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 divide both sides by \( 6y^3 \) and multiply both sides by \( dx \) to achieve the separation:
\( \frac{1}{6y^3} dy = (x^2 - 3) dx \)
In another example, the equation \( \sqrt{x} - \sqrt{y} \frac{dy}{dx} = 0 \) can be rearranged by isolating \( dy \) and \( dx \). By moving \( \sqrt{x} \) to the other side and manipulating the equation, we can express it as:
\( \sqrt{y} dy = \sqrt{x} dx \)
Similarly, for the equation \( 2x \frac{dy}{dx} - y \ln(x^3) = 0 \), we can rewrite it as \( 2x \frac{dy}{dx} = y \ln(x^3) \). By dividing both sides by \( 2x \) and multiplying by \( dx \), we can separate the variables:
\( \frac{dy}{y} = \frac{\ln(x^3)}{2x} dx \)
Mastering the skill of separating variables is essential for progressing to the next steps in solving differential equations. This foundational technique relies heavily on algebraic manipulation, and practicing various examples will enhance your proficiency in this area.