Critical points of matrix

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the critical points of a system of equations represented as a matrix, specifically the equations ##x' = x - 2y## and ##y' = -2x + 4y##. Participants are exploring the implications of their findings regarding the nature and quantity of critical points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions for critical points, questioning the implications of having infinitely many critical points due to the linear dependence of the equations. There is also a focus on verifying the initial problem setup and addressing potential typographical errors in the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts and clarifying points of confusion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correctness of the initial equations, and there is a recognition of the need to carefully review work to avoid errors.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the expected number of critical points, with one participant initially expecting a single critical point. There is an acknowledgment of a typo that may have contributed to the confusion.

TanWu
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Homework Statement
Give their critical points of this system which can be written as a matrix:
##x^{\prime}=x - 2y, y^{\prime}=-2x+ 4y##
Relevant Equations
##x^{\prime}=x - 2y, y^{\prime}=-2x+ 4y##
My attempt is:

Condition for critical point is ##x' = y' = 0##,
##0 = x - 2y \implies 2y = x##
##-2x + dy = 0##
Then ##-4y + 4y = 0##

However, this means that critical points are ##(2y, y)## as system is linearly dependent (both equations are the same) where ##y \in \mathbb{R}##. However, that means there are infinitely many critical points which I have a doubt about.

I express gratitude to those who help.
 
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TanWu said:
However, that means there are infinitely many critical points which I have a doubt about.
Why so?
 
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TanWu said:
Homework Statement: Give their critical points of this system which can be written as a matrix:
##x^{\prime}=x - 2y, y^{\prime}=-2x+ 4y##
Relevant Equations: ##x^{\prime}=x - 2y, y^{\prime}=-2x+ 4y##

My attempt is:

Condition for critical point is ##x' = y' = 0##,
##0 = x - 2y \implies 2y = x##
##-2x + dy = 0##
Do you mean ##-2x + 4y = 0## here?
TanWu said:
Then ##-4y + 4y = 0##

However, this means that critical points are ##(2y, y)## as system is linearly dependent (both equations are the same) where ##y \in \mathbb{R}##. However, that means there are infinitely many critical points which I have a doubt about.
Your work looks ok to me. If you have doubts, have you checked that you got the initial problem equations right?
 
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docnet said:
Why so?
FactChecker said:
Do you mean ##-2x + 4y = 0## here?

Your work looks ok to me. If you have doubts, have you checked that you got the initial problem equations right?
Thank you Sirs. I apoglize, that is a typo of me. Yes, got the initial problem equations correct. I was only expecting one critical point.
 
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TanWu said:
Thank you Sirs. I apoglize, that is a typo of me.
Mathematics is very unforgiving in many ways. It's a learned skill to review your work very carefully.
TanWu said:
Yes, got the initial problem equations correct. I was only expecting one critical point.
You did a good job! The problems where you get a different answer than you expected are ones that really test you.
 
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