Chapter 6: Problem 17
Determine whether the critical point \((0,0)\) is stable, asymptotically stable, or unstable. Use a computer system or graphing calculator to construct a phase portrait and direction field for the given system. Thereby ascertain the stability or instability of each critical point, and identify it visually as a node, a saddle point, a center, or a spiral point. $$ \frac{d x}{d t}=y, \quad \frac{d y}{d t}=-x $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the System
Forming a Matrix Representation
Finding the Eigenvalues
Interpretation of Eigenvalues
Analyzing Stability
Visual Confirmation with Phase Portrait
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Phase Portrait
- Each trajectory in the phase portrait represents a solution to the differential equations.
- The direction, shape, and density of the paths show how solutions evolve over time.
- Phase portraits are particularly useful for identifying the nature of critical points.
Stability Analysis
- For stability analysis, we linearize the system around the critical point and find the eigenvalues of the resulting matrix.
- The signs and nature (real, complex, imaginary) of these eigenvalues determine the system's stability.
- In our exercise, the eigenvalues are purely imaginary, indicating neutral stability.
Critical Points
- The obtained critical point in this exercise is \((0,0)\).
- At a critical point, understanding the local behavior is crucial to assessing stability.
- The matrix formed from the linearization around the critical point plays a key role in this assessment.
Eigenvalues
- In the solution, the matrix \( A \) is \( \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ -1 & 0 \end{bmatrix} \).
- By solving for \( \lambda \), we find the eigenvalues are \( i \) and \( -i \).
- These purely imaginary eigenvalues tell us that the critical point is a center.