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Linear First-Order Equations

The standard form is $\frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x)$. Multiply by the integrating factor to convert the left side into a derivative.

$$\text{I.F.}=e^{\int P(x)\,dx}$$

Cooling-Style Linear Equation

Solve $\frac{dy}{dx}+3y=12$ if $y(0)=2$.

The integrating factor is $e^{3x}$.

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(ye^{3x}\right)=12e^{3x}$$
$$ye^{3x}=4e^{3x}+C \quad \Rightarrow \quad y=4+Ce^{-3x}$$

Using $y(0)=2$, $C=-2$.

Final answer: $y=4-2e^{-3x}$.

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