Differential equation: Autonomous equation question

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The discussion revolves around solving an autonomous differential equation, specifically focusing on parts A and B of a homework question. The user calculates the roots of the first derivative, identifying y2 as the positive root and y1 as the negative root. They derive the second derivative, y''=2y-k, and analyze stability, concluding that y2 appears unstable while y1 is stable, which contradicts their expectations. The user expresses confusion regarding the stability criteria, particularly the relationship between y'' and stability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on y' for determining stability rather than y''.
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Homework Statement


Screen Shot 2015-11-13 at 2.38.20 PM.png

I'm stuck on Question #2 part A/B

Homework Equations


y'=r(1-y/k)y-h=y^2-ky+kh/r
y''=2y-k
Roots for y'= (k+/-sqrt(k^2-4kh/r))/2 I am assuming the positive root is y2
h<rk/4
[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


on part a I'm getting the roots to be y2=(K+sqrt(k^2-4kh/r))/2 and y1=(K-sqrt(k^2-4kh/r))/2... I then got the second derivative of the function to be y''=2y-k and when i plug in the equilibrium equations to check which one is stable and unstable I get for y2 that it is unstable and for y1 it's stable but I know that it should be the reverse... unless somehow y2 is less than y1. Or I'm mislead in thinking that y''<0 is stable and y''>0 is unstable (in question #1 that is how it seemed to work out)
 
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Forget y'' - you only need to think about y'
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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