# Math Help - Integration using separation of variables

1. ## Integration using separation of variables

Integrate the following integral using separation of variables :

vx = (1/3)v -(8/9) (vx is the partial derivative of v w.r.t x) and v is a function of two variables.

Can someone please show me the steps involved for separating the variables for this question ?

Please Help.

2. ## Re: Integration using separation of variables

How many variables is v a function of?

3. ## Re: Integration using separation of variables

v is a function of two variables , x and y

4. ## Re: Integration using separation of variables

Since y does not appear in the equation, treat as an equation in x only.
$\frac{dv}{dx}= \frac{1}{3}(v- \frac{8}{3})$
$\frac{dv}{v- \frac{8}{3}}= \frac{dx}{3}$
Integrating
$ln\left|v-\frac{8}{3}\right|= \frac{x}{3}+ f(y)$
where the "constant of integration" can be any function of y only.

We can solve that for $v(x, y)= \frac{8}{3}+ e^{x/3}F(y)$
where, since f(y) can be an arbitrary function of y, $F(y)= e^{f(y)}$ is also an arbitrary function of y.

5. ## Re: Integration using separation of variables

But in my book the answer is v(x,y) = 8/3 +(1/3)e^x/3 F(y).
Where do you think that extra factor of 1/3 came from ? or is it incorrect ?