Critical points of matrix

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The discussion revolves around finding critical points for the system of equations defined by x' = x - 2y and y' = -2x + 4y. The condition for critical points is established as x' = y' = 0, leading to the conclusion that the critical points are of the form (2y, y) where y is a real number. This indicates an infinite number of critical points, which raises doubts for the original poster who expected only one. Participants confirm the calculations are correct and emphasize the importance of careful review in mathematics. The conversation highlights the challenges of unexpected results in problem-solving.
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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?
 
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?
 
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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