Past exam of the mathematics course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2024 / Paper 1 / 13 / b / i / Solution

Let $P=\mu (x)(xy-16x-x^3)$ and $Q=\mu (x)(16+x^2)$. An exact differential form must satisfy $P_y=Q_x$. These partial derivatives giveTaking antiderivatives produces $\ln |\mu |=-\frac{1}{2}\ln (16+x^2)+C$. A convenient nonzero integrating factor for a differential one-form is thereforeAn explicit potential, which also proves global exactness, isIndeed $F_x=P$ and $F_y=Q$ for the chosen integrating factor.