(a) Show that if μ(x,y) is an integrating factor for an equation of the form
f(x,y)dy+g(x,y)dx=0
then ∂(μf)/∂x=∂(μg)/∂y.
Consider the equation
cotxdy−tanydx=0
in the domain 0⩽x⩽21π,0⩽y⩽21π. Using small line segments, sketch the flow directions in that domain. Show that sinxcosy is an integrating factor for the equation. Find the general solution of the equation, and sketch the family of solutions that occupies the larger domain −21π⩽x⩽21π,−21π⩽y⩽21π.
(b) The following example illustrates that the concept of integrating factor extends to higher-order equations. Multiply the equation
[ydx2d2y+(dxdy)2]cos2x=1
by sec2x, and show that the result takes the form dxdh(x,y)=0, for some function h(x,y) to be determined. Find a particular solution y=y(x) such that y(0)=0 with dy/dx finite at x=0, and sketch its graph in 0⩽x<21π.