Find the eigenvectors problem help

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the solution to the differential equation $y' = \begin{pmatrix}4 & -1\\ 2 & 1\end{pmatrix}y $ by finding the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The eigenvalues are $\lambda_1 = 3$ and $\lambda_2 = 2$, and the eigenvectors are $\mathbf{y_1} = e^{3t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1\end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{y_2} = e^{2t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 2\end{pmatrix}$. The final solution is $y = Ae^{3t}\
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
Just checking a solution.

$y' = \begin{pmatrix}4 & -1\\ 2 & 1\end{pmatrix}y $
$$
\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 6 = (\lambda - 3)(\lambda - 2) = 0.
$$
So the eigenvalues are $\lambda_1 = 3$ and $\lambda_2 = 2$.
To find the eigenvectors, we must solve $(4 - \lambda)y_1 - y_2 = 0\iff y_2 = (4 - \lambda)y_1$.
Then
$$
y = \begin{pmatrix}1\\ 4 - \lambda\end{pmatrix}.
$$
Now $\mathbf{y_1} = e^{3t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1\end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{y_2} = e^{2t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 2\end{pmatrix}$.
Thus, the solution is
$$
y = Ae^{3t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1\end{pmatrix} + Be^{2t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 2\end{pmatrix}.
$$
 
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
Just checking a solution.

$y' = \begin{pmatrix}4 & -1\\ 2 & 1\end{pmatrix}y $
$$
\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 6 = (\lambda - 3)(\lambda - 2) = 0.
$$
So the eigenvalues are $\lambda_1 = 3$ and $\lambda_2 = 2$.
To find the eigenvectors, we must solve $(4 - \lambda)y_1 - y_2 = 0\iff y_2 = (4 - \lambda)y_1$.
Then
$$
y = \begin{pmatrix}1\\ 4 - \lambda\end{pmatrix}.
$$
Now $\mathbf{y_1} = e^{3t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1\end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{y_2} = e^{2t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 2\end{pmatrix}$.
Thus, the solution is
$$
y = Ae^{3t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1\end{pmatrix} + Be^{2t}\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 2\end{pmatrix}.
$$

Yes it's correct. (Yes)
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Find the eigenvectors problem help

What is a system of linear ODEs?

A system of linear ODEs (ordinary differential equations) is a set of equations that describe the behavior of a system over time. Each equation represents the rate of change of one variable in terms of other variables in the system.

How do I check if a system of linear ODEs is valid?

To check if a system of linear ODEs is valid, you can use methods such as substitution, elimination, or matrix operations. These methods involve solving the equations to see if they satisfy the given initial conditions and boundary conditions.

Can a system of linear ODEs have a unique solution?

Yes, a system of linear ODEs can have a unique solution if the number of equations in the system is equal to the number of unknown variables. This is known as a non-degenerate system.

What is the difference between a linear and a non-linear system of ODEs?

A linear system of ODEs has equations that are linear in terms of the dependent variables and their derivatives. This means that the variables are raised to the first power and there are no products or powers of the variables. A non-linear system, on the other hand, has equations that are not linear in this way.

How can I solve a system of linear ODEs?

There are various methods for solving a system of linear ODEs, such as analytic methods (substitution, elimination, matrix operations), numerical methods (Euler's method, Runge-Kutta methods), and software tools (MATLAB, Mathematica). The method chosen depends on the complexity of the system and the desired level of accuracy.

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