Solveing differential equations system using diagonal matrix

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving a system of differential equations using diagonalization. The user successfully derived the matrix P, which diagonalizes the coefficient matrix A, resulting in P-1AP = diag(-3, 3, 6). The user then confirmed the correctness of their solution by substituting back into the original equations, demonstrating that their functions u1, u2, and u3 satisfy the system. The final solution is expressed as U = P * (c1e-3x, c2e3x, c3e6x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
  • Familiarity with diagonalization of matrices.
  • Knowledge of solving systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
  • Proficiency in matrix operations, including matrix inversion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of diagonalization in greater depth, focusing on applications in differential equations.
  • Learn about the stability of solutions to ODEs and how eigenvalues affect stability.
  • Explore numerical methods for solving systems of differential equations when analytical solutions are difficult.
  • Investigate the use of software tools like MATLAB or Python's NumPy for matrix computations and solving ODEs.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and physics who are working with systems of differential equations and seeking to understand diagonalization techniques and their applications.

jey1234
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Solve this system of differential equations

\begin{equation}
x'_1=5x_1 + 2 x_2 - x_3 \\
x'_2=-2x_1 + x_2 - 2x_3 \\
x'_3=-6x_1 - 6 x_2
\end{equation}


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


This is my first time solving a problem like this and I just wanted to make sure if what I did was correct.

Using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, I found the matrix P such that P^{-1} AP is a diagonal matrix where A is the coefficient matrix of the system above.

P=
\begin{pmatrix}
0&-1&-1\\
1&1&0\\
2&0&1
\end{pmatrix}

P^{-1} AP=
\begin{pmatrix}
-3&0&0\\
0&3&0\\
0&0&6
\end{pmatrix}


----------

I am sure everything above is correct. So assuming it is correct, is the following process correct?

U'=(P^{-1} AP)U

\begin{equation}
u'_1=-3u_1 \\
u'_2=3u_2 \\
u'_3=6u_3
\end{equation}

\begin{equation}
u_1=c_1e^{-3x} \\
u_2=c_2e^{3x} \\
u_3=c_3e^{6x}
\end{equation}

U=
\begin{pmatrix}
c_1e^{-3x} \\
c_2e^{3x} \\
c_3e^{6x}
\end{pmatrix}

X=PU

I understand this is pretty long. I'd appreciate if someone can just give a quick look at the process and the substitutions I made (with U and U'). Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Never mind. I just realized I can verify by seeing if my solution satisfies the given system. And it does. So I guess that means my soultion is correct. :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K