Undergrad How to determine if x(t) is a solution to a system x'(t)=f(x)

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To determine if x(t) is a solution to the system x'(t) = f(x), one must analyze the relationship between the derivative x'(t) and the function x(t). The example given, x(t) = sin(t), shows that its derivative, x'(t) = cos(t), cannot be expressed solely in terms of x(t) because it involves t explicitly. This indicates that x(t) does not satisfy the condition for being a solution of the form x'(t) = f(x), which requires that the derivative depends only on x. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the dependence on time versus the state variable in such systems. Understanding these relationships is crucial for identifying valid solutions to differential equations.
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For example having looked a solution sheet, I know that ##x(t)=\sin(t)## is not a solution for any system of the form ##\dot{x}(t)=f(x)##. I assume this is rather simple, but I simply cannot get my head around why it wouldn't be. I'm guessing it has to do with the dependence on ##x## rather then ##t## but I haven't gotten anywhere.
 
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If ##x(t) = \sin(t)##, then ##x'(t) = \cos(t) = \pm \sqrt{1- \sin^2(t)} = \pm \sqrt{1 - x(t)^2}##
 
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