Matrices and general solutions

  • Thread starter Thread starter hbomb
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    General Matrices
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a differential equation represented by a matrix with eigenvalues 1, +5i, and -5i. The user presents a general solution involving complex numbers, which raises concerns about the validity of imaginary values in the solution. The consensus is that since the matrix has only real entries, the solution should consist of real functions, specifically involving terms like e^t, cos(5t), and sin(5t). The user is also tasked with finding the phase portrait based on the initial condition x(0)=2i-5j+3k.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations and eigenvalues
  • Familiarity with phase portraits in dynamical systems
  • Knowledge of matrix representation of systems
  • Proficiency in complex numbers and their applications in solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of general solutions for linear differential equations
  • Learn about the implications of complex eigenvalues in phase portraits
  • Explore the use of MATLAB or Python for visualizing phase portraits
  • Investigate the role of initial conditions in determining unique solutions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, or physics who are working with differential equations and seeking to understand the implications of eigenvalues and phase portraits in their solutions.

hbomb
Messages
57
Reaction score
0
I'm stuck on this problem that involves drawing a phase portrait but I'm at a stand still.

Find the general solution to the following differential equation:
[1 -12 -14]
x'= [1 2 -3]*x
[1 1 -2]

the eigeinvalues that I found are 1 , +5i, -5i

the general solution that I found is

c1e^e[25] + c2[cos5t+5sin5t] + c2[-5cos5t+sin5t] + c3[2] + c3t[1-5i]
[-7] [cos5t ] [sin5t ] [2] [1 ]
[6 ] [cos5t ] [sin5t ] [1] [1 ]

Am I suppose to have imaginary values in my solution?
I'm supposed to find the solution if x(0)=2i-5j+3k
I just plug 0 in for all the t's and solve for the constants which is no problem for me. The problem that I'm having is the fact that I have an imaginary value in the solution.

I'm also suppose to find the phase portrait.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, since this problem has only real entries, you should not have any complex numbers in your solution- and I don't see why you should. If your eigenvalues are 1, 5i, and -5i, then your solutions will involve ex, cos(5x), and sin(5x).

I have trouble understanding what you mean by
c1e^e[25] + c2[cos5t+5sin5t] + c2[-5cos5t+sin5t] + c3[2] + c3t[1-5i]
[-7] [cos5t ] [sin5t ] [2] [1 ]
[6 ] [cos5t ] [sin5t ] [1] [1 ]
Is that the "vector" solution? Is [-7][cos5t][sin5t][2][1] 5 separate functions or is that a product? Each row should be a single function like your first row.
 
It's the vector solution. I just realized that this message board gets rid of the extra spaces. 25, -7, 6 is one column matrix. cos5t+5sin5t, cos5t, cos5t is one column matrix. -5cos55t+sin5t, sin5t, sin5t is one column matrix. 2, 2, 1 is one column matrix. 1-5i, 1, 1 is one column matrix. And that's what I thought...about the imaginary values. How should look in the general solution?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K