Fundamental Matrices in Differential Equations

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the fundamental matrix for a given system of equations and then finding a specific solution to satisfy a given condition. The participant shares their solution, including the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and obtaining a general solution. They also mention checking their solution with a manual and having difficulty understanding the specific solution provided in the manual. However, upon further reflection, they realize their mistake and are able to understand the solution.
  • #1
rocketboy
243
1
The question:

Find the fundamental matrix for the given system of equations, and then find the specific solution to satisfy x(0) = I.

x' = [tex]\left(\stackrel{1}{5}\stackrel{ -1}{ -3}\right)[/tex]x

My solution:

I found the eigenvalues to be r[tex]_{1}[/tex]= -1 + i and r[tex]_{2}[/tex]= -1 - i

I then found the corresponding eigenvectors, and obtained a general solution as follows:

x = c[tex]_{1}[/tex]e[tex]^{-t}\left(\stackrel{cos(t)}{2cos(t)+sin(t)}\right)[/tex] + c[tex]_{2}[/tex]e[tex]^{-t}\left(\stackrel{sin(t)}{2sin(t)-cos(t)}\right)[/tex]

I know that this is correct, as I have checked it with a solution manual. However the solution manual becomes difficult to comprehend past this point as it skips many steps.

I now have to find the specific solution for x(0) = I.

I set the above equal to [tex]\left(\stackrel{1}{0}\right)[/tex](cos(t) + i sin(t)) in order to solve for the first specific solution, however can't seem to solve it, and I have no idea what the solution manual is doing. They come up with the following as a specific solution:

x = e[tex]^{-t}[/tex][tex]\left(\stackrel{cos(t) + 2sin(t)}{5sin(t)}\right)[/tex]

and then proceed to find the specific solution for the second part of the identity matrix, and finally the fundamental solution is the matrix involving these two specific solutions.

The part I don't understand is how they got the specific solution above. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank-you,
-J
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Alright so apparently doing math at 3am was the problem, not my understanding. I woke up this morning and realized when I was attempting to solve the initial value problem I wasn't substituting '0' for 't'... when I did it all made sense and took a couple minutes to come up with the answers they did.

Thanks anyway!
 

FAQ: Fundamental Matrices in Differential Equations

What is a fundamental matrix in differential equations?

A fundamental matrix in differential equations is a matrix that contains all the possible solutions to a system of linear differential equations. It is a necessary component in finding the general solution to a system of differential equations.

How is a fundamental matrix used in solving differential equations?

A fundamental matrix is used to find the general solution to a system of differential equations by multiplying it with the initial conditions of the system. This produces a vector that contains all the constants needed to create the general solution.

Can a fundamental matrix have complex entries?

Yes, a fundamental matrix can have complex entries. This is especially useful when solving systems of differential equations with complex coefficients.

How do you find the fundamental matrix for a given system of differential equations?

The fundamental matrix can be found by first writing the system of differential equations in matrix form. Then, the matrix exponential function can be used to find the fundamental matrix.

Can a fundamental matrix change when the initial conditions are varied?

Yes, the fundamental matrix can change when the initial conditions are varied. This is because the general solution to a system of differential equations depends on the initial conditions, and the fundamental matrix is used to find the general solution.

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