General Use
An integrating factor is any expression that a differential equation is multiplied by to facilitate integration and is not restricted to first order linear equations. For example, the nonlinear second order equation
admits as an integrating factor:
To integrate, note that both sides of the equation may be expressed as derivatives by going backwards with the chain rule:
Therefore
This form may be more useful, depending on application. Performing a separation of variables will give:
this is an implicit solution which involves a nonelementary integral. Though likely too obscure to be useful, this is a general solution. Also, because the previous equation is first order, it could be used for numeric solution in favor of the original equation.
Read more about this topic: Integrating Factor
Famous quotes containing the word general:
“The reputation of generosity is to be purchased pretty cheap; it does not depend so much upon a man’s general expense, as it does upon his giving handsomely where it is proper to give at all. A man, for instance, who should give a servant four shillings, would pass for covetous, while he who gave him a crown, would be reckoned generous; so that the difference of those two opposite characters, turns upon one shilling.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)
“Never alone
Did the King sigh, but with a general groan.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)