Preclass assignment due with problem set # 29

Reading :
Supplement: 31.5 pp. 1024 through 1038: Systems of Differential Equations



Key areas of focus :
Look carefully at Newton's Law of Cooling (Example 31.24) which does not require a phase plane analysis (i.e. a systems approach) and notice how the information can be read off the xy-plane representation. Understanding that will help with the next two examples. Read the general strategy carefully so that you're familiar with the terminology. We'll be going over examples in class.

Reading Questions:
1. Consider the situation in Example 31.26. Read the remark on p. 1033. If X gives position and y = dx/dt, what physical characteristic is given by y? Suppose the block is stretched one unit to the right and released. What are the initial conditions in terms of x and y? As time goes on, what happens to x in the short run? In the long run?

There is a reading response question on the ILT.