Can you help me solve this system of DEs with a tricky auxiliary equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a system of differential equations (DEs) involving three variables, x1, x2, and x3. Participants are attempting to derive the auxiliary equation from the system but are encountering difficulties in factoring it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are sharing their attempts to derive the auxiliary equation from the system of DEs, with differing results. Some are questioning the steps taken by others and exploring different methods of elimination to arrive at their equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the auxiliary equation being explored. Some participants have provided alternative forms of the equation and roots, while others are seeking clarification on the derivation process. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is a sense of frustration regarding the complexity of the problem, as indicated by one participant's expression of disappointment in not finding a simple solution.

EvLer
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I have this system of DEs, but after getting through all the simplifications I can't factor the auxiliary equation:

x1' = -2x1 + x2 + x3
x2' = x1 - x2 + 3x3
x3' = -x2 - 3x3

Then I eliminated all variables except for x2, using Differentiation operator.
my AE from x2 is this:

r3 + 6r2 + 12r + 12 = 0

And I'm stuck!

thank you in advance.
 
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EvLer said:
r3 + 6r2 + 12r + 12 = 0

For what it's worth, this factors into

[tex] \left( r + a \right) \left(r^2 + \left( 6 - a \right) r + \frac{12}{a} \right) = 0,[/tex]

with

[tex] a = 2 + 2^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex]

Regards,
George
 
I get a different equation for x2.

I get: -(D+2)(D^2 + 4D + 5)x2 = 0
or (D^3 + 6D^2 + 13D + 10)x2 = 0
the aux has roots: -2, -2 +i, -2 - i.

We can check that the eigenvalues of
[tex]\left( \begin{array}{ccc} <br /> -2 & 1 & 1 \\<br /> 1 & -1 & 3 \\<br /> 0 & -1 & -3<br /> \end{array} \right)[/tex]
are -2, -2+i, -2-i

so the solutions should be linear combinations
of exp(-2t), exp(-2t)*sin(t), exp(-2t)*cos(t).
 
How did you get that equation?
I tried eliminating x1 first, after that I have 2 equations:

x2 + (D + 3)x3 = 0
(D + 1)(D + 2)x2 - x2 - x3 - 3(D + 2)x3 = 0

so from here

x2 + (D + 3)x3 = 0
[(D + 1)(D + 2) - 1]x2 - [3(D + 2) + 1]x3 = 0

is that what you had?
because I can't get your answer.
thanks.
 
Last edited:
starting here
x2 + (D + 3)x3 = 0
[(D + 1)(D + 2) - 1]x2 - [3(D + 2) + 1]x3 = 0

therefore
[3(D+2)+1]x2 + (D+3)[3(D+2)+1]x3 = 0
(D+3)[(D + 1)(D + 2) - 1]x2 - (D+3)[3(D + 2) + 1]x3 = 0

add those.

and some mindless algebra gives:
[3(D+2)+1 + (D+3)[(D+1)(D+2) -1]] x2 = 0;
[3D + 6+1 + (D+3)[D^2 + 3D + 1]]x2 = 0
[3D +7 + D^3 + 3D^2 + D + 3D^2 + 9D + 3]x2 = 0
[D^3 + 6D^2 + 13D + 10]x2 = 0
 
Last edited:
argh... Ok, thanks much! I guess I just expected a nice and simple solution...
 

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