Exact ODEs

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Section 15.4 Exact ODEs

COMING SOON! For now, see Boas 6.8 and 8.4

Note: Any first order linear ODE can be solved on some interval. You can always multiply the differential form of the differential equation by an appropriate function of the independent and dependent variables (called an integrating factor) so that the equation becomes exact. Then you can solve the differentials equation using methods for exact equations. Boas 8.3 has a nice description that not only shows you how to find the integrating factor, but also shows you how to find the solution of the differential equation in terms of that integrating factor.