Exercise · ZW-PHASE-PLANE-005 · ★☆☆ Basic

In the system \(x'=y,\ y'=-x\), which expression stays constant along each trajectory?

Choose one option.

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  • C. \(x^2+y^2\)

Explanation

\(\frac{d}{dt}(x^2+y^2)=2xx'+2yy'=2xy-2yx=0\). The trajectories are circles centered at the origin.

Study Differential equations in ZWMath →

Review the concept: Phase plane

Coordinate plane \((x,y)\) of an autonomous system whose velocities \(f\) and \(g\) do not depend on \(t\); each solution is drawn there as a curve, its trajectory.

\[x'=f(x,y),\quad y'=g(x,y)\;\Longrightarrow\;\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\dfrac{g(x,y)}{f(x,y)}\quad(f\neq0)\]

More practice problems: phase plane

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