Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematical-physiology-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2023/3/d/solution

Eliminate from the first equation before linearization:
All partial derivatives below are evaluated at . The Jacobian matrix is
Its trace and determinant are
By linear stability of a planar equilibrium, a positive trace makes both real eigenvalues positive or gives a complex pair with positive real part. The equilibrium is consequently unstable precisely when
A negative trace gives asymptotic stability; equality leaves a purely imaginary pair and requires a separate nonlinear bifurcation calculation. In particular, the unique positive equilibrium is never a saddle equilibrium.

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