Differential Equations › Section B · First order differential equations › Topic B.3
Exact equations
Some first-order equations are the implicit derivative of a hidden function of two variables, set equal to zero. Find that function and the solutions appear at once as its level curves, even when the equation is neither linear nor separable.
In this topic
- Solutions as level curves
- Where exact equations come from
- The test for exactness
- Finding the potential function
- Worked example: an implicit solution
- Worked example: an explicit solution
- Separable equations are exact
- When the test fails: integrating factors
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…