ODE Linear System Complex Eigenvalues

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a non-homogeneous linear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) characterized by complex eigenvalues. The system is defined by the equations dx/dt = y and dy/dt = -x + cos(2t). The correct solutions are x(t) = c_1cos(t) + c_2sin(t) - 1/3cos(2t) and y(t) = -c_1sin(t) + c_2cos(t) + 2/3sin(2t). Key methods discussed include the Undetermined Coefficients method and the Variation of Parameters technique for finding particular solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors in matrix theory
  • Knowledge of the Undetermined Coefficients method for solving ODEs
  • Experience with the Variation of Parameters technique for non-homogeneous systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of Variation of Parameters in detail for solving non-homogeneous ODEs
  • Learn about constructing fundamental matrices from homogeneous solutions
  • Explore the implications of complex eigenvalues on the behavior of solutions in linear systems
  • Review the Undetermined Coefficients method with various types of non-homogeneous terms
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Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and physics who are working with linear systems of differential equations, particularly those involving complex eigenvalues and non-homogeneous terms.

Lahooty
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Homework Statement



Solve the following systems by either substitution or elimination:

dx/dt = y

dy/dt = -x + cos(2t)

Homework Equations



I know the solution is:

x(t) = c_1cos(t) + c_2sin(t) - 1/3cos(2t)

y(t) = -c_1sin(t) + c_2cos(t) + 2/3sin(2t)

The Attempt at a Solution



x' = [ 0 1; -1 0][x; y] + cos(2t)[0; 1]

Det(A-λI) = [-λ 1; -1 -λ] = λ^2+1 = λ_1 = i, λ_2 = -i

λ = i; A-λi = [-i 1; -1 -i]

(i)x + y = 0
x = 1, y = -i;

v = [1; -i] = [1; 0] + i[0; -1]

x(t) = c_1*cos(t) + c_2*sin(t);

y(t) = c_1*sin(t) - c_2*cos(t);

[0 1; -1 0]*a = [0; -1]

a = [1; 0]

[0 1; -1 0]*b = [1; 0]

b = [0; 1]

x(t) = c_1*cos(t) + c_2*sin(t) + cos(2t);

y(t) = c_1*sin(t) - c_2*cos(t) + 1;

I used the Undetermined Coefficients method:

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/RealEigenvalues.aspx#Ex1_Start

I don't understand what I'm doing wrong and I've tried using variation of parameters but I end up with a bunch of trig that I can't make anything out of. If someone can point out my error and help with deriving the problem correctly I would really appreciate it.
 
Last edited:
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So you have a non homogeneous system you want to solve. Let's denote the system [itex]x' = Ax + g(t)[/itex]

The first thing you should do is solve the homogeneous system [itex]x' = Ax[/itex] by solving the characteristic polynomial [itex]p_A(λ)[/itex] for your eigenvalues and then proceed to find your eigenvectors. The eigenvectors will be easy since one is just a complex conjugate of the other.

These will give you your fundamental homogeneous solution, let's call it [itex]x_c[/itex].

Then you can construct a fundamental matrix [itex]ψ(t)[/itex] from the columns of your homogeneous solution.

Then to solve the non homogeneous system for a particular solution [itex]x_p[/itex], I would recommend variation of parameters. So you should assume your particular solution has the form : [itex]x_p = ψ(t)u(t)[/itex] where [itex]u(t)[/itex] satisfies [itex]g(t) = ψ(t)u'(t)[/itex].

After you solve [itex]g(t) = ψ(t)u'(t)[/itex] for [itex]u_{1}^{'}[/itex] and [itex]u_{2}^{'}[/itex], integrate them to find [itex]u_1[/itex] and [itex]u_2[/itex] which finally give you your vector [itex]u(t)[/itex]. Then simply do some matrix multiplication to find [itex]x_p[/itex].

After solving for the homogeneous solution and the particular solution, your general solution will be [itex]x = x_c + x_p[/itex]

I hope this helps you. It's a lot of work, but it's doable.
 
Last edited:

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