Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-analysis-and-differential-equations-2-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2006/differential-equations/7/solution

Assume the vector field and multiplier are continuously differentiable, as required for Green's theorem and uniqueness of trajectories. A nonconstant periodic trajectory of a planar autonomous system is a simple closed orbit: uniqueness prevents crossings, and one traversal can be taken over its least period. Let be its bounded interior. Along the orbit , , so
Green's theorem identifies this with , which is strictly positive by hypothesis, a contradiction. Thus there is no nonconstant periodic orbit. This standard periodic-orbit criterion does not by itself exclude stationary solutions.
For the first concrete system choose . Then
There are also no equilibria: requires , but then . Consequently it has no periodic solution, including constant ones.
For the second system the origin is outside the domain of the printed vector field. For ,
Thus for an admissible initial point with ,
where , . These formulas are valid while , in particular for every . Trajectories rotate counterclockwise, spiral outward when , and inward when , approaching the unit circle. On they give , , a periodic orbit with least period . It is an attracting limit cycle. There is no contradiction with the preceding criterion: this vector field is singular at the origin and has the exhibited closed orbit.
Figure 1.
Counterclockwise trajectories approach the attracting unit circle
. Details.

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