Skip to main content
Ch. 9 - Differential Equations
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 9.5.27c

27–30. Predator-prey models Consider the following pairs of differential equations that model a predator-prey system with populations x and y. In each case, carry out the following steps.


c. Find the equilibrium points for the system.


x′(t) = −3x + 6xy, y′(t) = y − 4xy

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by writing down the system of differential equations clearly: \[x\prime(t) = -3x + 6xy\] \[y\prime(t) = y - 4xy\]
To find the equilibrium points, set both derivatives equal to zero because equilibrium occurs where the populations do not change: \[-3x + 6xy = 0\] \[y - 4xy = 0\]
Factor each equation to isolate terms: From the first equation: \[x(-3 + 6y) = 0\] From the second equation: \[y(1 - 4x) = 0\]
Solve each factor equal to zero separately to find possible values of \(x\) and \(y\): - For the first equation: either \[x = 0\] or \[-3 + 6y = 0\] - For the second equation: either \[y = 0\] or \[1 - 4x = 0\]
Combine these results to find all pairs \((x, y)\) that satisfy both equations simultaneously. These pairs are the equilibrium points of the system.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
7m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Equilibrium Points in Differential Equations

Equilibrium points occur where the rates of change of all variables are zero, meaning the system is in a steady state. For a system of differential equations, this means setting each derivative equal to zero and solving for the variables. These points help understand long-term behavior and stability of the system.
Recommended video:
07:39
Classifying Differential Equations

Predator-Prey Model Dynamics

Predator-prey models describe interactions between two species: one as prey (x) and the other as predator (y). The equations typically include growth and interaction terms, where prey growth is affected negatively by predators, and predator growth depends on prey availability. Understanding these dynamics is essential to interpret the system's behavior.
Recommended video:
09:29
Exponential Growth & Decay

Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations

Finding equilibrium points often requires solving nonlinear algebraic equations derived from setting derivatives to zero. Techniques include substitution or factoring to find all possible solutions. Mastery of solving such systems is crucial for analyzing complex models like predator-prey interactions.
Recommended video:
5:02
Solving Logarithmic Equations
Related Practice
Textbook Question

38–43. Equilibrium solutions A differential equation of the form y′(t)=f(y) is said to be autonomous (the function f depends only on y). The constant function y=y0 is an equilibrium solution of the equation provided f(y0)=0 (because then y'(t)=0 and the solution remains constant for all t). Note that equilibrium solutions correspond to horizontal lines in the direction field. Note also that for autonomous equations, the direction field is independent of t. Carry out the following analysis on the given equations.

c. Sketch the solution curve that corresponds to the initial condition y0=1. 


y′(t) = 6 - 2y

1
views
Textbook Question

{Use of Tech} Free fall Using th e background given in Exercise 47, assume the resistance is given by f(v)=−Rv, for t≥0, where R>0 is a drag coefficient (an assumption often made for a heavy medium such as water or oil).


c. Find the solution of this separable equation assuming v(0)=0 and 0<v<g/b.

1
views
Textbook Question

29–32. {Use of Tech} Errors in Euler’s method Consider the following initial value problems.


c. Which time step results in the more accurate approximation? Explain your observations.


y′(t) = 4−y, y(0) = 3; y(t) = 4−e⁻ᵗ

1
views
Textbook Question

27–30. Predator-prey models Consider the following pairs of differential equations that model a predator-prey system with populations x and y. In each case, carry out the following steps.

c. Find the equilibrium points for the system.


x′(t) = −3x + xy, y′(t) = 2y − xy

Textbook Question

Another second-order equation Consider the differential equation y''(t) + k²y(t) = 0, where k is a positive real number.

c. Give the general solution of the equation for arbitrary k > 0 and verify your conjecture.

1
views
Textbook Question

Solving Bernoulli equations Use the method outlined in Exercise 43 to solve the following Bernoulli equations.


c. y′(t) + y = √y

1
views