Can you show me how to solve first order differential equations using the integrating factor method?

To use the integrating factor method your first order DE must be of the form dy/dx + f(x)y =g(x), where f(x) and g(x) are any functions that depend only on x. lets say f(x)=3x^2 and g(x)=2, (If I feel the tutee would like a greater understanding I would leave f(x) and g(x) arbitrary). Now we define our integrating factor to be e^(integral of x^2) = e^(x^3). Now we multiply our DE by this integrating factor and notice that by using the product rule backwards we get d(e^(x^3)y)/dx =2e^(x^3). (explain this step in more detail by actually computing the left hand side and showing it is equal to what we had beforehand). Now we can use standard integration and rearranging methods to find and equation of y in terms of x. I would now go through more examples with the tutee and progress on to observing them when they try and answer a problem without my help.

RA
Answered by Ryan A. Further Mathematics tutor

3720 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

3 points lie in a plane; P1=i+2j+3k, P2=-3i+5j+2k, P3=i+2j+k. Find the Cartesian equation of the plane


How do I find and plot the roots of a polynomial with complex roots on an Argand diagram? e.g. f(z) =z^3 -3z^2 + z + 5 where one of the roots is known to be 2+i


Find a vector that is normal to lines L1 and L2 and passes through their common point of intersection where L1 is the line r = (3,1,1) + u(1,-2,-1) and L2 is the line r = (0,-2,3) + v(-5,1,4) where u and v are scalar values.


f(x) = 9x^3 – 33x^2 –55x – 25. Given that x = 5 is a solution of the equation f(x) = 0, use an algebraic method to solve f(x) = 0 completely.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning