Decoupling a system of linear equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on decoupling a system of linear equations represented by the equations x' = -3x - 1y and y' = 3x - 7y. The user seeks guidance on determining the values for A, B, C, and D in the linear change of variables z = Ax + By and w = Cx + Dy. The solution involves finding the eigenvectors of the corresponding matrix and rewriting z' = Pz to equate coefficients of x and y separately, which is a standard method in linear algebra for decoupling systems.

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jjark24
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Hi guys, so I have this system of linear equations:
x' = -3x - 1y
y' = 3x - 7y

And I'm supposed to decouple them by this linear change of variables:
z = Ax + By
w = Cx + Dy

I'm supposed to find values for A, B, C, and D and I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone walk me through this? Thanks!
 
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welcome to pf!

hi jjark24! welcome to pf! :smile:

essentially, you're looking for the eigenvectors of the matrix, with z' = Pz and w' = Qw

one way of finding them is by writing out z' = Pz in full (in terms of x and y), and then equating coefficients of x and of y (separately) :wink:
 

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