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darkspym7
Feb20-08, 09:48 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Find the linearization of the equation y' = y(-1+4y-3y^2) about each of the fixed points


3. The attempt at a solution
I think this is correct for finding fixed points:
Set y' = 0 = y(-1+4y+3y^2), so the fixed points are y = 0, 1/3, 1

What exactly does it mean by linearization of the equation around each of the fixed points?

stakehoagy
Feb20-08, 10:31 PM
the linearization of a function f about a, (linearization at x=a) is
L(x)= f(a)+f'(a)(x-a) Its pretty much like a taylor series approximation.

stakehoagy
Feb20-08, 10:37 PM
find the linearization of f(x)=x^2 about x=3

L(x)=f(3)+f'(3)(x-3)
L(x)=9+6(x-3)=6x-9

darkspym7
Feb20-08, 11:57 PM
But using those fixed points, f'(a) would always be 0. Are those the correct fixed points?