For \(x>1\), Ethan solves \(y'=\frac{1-y}{x\ln x}\) as follows:
\(\frac{dy}{1-y}=\frac{dx}{x\ln x}\), so \(y=1-\frac{C}{\ln x}\).
Ethan then says, “Because I divided by \(1-y\), the equilibrium \(y=1\) cannot be part of the answer.”
a) Explain the error in the conclusion.
b) State the complete solution family on \(x>1\).
c) Show how the equilibrium appears in the final family.
Hints
- Check any value excluded during division in the original differential equation.
- Integrate \(\frac{1}{x\ln x}\) using \(\ln x\) as the inner expression.
- After obtaining the parameterized family, test the parameter value that makes the nonconstant term vanish.
Solution
1. Dividing by \(1-y\) temporarily excludes \(y=1\), so that value must be checked in the original differential equation.
2. Substituting \(y=1\) gives \(y'=0\) and \(\frac{1-y}{x\ln x}=0\), so \(y=1\) is an equilibrium solution.
3. For nonconstant solutions, integration gives \(-\ln|1-y|=\ln(\ln x)+C_1\), hence \(y=1-\frac{C}{\ln x}\).
4. Choosing \(C=0\) gives \(y=1\), so the final family includes the equilibrium even though the separation step temporarily excluded it.
Answer
a) Division temporarily excludes \(y=1\), but the original equation shows that it is an equilibrium.
b) \(y=1-\frac{C}{\ln x}\), for \(x>1\)
c) The choice \(C=0\) gives \(y=1\).