How would you use the Integration Factor method to solve an ordinary first-order linear differential equation?

The word "ordinary" means that there are only two variables, "first-order" means that the highest derivative is the first derivative and "linear" means that the highest power of the function variable is 1. Therefore, the Integration Factor method is applicable.First, you get values with the function variable (y for dy/dx) on the left and the parameter variable (x for dy/dx) on the right. You integrate the coefficient of y with respect to x to get the "Integration Factor (IF)". Then, multiply both sides of the differential equation by IF. Here, you get y multiplied by IF equal to the integral of the right hand side of the new differential equation. Solve the integral and divide by IF to get y(x).

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Answered by Kelvin C. Further Mathematics tutor

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