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Ch. 9 - Differential Equations
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 9.5.28d

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.
d. Identify the four regions in the first quadrant of the xy-plane in which x' and y' are positive or negative.


x′(t) = 2x − 4xy, y′(t) = −y + 2xy

Verified step by step guidance
1
First, write down the given system of differential equations clearly: \(x\prime(t) = 2x - 4xy\) \(y\prime(t) = -y + 2xy\)
To find where \(x\prime\) and \(y\prime\) are positive or negative, analyze the sign of each derivative separately by factoring and considering the variables \(x\) and \(y\) in the first quadrant (where \(x > 0\) and \(y > 0\)).
For \(x\prime = 2x - 4xy\), factor out \$2x\(: \(x\prime = 2x(1 - 2y)\). Since \)x > 0\(, the sign of \(x\prime\) depends on \)(1 - 2y)$. So, - \(x\prime > 0\) when \(1 - 2y > 0 \Rightarrow y < \frac{1}{2}\) - \(x\prime < 0\) when \(y > \frac{1}{2}\)
For \(y\prime = -y + 2xy\), factor out \(y\): \(y\prime = y(-1 + 2x)\). Since \(y > 0\), the sign of \(y\prime\) depends on \((-1 + 2x)\). So, - \(y\prime > 0\) when \(-1 + 2x > 0 \Rightarrow x > \frac{1}{2}\) - \(y\prime < 0\) when \(x < \frac{1}{2}\)
Using these inequalities, divide the first quadrant into four regions based on the lines \(x = \frac{1}{2}\) and \(y = \frac{1}{2}\): 1. Region where \(x < \frac{1}{2}\) and \(y < \frac{1}{2}\): determine signs of \(x\prime\) and \(y\prime\) here. 2. Region where \(x < \frac{1}{2}\) and \(y > \frac{1}{2}\): determine signs. 3. Region where \(x > \frac{1}{2}\) and \(y < \frac{1}{2}\): determine signs. 4. Region where \(x > \frac{1}{2}\) and \(y > \frac{1}{2}\): determine signs. This classification identifies where each population is increasing or decreasing.

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Key Concepts

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

Predator-Prey Model Dynamics

Predator-prey models describe interactions between two species: prey (x) and predator (y). The prey population grows naturally but decreases due to predation, while the predator population declines without prey but increases when consuming prey. Understanding these dynamics helps analyze how populations change over time.
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Sign Analysis of Derivatives (x' and y')

The signs of x' and y' indicate whether the populations are increasing or decreasing. By determining where x' and y' are positive or negative in the xy-plane, we can partition the plane into regions that describe growth or decline of each species, which is essential for understanding system behavior.
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Phase Plane and Quadrant Analysis

The phase plane plots prey population (x) against predator population (y). Dividing the first quadrant (where populations are positive) into regions based on the signs of x' and y' reveals the system's qualitative behavior. This helps visualize trajectories and predict long-term outcomes.
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Related Practice
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.


e. Sketch a representative solution curve in the xy-plane and indicate the direction in which the solution evolves.


x′(t) = −3x + 6xy, y′(t) = y − 4xy

Textbook Question

Explain why or why not Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample


d. According to Newton’s Law of Cooling, the temperature of a hot object will reach the ambient temperature after a finite amount of time.

Textbook Question

U.S. population projections According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation’s population (to the nearest million) was 296 million in 2005 and 321 million in 2015. The Bureau also projects a 2050 population of 398 million. To construct a logistic model, both the growth rate and the carrying capacity must be estimated. There are several ways to estimate these parameters. Here is one approach:


d. Estimations of this kind must be made and interpreted carefully. Suppose the projected population for 2050 is 410 million rather than 398 million. What is the value of the carrying capacity in this case?

Textbook Question

17–20. Increasing and decreasing solutions Consider the following differential equations. A detailed direction field is not needed.


d. Sketch the direction field and verify that it is consistent with parts (a)–(c).


y'(t) = (y−2)(y+1)