Calculating Eigenvalues of ODE's x1', x2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) represented by the equations x1' = x1 - 5x2 and x2' = x1 + 3x2. The original poster presents a matrix formulation and derives an eigenvalue of λ = 2 ± 2i, along with an associated eigenvector.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of the calculated eigenvector and its implications for further steps in solving the ODEs. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the transition from the eigenvector to the final equations for x1(t) and x2(t), particularly concerning sign discrepancies. Others confirm the eigenvector's validity but note the algebraic steps may require clarification.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the algebraic manipulation needed to derive the final equations. There is recognition of the need for further clarification on vector operations and the application of Euler's formula, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention a lack of familiarity with linear algebra concepts, which may be impacting their understanding of the problem. The original poster also notes discrepancies between their results and those found in the textbook, suggesting a need to reconcile these differences without resolving them.

cue928
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x1' = x1 - 5x2
x2' = x1 + 3x2
[tex] \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -5\\ 1 & 3\end{bmatrix}<br /> <br /> \begin{bmatrix} 1-\lambda & -5\\1 & 3-\lambda\end{bmatrix}[/tex]

The eigenvalue I have is lambda = 2+/- 2i.
Using lambda = 2-2i, I get the following:
[tex] \begin{bmatrix} -1+2i & -5\\1 & 1+2i\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
I get an eigenvector V=[5 -1+2i] which seems to check out for zero. So my first question is if I calculated this correctly.
 
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Yes, that's an eigenvector for that eigenvalue.
 
vela said:
Yes, that's an eigenvector for that eigenvalue.

Okay, well at least I know how to do through that step. Where I'm running into problems is thereafter. I know the answer (from the book) but my signs are off. Can you explain how I get from having an eigenvector of V=[5 -1+2i] and [tex]\lambda=2-2i[/tex] to the following equations:
x1(t) = e^2t[-5 C1 cos(2t) - 5C2 sin(2t)]
x2(t) = e^2t[(c1+2c2) cos2t + (-2c1 +c2)sin2t]

My professor went through a bunch of steps during office hours today but I think he still glossed over a few things because the signs aren't matching up. For example, on equation 1, I had +5C1... and +5C2...so I don't know where I'm going wrong.

The equations I had were:
x1(t) = 5e^2t[c1 cos 2t + c2 sin 2t]
x2(t) = e^2t[-c1+c2) cos(2t) + (2c1 +c2) sin(2t)]
I was breaking down lambda as two values. lambda = 2-2i, so I set p = 2, q = -2. With the eigenvector of V=[5 -1+2i], I used a=5, b=-1, c=2 and then I substituted those in. I'm close, but the signs being off makes me think I'm not as far off as I would be if the numbers were completely wrong.

I understand cos being an even function and sin an odd function but I still don't see the sign problem. For example, on eq 1, the book says i should have:
e^2t(-5 c1 cos 2t - 5c2 sin 2t)
But with a q value of -2 and substituting that in, I got:
e^2t(5 C1 cos2t + 5 C2 sin 2t)
 
Last edited:
The solution is

[tex]\vec{x} = d_1\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1-2i \end{pmatrix}e^{(2+2i)t} + d_2\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1+2i \end{pmatrix}e^{(2-2i)t}[/tex]

where d1 and d2 are arbitrary constants. Each eigenvector is paired with the exponential containing the corresponding eigenvalue. Now it's just a bunch of algebra. Pull the common factor of e2t out and use Euler's formula to expand the complex exponentials to get

[tex]\vec{x} = e^{2t}\left[d_1\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1-2i \end{pmatrix}(\cos 2t + i \sin 2t) + d_2\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1+2i \end{pmatrix}(\cos 2t - i \sin 2t)}\right][/tex]

Collect terms and simplify. You'll find d1 and d2 appear in two combinations that you can identify as c1 and c2.
 
vela said:
The solution is

[tex]\vec{x} = d_1\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1-2i \end{pmatrix}e^{(2+2i)t} + d_2\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1+2i \end{pmatrix}e^{(2-2i)t}[/tex]

where d1 and d2 are arbitrary constants. Each eigenvector is paired with the exponential containing the corresponding eigenvalue. Now it's just a bunch of algebra. Pull the common factor of e2t out and use Euler's formula to expand the complex exponentials to get

[tex]\vec{x} = e^{2t}\left[d_1\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1-2i \end{pmatrix}(\cos 2t + i \sin 2t) + d_2\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1+2i \end{pmatrix}(\cos 2t - i \sin 2t)}\right][/tex]

Collect terms and simplify. You'll find d1 and d2 appear in two combinations that you can identify as c1 and c2.

How do you multiply that out, though?
 
According to the usual rules of vector addition and scalar multiplication. Are you not familiar with those?
 
No, unfortunately not. Neither linear algebra or the section of calculus that introduces vectors were required for this class. Can you provide some insight?
 
They're pretty simple. Scalar multiplication is

[tex]a\begin{pmatrix}x_1 \\ x_2\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix}ax_1 \\ ax_2\end{pmatrix}[/tex]

When you multiply by a scalar, you just multiply all the components by the scalar.

Vector addition is

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}x_1 \\ x_2\end{pmatrix}+\begin{pmatrix}y_1 \\ y_2\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix}x_1+y_1 \\ x_2+y_2 \end{pmatrix}[/tex]

The nth component of the sum is just the sum of the nth components.
 

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