Integrating Factors

What is the 'method of integrating factors' used for?

• To solve first-order linear ordinary differential equations.
• To solve second-order differential equations.
• To find the roots of polynomial equations.
• To calculate the area under a curve.

What is a first order linear differential equation?

• A first order linear differential equation is of the form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x).
• A first order linear differential equation is of the form dy/dx + Q(x)y^2 = P(x)y.

• A first order linear differential equation is of the form dy/dx = Q(x).
• A first order linear differential equation is of the form d^2y/dx^2 + P(x)y = Q(x).

• Yes

• No

• Add the integrating factor to both sides of the equation.
• Differentiate the integrating factor with respect to x.
• Set the integrating factor equal to zero.
• Multiply the differential equation by the integrating factor r(x).