Slope Fields
This worksheet gives a demonstration of the use of new features in release 4.0 to find solution curves of a slope field. The user can create named points as the starting point of new solution curves. The point A can be moved around to show the value of the vector field at a point.
The second graphics window is used as a control panel.
With each vector field you should see if the solution curves fit into one pattern or if there are several different kinds. You should check to see if there are limit or boundary curves.
The default field Dy=x, Dx=-y+.02x spirals out. You should find the variation that makes it spiral in or form circles
The field Dx=x, Dy=y diverges out.
What happens with a field like Dx=sin(x*y), Dy=cos(x*y)
Mike May, S.J.
maymk@slu.edu