Polar eigenvectors: a better way?

• Peter A. Braza ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Colorado Colorado Springs

     University of Colorado Colorado Springs

     Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: International journal of mathematical education in science and technology, ISSN 0020-739X, Vol. 53, Nº. 6, 2022, págs. 1645-1649
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • All differential equations students have encountered eigenvectors and eigenvalues in their study of systems of linear differential equations.

    The eigenvectors and phase plane solutions are displayed in a Cartesian plane, yet a geometric understanding can be enhanced, and is arguably better, if the system is represented in polar coordinates.

    A consequence of using the polar form is that the geometric characteristics of centres and spirals are immediately identified, while the features of saddles and nodes are also made clear.