It’s a very simple concept.
Before solving the homogeneous differential equation, you should be aware
of the concept of a homogeneous function.
A function is said to be homogeneous if for some scalar t, and some real number n, it satisfies
that i.e., whenever in a function, you will replace the variables x and y with tx and
ty, and you will be able to take the t common from the function with any exponent / power n, then such
a function will be called a homogeneous function. For example, Consider the function
We will check if it is homogeneous or not, replace x and y with tx and ty.
So, the given function is homogeneous of degree zero.
Consider another example,
So the given function is homogoenous of degree 10.
Now, look at the example in which the function is not homogeneous. Consider the function
You can easily observe that in no way we are in a position to take t common so that the remaining
expression become exactly equal to f(x,y). This is why it is a non- homogeneous function.
I hope the concept of homogeneous functions is now clear to you. Now, coming towards a
homogeneous differential equation, any DE of the form
where f(x,y) is a homogeneous function is called a
homogeneous differential equation.
There is a proper technique set out to solve a Homogeneous DE. Once you recognize the equation to be
homogeneous, you will immediately follow that technique which will turn the given DE in a separable DE
and then you know well how to solve a separable DE.
By a little practice, you can easily by just looking at the function can see that its homogeneous or not.
To convert a homogeneous differential equation into a separable DE, make the substitution y=vx.
Consider the following example.
Given differential equation is
Clearly, you can observe that the function on the R.H.S is a homogeneous function of degree zero.
Now, make the substitution
Putting these vales of y and its derivative in above DE, we get
Now, we have found the solution of the DE, the only thing left is to take it back into the original
variables, so for that simply by substituting back y =v x i.e., v=y/x, you will finally get the solution of the
given homogeneous differential equation. This example is solved in your handouts as well. Here I just
tried to elaborate it a bit more for your better understanding.
This is how all the homogeneous DEs will be solved.
