In the study of differential equations, a first-order differential equation is classified as separable when it can be expressed in the form \( \frac{dy}{dx} = f(x) \cdot g(y) \), where \( f(x) \) is a function of \( x \) and \( g(y) \) is a function of \( y \). This structure allows us to isolate the variables, making it easier to solve the equation. For instance, consider the equation \( \frac{dy}{dx} = (x^2 - 3)(6y^3) \). Here, the right side is clearly a product of a function of \( x \) and a function of \( y \).
To solve separable differential equations, the first crucial step is to separate the variables. This involves rearranging the equation so that all terms involving \( y \) and \( dy \) are on one side, while all terms involving \( x \) and \( dx \) are on the other side. For example, starting with \( \frac{dy}{dx} = (x^2 - 3)(6y^3) \), we can separate the variables by dividing both sides by \( 6y^3 \) and multiplying by \( dx \), leading to:
\( \frac{1}{6y^3} dy = (x^2 - 3) dx \)
In another example, consider the equation \( \sqrt{x} - \sqrt{y} \frac{dy}{dx} = 0 \). To separate the variables, we can rearrange it to isolate \( dy \) and \( dx \). By moving \( \sqrt{x} \) to the other side and manipulating the equation, we arrive at:
\( \sqrt{y} dy = \sqrt{x} dx \)
Lastly, in the equation \( 2x \frac{dy}{dx} - y \ln(x^3) = 0 \), we can rewrite \( \frac{dy}{dx} \) as \( y' \) and rearrange the terms to isolate \( dy \) and \( dx \). After some algebraic manipulation, we can express it as:
\( \frac{dy}{y} = \frac{\ln(x^3)}{2x} dx \)
Successfully separating the variables is a fundamental skill in solving separable differential equations, as it sets the stage for further integration and finding solutions. Mastery of this technique is essential before progressing to more complex methods of solving differential equations.