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GATE 2026 Exam Date Announced – Complete Schedule, Syllabus, and Key Details » GATE Study Materials » Miscellaneous Topics » Homogeneous Functions: What They Are and How to Use Them
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Homogeneous Functions: What They Are and How to Use Them

A homogeneous function is a type of mathematical function that has the same derivative at all points in its domain. Know how to use them in this article.

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Introduction 

Homogeneous functions are mathematical functions that have the same derivative at every point in a certain domain. In other words, they are functions that maintain the same slope or gradient at every point in a given range. This makes them particularly useful for solving problems involving curves and surfaces. In this article, we will discuss how to identify and use homogeneous functions in mathematical problems. We will also provide examples of how they can be applied in real-world situations.

Definition Of Homogeneous Function

A homogeneous function is a type of mathematical function that has the same derivative at all points in its domain. This property makes them especially useful for solving problems involving physics or engineering concepts. In many cases, it’s possible to simplify complex equations by using the techniques that come with working with homogeneous functions.

What Is Linear Homogeneous Differential Equation?

The linear homogeneous differential equation is a type of differential equation whose general form is given by:

y’ + P(x)y = 0, where y does not depend on x explicitly. The solution to this equation is called the complementary function and it has an exponential form. You can find its coefficients at any point using the initial conditions. 

How Do You Write the General Solution to a Linear Homogeneous Differential Equation?

The method of writing the general solution to a linear homogeneous equation is by solving it using an integrating factor. The first step is finding an integrating factor, which is given by: 𝝅(x) = e√𝑥. After finding the integrating factor, you need to multiply it by the differential equation and integrate it over the entire domain. This will give you the complete solution.

What Are Some Applications of Linear Homogeneous Differential Equations?

There are many applications of linear homogeneous equations in physics, engineering, and mathematics. One common application is in electric circuits, where current and voltage are related by a linear homogeneous equation. Other applications include wave propagation, vibrations, heat transfer, and many others.

  • One common application of linear homogeneous equations is in electric circuits, where current and voltage are related by a linear homogeneous equation.
  • Another application of linear homogeneous equations is in wave propagation, where waves propagate according to linear homogeneous equations.
  • One more application of linear homogeneous equations is in heat transfer, where we can model heat equations using a linear homogeneous equation.
  • Linear differential equations are used to describe the relationship between two or more variables when one variable changes concerning another variable or time. 

What Is a Nonhomogeneous Differential Equation?

The equation is linear and its coefficients are constant but not all zero. The right-hand side of the equation contains some function with x in it, which makes it nonhomogeneous (not homogenous). This type of differential equation can be solved by either finding an integrating factor or using an integrating factor.

Conclusion

Homogeneous functions are a useful function in economics because they allow us to make predictions about how input and output will change concerning each other. A homogeneous function is one where the relationship between inputs, outputs, and their respective rates of changes are constant across all levels of scale (i.e., it has no fixed points).

If we look at the graph of y=x^n, or any other function that is homogeneous of degree n, then it will always have a slope equal to n. This means if we increase our input by some amount, say 100%, and keep everything else constant (i.e., change nothing but x), then the output will also increase by 100%. We can use this information to help us understand how different economic variables are related to each other.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the GATE Examination Preparation.

What is a homogeneous function?

Ans: A homogeneous function is a function that has the same degree of the polynomial ...Read full

What is the point of using a homogeneous function?

Ans: Homogeneous functions can be very useful for solving problems, particularly systems of ...Read full

How do you determine whether a function is homogeneous or not?

Ans: A function is homogeneous if the degree of the polynomial in each variable is equal. For example, f(x, y) = x^n + y^m could be written as g(x,...Read full

What are some examples of problems that can be solved using homogeneous functions?

Ans: One example of a problem that can be solved using a homogeneous function is the following: given the equation y = (x-a)^n, find all rea...Read full

How can homogeneous functions be used in calculus?

Ans: The most common use of homogeneous functions in calculus is to simplify differential equations. For example, if you have a function f(x, y) = ...Read full

Ans: A homogeneous function is a function that has the same degree of the polynomial in each variable. For example, if you have a function f(x, y) = x^n + y^m, then n and m are the degrees of the polynomials in x and y, respectively.

 

Ans: Homogeneous functions can be very useful for solving problems, particularly systems of equations. By reducing a system to its homogeneous form, you can often make it easier to solve. In addition, many calculus techniques work best when applied to homogeneous functions.

Ans: A function is homogeneous if the degree of the polynomial in each variable is equal. For example, f(x, y) = x^n + y^m could be written as g(x, y) = k*f(x/y). In this case, the degree of the polynomial in x is n and the degree of the polynomial in y is m. However, if you have a function like h(x) = (x-a)^n, then the degree of the polynomial in x is n and the degree of the polynomial in a is 0. Therefore, h(x) is not a homogeneous function.

Ans: One example of a problem that can be solved using a homogeneous function is the following: given the equation y = (x-a)^n, find all real solutions where x > a. In this case, we can solve the problem by taking the nth root of both sides and then solving for y:

y = sqrt((x-a)^n)

y^(n/m)=sqrt((x-a))

y=+/-sqrt((x-a))

y=+/-(x-a)

Ans: The most common use of homogeneous functions in calculus is to simplify differential equations. For example, if you have a function f(x, y) = (x^n + y^m), then the derivative with respect to x can be written as f'(x) = n*x^n + m*y^m. If the function is homogeneous, then the derivative concerning y can be written as f'(x) = 0. This can be very useful when trying to solve differential equations.

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