Complex Variables - Solution of a System

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the solution of a linear system described by the equation $$\dot{x}=Ax+b$$, where the matrix A has specific properties related to its eigenvalues. Participants explore the implications of these properties on the boundedness of solutions as time approaches infinity, particularly focusing on a specific case involving a 2x2 matrix with purely imaginary eigenvalues.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a polynomial whose zeros are in the closed left half-plane and discusses the implications for the boundedness of solutions to the system.
  • Another participant suggests that the solution can be expressed in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, proposing a diagonalization approach for the matrix A.
  • There is a query regarding the form of the solution, specifically whether it should involve terms like $$x_l(t)=\sum_{j=1}^2p_{jl}(t)e^{\lambda_jt}$$ with identified eigenvalues $$\lambda_1=wi$$ and $$\lambda_2=-wi$$.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the direction of their reasoning and seeks clarification on solving the specific problem rather than a generalized proof.
  • Another participant asserts that the solutions will be bounded as long as the real parts of the eigenvalues are non-positive, noting that if any eigenvalue has a real part equal to zero, the solution will remain bounded but not converge to zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the boundedness of the solution depends on the real parts of the eigenvalues. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the specific form of the solution and the implications of the eigenvalues being purely imaginary.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that the eigenvalues are correctly identified and that the diagonalization process is valid. The discussion does not resolve whether the proposed methods for finding the solution are the only or best approaches.

joypav
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Suppose the polynomial p has all its zeros in the closed half-plane $Re w\le0$, and any zeros that lie on the imaginary axis are of order one.
$$p(z)=det(zI-A),$$
where I is the n x n identity matrix.

Show that any solution of the system

$$\dot{x}=Ax+b$$

remains bounded as $t\to{\infty}$.

Work out in detail the solution of the system with
$$
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & w \\
-w & 0 \\
\end{bmatrix}, w>0
$$
to verify what happens in one special case.

So we have...
$$p(z)=det(zI-A)$$
$$p(z)=det( \begin{bmatrix}
z & 0 \\
0 & z \\
\end{bmatrix}-
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & w \\
-w & 0 \\
\end{bmatrix})=
det(\begin{bmatrix}
z & -w \\
w & z \\
\end{bmatrix})=z^2+w^2=(z+wi)(z-wi)
$$
Both zeros are on the imaginary axis and are both of order one.
Now I am supposed to find the solution of the system?

Do we use that the solution of the system is of the form
$$x_l(t)=\sum_{j=1}^2p_{jl}(t)e^{\lambda_jt}, l=1,2?$$
So
$$\lambda_1=wi,\lambda_2=-wi$$

I have no idea if I'm going in the right direction or not.

I would really like some help with the specific problem, not necessarily the more generalized proof. I think if I knew how to solve the specific problem given then I'd have a much better understanding.
 
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joypav said:
Now I am supposed to find the solution of the system?

Do we use that the solution of the system is of the form
$$x_l(t)=\sum_{j=1}^2p_{jl}(t)e^{\lambda_jt}, l=1,2?$$
So
$$\lambda_1=wi,\lambda_2=-wi$$

I have no idea if I'm going in the right direction or not.

I would really like some help with the specific problem, not necessarily the more generalized proof. I think if I knew how to solve the specific problem given then I'd have a much better understanding.

Hi joypav!

The solution should look slightly diffferent.

To solve it, we need to diagonalize $A$ into $BDB^{-1}$, where $D$ is a diagonal matrix with the eigenvalues on its diagonal, and where $B$ is a matrix formed of the corresponding eigenvectors.
So:
$$\dot x = Ax + b = BDB^{-1}x+b$$
Let $\tilde x=B^{-1}x$ and $\tilde b = B^{-1}b$, then:
$$\dot{\tilde x} = B^{-1}\dot x = B^{-1}(BDB^{-1}x+b) = D\tilde x + \tilde b$$
The solutions are $\tilde x_i = C_i e^{\lambda_i t} - \frac{\tilde b_i}{\lambda_i}$.
Thus:
$$x=B\tilde x = B\begin{pmatrix}C_1 e^{\lambda_1 t} - \frac{\tilde b_1}{\lambda_1} \\ \dots \\ C_n e^{\lambda_n t} - \frac{\tilde b_n}{\lambda_n}\end{pmatrix}$$

Is it bounded when $t\to \infty$? (Wondering)
 
Yes, because for each n,
$$\lambda_n\le0$$
So the limit as t goes to infinity will go to 0 for each n?
 
joypav said:
Yes, because for each n,
$$\lambda_n\le0$$
So the limit as t goes to infinity will go to 0 for each n?

It will go to zero if f $Re\ \lambda_n<0$ for all n.
If $Re\ \lambda_n=0$ for some n, we won't reach 0, but we will be bounded.
 

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