How to Solve a System with Repeated Eigenvalues?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a system of differential equations with repeated eigenvalues, specifically the system dx/dt=[1 -4; 4 -7]*x with initial condition x(0)=[3; 2]. The eigenvalues are calculated as λ=-3 (with algebraic multiplicity of 2), leading to the eigenvectors [1; 1] and [1; 0]. The fundamental matrix solution is derived as F = [ e-3t (t+3)e-3t; e-3t te-3t]. The user seeks clarification on the interpretation of the homework requirement for two answers, X1 and X2, which likely refer to the independent solutions of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
  • Familiarity with solving systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
  • Knowledge of fundamental matrix solutions in the context of ODEs.
  • Proficiency in applying initial conditions to differential equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method for finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors in repeated eigenvalue cases.
  • Learn about the construction of fundamental matrices for systems of differential equations.
  • Explore the application of initial conditions to determine specific solutions from general solutions.
  • Review examples of solving initial value problems involving repeated eigenvalues.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying differential equations, particularly those tackling systems with repeated eigenvalues, as well as educators and tutors assisting with advanced mathematics coursework.

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Homework Statement


Solve the system.

dx/dt=[1 -4; 4 -7]*x with x(0)=[3; 2]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I am apparently not getting this at all. Can someone walk me through it? I konw I have to first find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors:

(1-λ)(-7-λ)+16=0
λ2+6λ+9=0
λ=-3,-3

So, (A-3I)C1 = 0
(A-3I)= [4 -4; 4 -4]

So, eigenvector = [1; 1]

(A-3I)C2=C1

Eigenvector = [1; 0]And, x1= [1; 1] e-3t
x2 = ([1; 1]t + [1; 0])e-3t

So, using fundamental matrices...

F = [ e-3t (t+3) e-3t; e-3t t e-3t]
F(0) = [1 3; 1 0]
(F(0))'= [0 1; 1/3 -1/3]

So,
x(t)=F*(F(0))'*X0 = [X1 ; X2]

Is there anything wrong with my method?
The homework asks for two answers: X1 and X2 and I'm not exactly sure what that is asking for. Thanks! Any help is appreciated.

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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jrsweet said:

Homework Statement


Solve the system.

dx/dt=[1 -4; 4 -7]*x with x(0)=[3; 2]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I am apparently not getting this at all. Can someone walk me through it? I konw I have to first find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors:

(1-λ)(-7-λ)+16=0
λ2+6λ+9=0
λ=-3,-3

So, (A-3I)C1 = 0
(A-3I)= [4 -4; 4 -4]

So, eigenvector = [1; 1]

(A-3I)C2=C1

Eigenvector = [1; 0]


And, x1= [1; 1] e-3t
x2 = ([1; 1]t + [1; 0])e-3t

So, using fundamental matrices...

F = [ e-3t (t+3) e-3t; e-3t t e-3t]
F(0) = [1 3; 1 0]
(F(0))'= [0 1; 1/3 -1/3]

So,
x(t)=F*(F(0))'*X0 = [X1 ; X2]

Is there anything wrong with my method?
The homework asks for two answers: X1 and X2 and I'm not exactly sure what that is asking for. Thanks! Any help is appreciated.
The initial value problem has, of course, a single solution. Perhaps the "X1" and "X2" are the two independent solutions to the equation without the initial values.

 

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