Repeated Eigenvalue of a n=3 system of differential equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around a system of differential equations represented by a 3x3 matrix with repeated eigenvalues. Participants are exploring the implications of having a single eigenvalue of multiplicity three and the associated eigenvector.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have identified the repeated eigenvalues as λ_{1,2,3}=-1 and the corresponding eigenvector. There is uncertainty about the next steps, particularly regarding the application of Jordan Canonical form and its relevance to the problem. Some mention the challenge of finding resources that adequately address 3x3 matrices compared to 2x2 matrices.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the topic, with references to Jordan Normal Form and analytic matrix functions. Participants are sharing insights and resources, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that existing resources primarily focus on 2x2 matrices, which may limit their understanding of the 3x3 case. There is also mention of the complexity involved in applying Jordan Canonical form to this specific problem.

tehdiddulator
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Homework Statement



x' = \begin{pmatrix}0&1&3\\2&-1&2\\-1&0&-2\end{pmatrix}*x





The Attempt at a Solution


I've found the repeated eigenvalues to be λ_{1,2,3}=-1
I've also found the first (and only non zero eigenvector) to be \begin{pmatrix}1&2&-1\end{pmatrix}, but I'm not entirely sure where to go from here. Everything I've found talks about 2x2 matrices. Even looking around on MIT opencoursewares site, they say that its possible but is beyond the scope of that class...I did find some reference to using Jourdan Canonical form may possibly be used, but I don't remember him talking too much about that.
 
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tehdiddulator said:

Homework Statement



x' = \begin{pmatrix}0&1&3\\2&-1&2\\-1&0&-2\end{pmatrix}*x





The Attempt at a Solution


I've found the repeated eigenvalues to be λ_{1,2,3}=-1
I've also found the first (and only non zero eigenvector) to be \begin{pmatrix}1&2&-1\end{pmatrix}, but I'm not entirely sure where to go from here. Everything I've found talks about 2x2 matrices. Even looking around on MIT opencoursewares site, they say that its possible but is beyond the scope of that class...I did find some reference to using Jourdan Canonical form may possibly be used, but I don't remember him talking too much about that.

That's Jordan.. Here's a wiki article about Jordan Normal Form. The section on generalized eigenvectors that might be of help.
 
tehdiddulator said:

Homework Statement



x' = \begin{pmatrix}0&1&3\\2&-1&2\\-1&0&-2\end{pmatrix}*x





The Attempt at a Solution


I've found the repeated eigenvalues to be λ_{1,2,3}=-1
I've also found the first (and only non zero eigenvector) to be \begin{pmatrix}1&2&-1\end{pmatrix}, but I'm not entirely sure where to go from here. Everything I've found talks about 2x2 matrices. Even looking around on MIT opencoursewares site, they say that its possible but is beyond the scope of that class...I did find some reference to using Jourdan Canonical form may possibly be used, but I don't remember him talking too much about that.

For a matrix A having a single eigenvalue ##r## of multiplicity 3 the analytic matrix function f(A) = c_0 I + c_1 A + c_2 A^2 + c_3 A^3 + \cdots (corresponding to the ordinary analytic function ##f(x) = c_0 + c_1 x + c_2 x^2 + \cdots ##) is of the form
f(A) = E_1 f(r) + E_2 f'(r) + E_3 f''(r) for some fixed matrices ##E_1, E_2, E_3## which are the same for all functions f. We can determine the ##E_1## by looking at special cases of f: for ##f(x) = x^0 = 1## we have ##f'x) = f''(x) = 0##, so ##I = A^0 = 1 E_1 + 0 E_2 + 0 E_3 = E_1##. For##f(x) = x## we have ##f'(x) = 1, f''(x) = 0## and so ##A = r E_1 + 1 E_2 ##. For ##f(x) = x^2## we have ##f'(x) = 2x, f''(x) = 2## and so ##A^2 = r^2 E_1 + 2r E_2 + 2 E_3.## Altogether, we have the three equations
E_1 = I\\<br /> r E_1 + E_2 = A\\<br /> r^2 E_1 + 2r E_2 + 2E_3 = A^2.
Once we have the ##E_i## we can solve the differential equation system using the matrix exponential ##M(t) = e^{At}##. This will have the form
M(t) = e^{rt} E_1 + t e^{rt} E_2 + t^2 e^{rt} E_3,
obtained from the function ##f(x) = e^{xt}.##

This all follows by looking at the Jordan Canonical Form. Note, however, that the discussion above applies equally whether the matrix has a diagonal Jordan form, or one block of size 1 and one of size 2, or a single Jordan block of size 3; those separate cases will just correspond to situations in which some ##E_i## are zero. For example, if A were diagonalizable but with a single eigenvalue r of multiplicity 3, we would just have ##E_2 = E_3 = 0##.
 
tehdiddulator said:

Homework Statement



x' = \begin{pmatrix}0&1&3\\2&-1&2\\-1&0&-2\end{pmatrix}*x





The Attempt at a Solution


I've found the repeated eigenvalues to be λ_{1,2,3}=-1
I've also found the first (and only non zero eigenvector) to be \begin{pmatrix}1&2&-1\end{pmatrix}, but I'm not entirely sure where to go from here. Everything I've found talks about 2x2 matrices. Even looking around on MIT opencoursewares site, they say that its possible but is beyond the scope of that class...I did find some reference to using Jourdan Canonical form may possibly be used, but I don't remember him talking too much about that.

For a matrix A having a single eigenvalue ##r## of multiplicity 3 the analytic matrix function f(A) = c_0 I + c_1 A + c_2 A^2 + c_3 A^3 + \cdots (corresponding to the ordinary analytic function ##f(x) = c_0 + c_1 x + c_2 x^2 + \cdots ##) is of the form
f(A) = E_1 f(r) + E_2 f&#039;(r) + E_3 f&#039;&#039;(r) for some fixed matrices ##E_1, E_2, E_3## which a re the same for all functions f. We can determine the ##E_1## by looking at special cases of f: for ##f(x) = x^0 = 1## we have ##f'x) = f''(x) = 0##, so ##I = A^0 = 1 E_1 + 0 E_2 + 0 E_3 = E_1##. For##f(x) = x## we have ##f'(x) = 1, f''(x) = 0## and so ##A = r E_1 + 1 E_2 ##. For ##f(x) = x^2## we have ##f'(x) = 2x, f''(x) = 2## and so ##A^2 = r^2 E_1 + 2r E_2 + 2 E_3.## Altogether, we have the three equations
E_1 = I\\<br /> r E_1 + E_2 = A\\<br /> r^2 E_1 + 2r E_2 + 2E_3 = A^2.
Once we have the ##E_i## we can solve the differential equation system using the matrix exponential ##M(t) = e^{At}##. This will have the form
M(t) = e^{rt} E_1 + t e^{rt} E_2 + t^2 e^{rt} E_3,
obtained from the function ##f(x) = e^{xt}.##
 

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