Understanding Equlibrium Points in differential equations

  • Thread starter Martyn Arthur
  • Start date
In summary, equilibrium points in differential equations are values where the system remains constant over time, meaning the rate of change is zero. These points can be classified as stable, unstable, or semi-stable based on the behavior of solutions in their vicinity. Analyzing equilibrium points helps in understanding the long-term behavior of dynamical systems, providing insights into their stability and potential oscillations. Techniques such as linearization and phase plane analysis are often employed to study these points and their implications for the system's dynamics.
  • #1
Martyn Arthur
118
20
Homework Statement
Find equilibrium points of differential equations
Relevant Equations
dx/dt =1-y (1)
dy/dt =x^2-y^2 (2)
For dx/dt = 0 (1)
1-y =0 , y= 1
substituting
For dy/dt = 0 (1)
for dy/dt x= sqrt 1 =1
so I have points (0,1) and (0,1)
But this isn't correct!
'cant figure out where to go from here?
Thanks
Martyn
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How do you solve [itex]x^2 - 1 = 0[/itex]?
 
  • #3
Thank you....
x^2 =1
so x =1
not +/-1 just 1 as per my calculator.
I hate blaming ADHD, I rate quite high on chess.com its ridiculous but on occasions I get into this situation.
We have an x value of 1
I need to fit it in here, but can't see how
dx/dt =1-y (1)
 
  • #4
[itex]x^2 - 1 = (x + 1)(x - 1) = 0[/itex] has both [itex]x = \pm 1[/itex] as solutions.
 
  • Like
Likes SammyS
  • #5
AH substituting 1 for y^2 and factorising gives me , for x +/-1

So thus, I believe we have (-1,1) and (1,1)
Thank you, onwards to the Jacobian maitrix.
Martyn
 
  • #6
Following on am I correct in saying that for the Jacobian maitrix the partial derivatives of dee u / dee/x and dee u / dee y are -y and 1 respectively
and the partial derivatives of dee v / dee/x and dee v / dee y are -2y and 2x respectively?
 
  • #7
Apologies, the question should have been accompanied by my workings I will try again shortle.
 
  • #8
Martyn Arthur said:
Following on am I correct in saying that for the Jacobian maitrix the partial derivatives of dee u / dee/x and dee u / dee y are -y and 1 respectively
and the partial derivatives of dee v / dee/x and dee v / dee y are -2y and 2x respectively?
While we wait ...

Notice that you have not defined ##u## or ##v##.

I suspect the definitions are : ##\displaystyle u=x+y## and ##\displaystyle v=x-y## .
 
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara
  • #9
Martyn Arthur said:
Relevant Equations: dx/dt =1-y (1)
dy/dt =x^2-y^2 (2)

For dx/dt = 0 (1)
1-y =0 , y= 1
substituting
For dy/dt = 0 (1)
for dy/dt x= sqrt 1 =1
so I have points (0,1) and (0,1)
But this isn't correct!
I'm late to the party as I didn't notice this thread, which was posted in the Adv. Physics HW section. I've moved it to Calculus & Beyond, which is a better fit.

@Martyn Arthur, your notation is confusing with the numbers that indicate the equations possibly being mistaken for something else.

From the first equation,
##\frac{dx}{dt} = 0 \Rightarrow 1 - y = 0 \Rightarrow y = 1##

From the second equation,
##\frac{dy}{dt} = 0 \Rightarrow x^2 - y^2 = 0##

For both equations to be satisfied, the second equation becomes ##x^2 = 1 \Rightarrow x = \pm 1##
I should add that when you're solving a quadratic equation, you should be thinking about the possibility of two solutions.
Therefore he two equilibrium points are (-1, 1) and (1, 1).

There is no need to invoke Jacobians and partial derivatives for the solution to this problem. In fact, calculus is not even necessary -- just straightforward algebra.
 
  • #10
Thank you; particularily reference to possibility of 2 solutions
 

FAQ: Understanding Equlibrium Points in differential equations

What is an equilibrium point in the context of differential equations?

An equilibrium point in differential equations is a point where the system does not change over time. Mathematically, it is a solution to the equation where the derivative equals zero. In a dynamical system, this means that if the system starts at this point, it will remain there indefinitely unless disturbed by external forces.

How do you find equilibrium points for a given differential equation?

To find equilibrium points, you set the derivative of the differential equation to zero and solve for the variables involved. For example, in a first-order differential equation of the form dy/dt = f(y), you would solve the equation f(y) = 0 to find the values of y that represent equilibrium points.

What is the significance of stability at equilibrium points?

The stability of an equilibrium point indicates whether small perturbations will lead the system to return to the equilibrium point or diverge away from it. A stable equilibrium point will attract nearby trajectories, while an unstable point will repel them. Stability can be analyzed using techniques such as linearization or the Lyapunov method.

Can there be multiple equilibrium points in a system?

Yes, a system can have multiple equilibrium points. The number and nature of these points depend on the specific form of the differential equations governing the system. Each equilibrium point can have different stability characteristics, which can be analyzed to understand the overall behavior of the system.

How do phase portraits help in understanding equilibrium points?

Phase portraits are graphical representations of the trajectories of a dynamical system in the state space. They help visualize how solutions behave around equilibrium points, indicating stability and the nature of trajectories. By analyzing phase portraits, one can gain insights into the dynamics of the system, including the presence of limit cycles or chaotic behavior in addition to equilibrium points.

Back
Top