Differential Equations - Theorem 1 on orthogonal trajectories and its examples

  • Theorem 1: If two families of curves in a plane are orthogonal trajectories of each other, then the product of their slopes at any point is equal to -1.

  • Orthogonal trajectories are curves that intersect each curve of a given family at right angles.

  • Let’s consider two families of curves: y = f(x, C1) and y = g(x, C2).

  • C1 and C2 are constants that vary from curve to curve within their respective families.

  • The slope of a curve y = f(x, C1) is given by: dy/dx = f’(x, C1).

  • The slope of a curve y = g(x, C2) is given by: dy/dx = g’(x, C2).

  • According to Theorem 1, we have the equation f’(x, C1) * g’(x, C2) = -1.

  • This equation holds for every point of intersection between the two families of curves.

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Differential Equations - Theorem 1 on orthogonal trajectories and its examples Theorem 1: If two families of curves in a plane are orthogonal trajectories of each other, then the product of their slopes at any point is equal to -1. Orthogonal trajectories are curves that intersect each curve of a given family at right angles. Let’s consider two families of curves: y = f(x, C1) and y = g(x, C2). C1 and C2 are constants that vary from curve to curve within their respective families. The slope of a curve y = f(x, C1) is given by: dy/dx = f’(x, C1). The slope of a curve y = g(x, C2) is given by: dy/dx = g’(x, C2). According to Theorem 1, we have the equation f’(x, C1) * g’(x, C2) = -1. This equation holds for every point of intersection between the two families of curves.