# Find the general solution to the first order differential equation: ydx + (y-x)dy = 0

`ydx+(y-x)dy=0`

This is a homogeneous differential equation, which can be written as:

`dx+((y-x)/y)dy=0`

`dx=((-(y-x))/y)dy`

`dx/dy=-(1-x/y)`    -------(1)

Now, let x=vy

`rArrdx/dy=v+y(dv)/dy`

substitute the values of x and dx/dy in (1)

`v+y(dv)/dy=-(1-(vy)/y)`

`v+y(dv)/dy=-(1-v)`

`y(dv)/dy=-1+v-v`

`y(dv)/dy=-1`

`dv=-dy/y`

on integrating both sides we get,

`v=-log|y|+C`   where C is a constant

substitute back the...

## See This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.

`ydx+(y-x)dy=0`

This is a homogeneous differential equation, which can be written as:

`dx+((y-x)/y)dy=0`

`dx=((-(y-x))/y)dy`

`dx/dy=-(1-x/y)`    -------(1)

Now, let x=vy

`rArrdx/dy=v+y(dv)/dy`

substitute the values of x and dx/dy in (1)

`v+y(dv)/dy=-(1-(vy)/y)`

`v+y(dv)/dy=-(1-v)`

`y(dv)/dy=-1+v-v`

`y(dv)/dy=-1`

`dv=-dy/y`

on integrating both sides we get,

`v=-log|y|+C`   where C is a constant

substitute back the value of v in above,

`x/y=-log|y|+C`

Approved by eNotes Editorial Team

Hello!

Let's pick up `y` as the independent variable. Divide the equation by `dy` and obtain

`y*(dx)/(dy) +y-x=0,`  or  `y*x'(y)-x(y)+y=0.`

Now divide it by `y^2:`    `(y*x'(y)-x(y))/(y^2)+1/y=0.`

Observe that `(y*x'(y)-x(y))/(y^2)=((x(y))/y)'`  and obtain  `((x(y))/y)'=-1/y.`

Now both sides are integrable:

`(x(y))/y=-ln|y|+C,`  or  `x(y)=-yln|y|+Cy,` where `C` is an arbitrary constant.

This is the answer in terms of a function of `y.` There is no way to express `y` as a function of `x` using only elementary functions.

Approved by eNotes Editorial Team