The Beauty of Linear Differential Equations
Welcome, future engineer. Today, we are going to peel back the layers of a problem that, at first glance, might look like a chaotic mess of functions and limits.
In the world of JEE Advanced, the most complex-looking problems are often just elegant structures waiting for you to recognize their pattern. Let us embark on this journey together.
Phase 1
The Recognition
We are given the differential equation f′(x)=7−4x3f(x). The moment you see a derivative f′(x) and a term involving f(x) divided by x, your intuition should scream 'Linear Differential Equation!'
Let us tidy this up. By moving the term 4x3f(x) to the left side, we get:
This is the standard form dxdy+P(x)y=Q(x), where P(x)=4x3 and Q(x)=7. Recognizing this form is half the battle won, as it tells us exactly which tool to pull from our mathematical arsenal: the Integrating Factor.
Phase 2
The Magic of the Integrating Factor
The Integrating Factor, or IF, is the key that unlocks the door to the solution. It is defined as IF=e∫P(x)dx.
Substituting our P(x), we have:
The integral of x1 is lnx, so we get e43lnx. Using the logarithmic property alnb=lnba, this becomes elnx43.
Since the exponential and natural logarithm are inverse functions, they cancel out, leaving us with a beautifully simple IF=x43. This is the power of mathematics—taking a complex exponential expression and simplifying it into a clean power function.
Phase 3
Solving for the Function
Now, we multiply our entire differential equation by this IF. The left side magically becomes the derivative of the product f(x)⋅x43.
So, we have:
Integrating both sides with respect to x, we get f(x)⋅x43=∫7⋅x43dx+C. Applying the power rule for integration, ∫xndx=n+1xn+1, we find:
The sevens cancel out, and the four moves to the numerator, giving us f(x)⋅x43=4x47+C. Dividing by x43, we finally isolate our function:
Phase 4
The Final Limit
We are almost there. The problem asks for limx→0+xf(1/x).
First, let us find f(1/x) by substituting 1/x into our expression for f(x):
f(1/x)=4(1/x)+C(1/x)−43=x4+Cx43
Now, multiply this by x:
xf(1/x)=x(x4+Cx43)=4+Cx47
As x approaches 0 from the positive side, the term Cx47 approaches 0 because the exponent is positive. We are left with the constant 4.
The limit exists and equals 4. By staying calm and following the logical steps, we turned a daunting problem into a clear, satisfying victory.