 2 − y ) dy = 0
5] ( 2 x 2 y −2 + 1) dx + xy −1dy = 0

Math 40 Differential Equations Chapter 2: Non-Exact Differential Equations 14