On the derivation of a closed-form expression for the solutions of a subclass of generalized Abel differential equations (Q2247854)

Summary: We investigate the properties of a general class of differential equations described by \[ dy(t)/dt= f_{k+1}(t)y(t)^{k+1} + f_k(t)y(t)^k+\cdots + f_2(t)y(t)^2+ f_1(t)y(t)+f_0(t) \] with \(k>1\) a positive integer and \(f_i(t), 0\leq i\leq k+1\), with \(f_i(t)\), real functions of \(t\). For \(k=2\), these equations reduce to the class of Abel differential equations of the first kind, for which a standard solution procedure is available. However, for \(k >2\) no general solution methodology exists, to the best of our knowledge, that can lead to their solution. We develop a general solution methodology that for odd values of \(k\) connects the closed form solution of the differential equations with the existence of closed-form expressions for the roots of the polynomial that appears on the right-hand side of the differential equation. Moreover, the closed-form expression (when it exists) for the polynomial roots enables the expression of the solution of the differential equation in closed form, based on the class of hyper-Lambert functions. However, for certain even values of \(k\), we prove that such closed form does not exist in general, and consequently there is no closed-form expression for the solution of the differential equation through this methodology.