Equilibrium solutions in mathematical modelling

klinklindeman

Hi,
I don't want to list the exact problem I have to solve, as I would rather do it myself, all I would like is some guidance. The problem is a function like: P_k+1=a (P_k-1) with a few more constants and some brackets thrown about on the right hand side. I need to find all the equilibrium points. I am not exactly sure how to get started, and I have had a look in my textbook and couldn't find any examples similar to this. Do I just derive this function, and then let it equal zero to solve for the points?

Also, when I expand the function I will have a polynomial with P_k^3, so there will be multiple solutions I assume.

Thanks for the help!

tiny-tim

hi klinklindeman! welcome to pf!
it's a little difficult to tell without seeing the question, but equilibrium usually means that you can put P_k = P_k+1
not so much multiple solutions, as a solution with multiple constants