Systems Of Linear D.E's, Complex Eigenvalues

In summary, to find the general solution of the given system, we first need to solve for the eigenvalues of the matrix. After finding the eigenvectors, we substitute the eigenvalues in the matrix A - lambdaI and row reduce it. From there, we can solve for the variables in terms of each other and use different values for those variables to find all possible solutions.
  • #1
EnragedToilet
2
0
1. Find the General Solution of the given system

[ -1 -1 2 ] X = X'
[ -1 1 0 ]
[ -1 0 1 ]

det(A-lambda*Identity matrix) = 0, solve for eigenvalues/values of lambda
(A-lambda*Identity matrix|0)



The eigenvalues we got are 1 and 1 +/- i. The matrix generated for (A-(1-i)I|0) is

[ i -1 2 | 0 ]
[ -1 i 0 | 0 ]
[ -1 0 i | 0 ]

Where do we go from here??
 
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  • #2
I think you have made a mistake on your eigenvalue calculations. The eigenvalues I get are [itex]\lambda = 0[/itex] (of multiplicity 2) and [itex]\lambda = 1[/itex].

After you have found the eigenvectors, you need to do this for each one:
Substitute the [itex]\lambda [/itex] in the matrix A - [itex]\lambda[/itex]I.
Row reduce this matrix. You are guaranteed that the row-reduced matrix will have at least one row of zeroes.
Of the nonzero rows that remain, solve for x1 in terms of the other variable(s). Solve for xx in terms of the other variables.

As an example, if you ended up with this:
[1 2 0]
[0 1 -1]
[0 0 0]

This says that
x1 = -2x2
x2 = x3
x3 = x3

The three variables on the left side are given in terms of x2 and x3 on the right side. If you choose x2 = 1 and x3 = 0, that gives you one solution. If you choose x2 = 0 and x3 = 1, that gives you another solution. Every possible solution is a linear combination of values for you choose x2 and x3.
 
  • #3
[ 1 -1 2 ] X = X' ...that first one in the upper left is not negative :( sorry!
[ -1 1 0 ]
[ -1 0 1 ]
 

FAQ: Systems Of Linear D.E's, Complex Eigenvalues

What are systems of linear differential equations?

Systems of linear differential equations are a set of equations that involve multiple dependent variables and their derivatives with respect to one or more independent variables. These equations are linear because the dependent variables and their derivatives are raised to the first power and do not have any nonlinear terms.

What are complex eigenvalues?

Complex eigenvalues are a type of eigenvalue that can be found for a matrix of complex numbers. They are a pair of values, one real and one imaginary, that satisfy the characteristic equation of the matrix. These eigenvalues are important in solving systems of linear differential equations because they can provide information about the behavior of the system over time.

How do we find complex eigenvalues for a system of linear differential equations?

To find complex eigenvalues for a system of linear differential equations, we first need to convert the system into a matrix form. Then, we can find the characteristic polynomial of the matrix and solve for its roots. The roots of the polynomial will be the complex eigenvalues of the system.

What is the significance of complex eigenvalues in systems of linear differential equations?

Complex eigenvalues play an important role in determining the stability and behavior of a system of linear differential equations. They can provide information about the oscillatory behavior and growth or decay of solutions over time. Additionally, they can help us understand the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the system.

How do complex eigenvalues affect the solutions of a system of linear differential equations?

The presence of complex eigenvalues in a system of linear differential equations can result in complex-valued solutions. These solutions can involve sine and cosine functions, which indicate oscillatory behavior. The real part of the complex eigenvalues determines the rate of growth or decay of the solution, while the imaginary part determines the frequency of oscillations.

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