Linearization of an equation around fixed points

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
3 replies · 14K views
darkspym7
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the linearization of the equation y' = y(-1+4y-3y^2) about each of the fixed points


The Attempt at a Solution


I think this is correct for finding fixed points:
Set y' = 0 = y(-1+4y+3y^2), so the fixed points are y = 0, 1/3, 1

What exactly does it mean by linearization of the equation around each of the fixed points?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
linearization

the linearization of a function f about a, (linearization at x=a) is
L(x)= f(a)+f'(a)(x-a) Its pretty much like a taylor series approximation.
 
example

find the linearization of f(x)=x^2 about x=3

L(x)=f(3)+f'(3)(x-3)
L(x)=9+6(x-3)=6x-9
 
But using those fixed points, f'(a) would always be 0. Are those the correct fixed points?