Solving Complex Eigenvalues Homework

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a system of differential equations using the eigenvalue method. The equations provided are x_1' = 5x_1 - 9x_2 and x_2' = 2x_1 - x_2. The characteristic equation derived from the matrix is λ^2 - 4λ - 13 = 0, leading to complex eigenvalues λ = 2 + 3i and λ = 2 - 3i. However, a participant points out an error in the calculation, clarifying that the correct eigenvalues are λ = 2 ± 3, indicating a misunderstanding in the eigenvalue computation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations and systems of equations
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of matrix algebra and characteristic polynomials
  • Experience with complex numbers in mathematical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of eigenvalues from matrices using the characteristic polynomial
  • Learn about the implications of complex eigenvalues in differential equations
  • Explore methods for finding eigenvectors corresponding to real and complex eigenvalues
  • Practice solving systems of differential equations using the eigenvalue method
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra and differential equations, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of eigenvalue methods in solving systems of equations.

Totalderiv
Messages
69
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Apply the eigenvalue method to find a general solution of the given system.
x_1' = 5x_1 - 9x_2
x_2' = 2x_1 - x_2


Homework Equations


(A-λI)v=0


The Attempt at a Solution


x_1' = 5x_1 - 9x_2
x_2' = 2x_1 - x_2

\left[ <br /> \begin{array}{cc} <br /> 5-λ &amp; -9\\ <br /> 2 &amp; -1-λ <br /> \end{array} <br /> \right]=(5-λ)(-1-λ)+18=0
λ^2-4λ-13=0
(λ-2)^2 -9=0
λ=2+3i,\overline{λ}=2-3i
So I plugged λ into the matrix;
\left[ <br /> \begin{array}{cc} <br /> 3-3i &amp; -9\\ <br /> 2 &amp; -3-3i <br /> \end{array} <br /> \right]<br /> \left[<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> a\\<br /> b<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right]=(3-3i)a-9b=0<br /> 2a-(3+3i)b=0
This is where I'm stuck...the answer is;
x_1(t)=3e^{2t}(c_1cos2t - 5c_2sin2t)
x_2(t)=e^{2t}[(c_1+c_2)cos3t + (c_1-c_2)sin3t)]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Any one?
 
Totalderiv said:

Homework Statement


Apply the eigenvalue method to find a general solution of the given system.
x_1&#039; = 5x_1 - 9x_2
x_2&#039; = 2x_1 - x_2


Homework Equations


(A-λI)v=0


The Attempt at a Solution


x_1&#039; = 5x_1 - 9x_2
x_2&#039; = 2x_1 - x_2

\left[ <br /> \begin{array}{cc} <br /> 5-λ &amp; -9\\ <br /> 2 &amp; -1-λ <br /> \end{array} <br /> \right]=(5-λ)(-1-λ)+18=0
λ^2-4λ-13=0
(λ-2)^2 -9=0
λ=2+3i,\overline{λ}=2-3i
This is your error. (\lambda- 2)^2- 9= 0 is equivalent to (\lambda- 2)^2= 9 so \lambda- 2= \pm 3. There is no "i".

So I plugged λ into the matrix;
\left[ <br /> \begin{array}{cc} <br /> 3-3i &amp; -9\\ <br /> 2 &amp; -3-3i <br /> \end{array} <br /> \right]<br /> \left[<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> a\\<br /> b<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right]=(3-3i)a-9b=0<br /> 2a-(3+3i)b=0
This is where I'm stuck...the answer is;
x_1(t)=3e^{2t}(c_1cos2t - 5c_2sin2t)
x_2(t)=e^{2t}[(c_1+c_2)cos3t + (c_1-c_2)sin3t)]
There are no eigenvectors because 2+ 3i and 2- 3i are not eigenvalues.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K