Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2007/ii/paper-1/6b/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2007 ii Paper 1 6B Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
Let be the dilution rate. Population loss is , and nutrient loss by consumption is , so mass conservation givesUse the dimensionless variables , , and . Substitution into the Monod equation gives the stated system withFor a positive equilibrium, the first equation requires . Hence and , both positive exactly under the specified inequalities.
Writing , the Jacobian matrix at this equilibrium isBoth eigenvalues are negative, so the state is locally asymptotically stable. The Monod chemostat equilibrium and relaxation also makes one decay rate transparent: satisfies , independently of the uptake kinetics.
New to topics? Read the docs here!