First-Order Linear Differential Equations & Integrating Factors (Introduction)

This ordinary differential equations video explains first-order linear differential equations, how to use the integrating factor method, and how to put a linear equation in normal form. In general, an integrating factor is a function that we multiply a differential equation by to make it integrable. In the case of first order linear equations, the integrating factor makes one side of our differential equation into a product rule. We work a couple of basic, introductory examples, emphasizing first putting the linear equations in their normal form, finding the integrating factor, and solving the differential equation. 0:00 What is a linear 1st-order equation? 1:51 Solving using an integrating factor 4:48 Worked Example 1 8:33 Worked Example 2 11:25 General outline for solving Houston Math Prep Differential Equations Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbYOkEbzW902GJZswbMnWHQaP4kKMS2TV Houston Math Prep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HoustonMathPrep