Classification by Eigenvalues
Classification by Eigenvalues
y
�
ii) λ1 < λ2 < 0. �
Stable nodal sink (asymptotically stable). � �
�
(Simply reverse the arrows on case (i).) � • � x�
� �
As t → 0 the term eλ2 t v2 dominates and x → ∞.
�
As t → −∞ the term eλ1 t v1 dominates and x → ∞.
�
y
�
� �
iii) λ1 > 0 > λ2 . �
Saddle, unstable. � �
As t → ∞ the term eλ1 t v1 dominates and x → ∞. � • x
�
As t → −∞ the term eλ2 t v2 dominates and x → ∞. � � �
�
y
�
iv) λ1 = 0 > λ2 . �
Line of critical points. �
� •
The critical points are not isolated –they lie on the line � •
• x�
through 0 with direction v1 . •
• �
x = c 1 v 1 + c 2 e λ2 t v 2 �
�
As t → ∞ x → c1 v1 along a line parallel to v2 . �
y
v) λ1 = 0 < λ2 . �
�
Line of critical points. �
(Simply reverse the arrows in case (iv).) � •
� •
The critical points are not isolated –they lie on the line • x�
• �
through 0 with direction v1 . • �
x = c 1 v 1 + c 2 e λ2 t v 2 �
�
As t → ∞ x → ∞ along a line parallel to v2 .
2
Appendix: A Computer-Generated Portrait Gallery OCW 18.03SC
y
vi) λ1 = λ2 > 0.
Star nodal source (unstable). � �
� �
Let λ = λ1 = λ2 . Two independent eigenvectors ⇒ A is a
scalar matrix ⇒ x = eλt − →
c. • x
That is all trajectories are straight rays. � �
As t → ∞ x → ∞ along a line from 0. � �
As t → −∞ x → 0
y
� �
vii) λ1 = λ2 < 0. � �
Star nodal sink (asymptotically stable). • x
(Simply reverse the arrows in case (vi).) � �
� �
viii) λ1 = λ2 = 0.
Non-isolated critical points.
Every point is a critical point, every trajectory is a point.
2. Real defective case (repeated eigenvalue, only one eigenvector).
Let λ be the eigenvalue and v1 the corresponding eigenvector. Let v2 be a
generalized eigenvector associated with v1 .
⇒ general solution to (�) is x = eλt (c1 v1 + c2 (tv1 + v2 )).
y y
i) λ > 0.
Defective source node (unstable). � � � �
As t → ∞ the term tv1 dominates � �
and x → ∞. • x • � x
�
As t → −∞ the term tv1 dominates �
� � �
and x → 0.
y y
ii) λ < 0. � � � �
Defective sink node � �
(asymptotically stable). • x • � x
(Simply reverse the arrows in case (i).) �
� � � �
3
Appendix: A Computer-Generated Portrait Gallery OCW 18.03SC
y y
�
iii) λ = 0. � �
Line of critical points. � • � •
• • �
x = c1 v1 + c2 (tv1 + v2 ). • x � • x
• � • �
Trajectories are parallel to v1 . • � • �
�
For the complex case you can find the direction of rotation by checking
the tangent vector at one point.
4
Appendix: A Computer-Generated Portrait Gallery OCW 18.03SC
� �
2 3
Example. A = has eigenvalues 2 ± 3i. ⇒ the critical point is
−3 2
a spiral source. � � � �
1 2
The tangent vector at the point x0 = is A x0 = .
0 −3
⇒ spiral is clockwise.
5
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