Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2011/ia/paper-2/5a/a/solution

Combine the real variables into . The linear system of ordinary differential equations becomes , hence for arbitrary real . Taking real and imaginary parts gives
The two independent constants cover every real initial condition. In the phase plane, the distance from the origin grows as and the polar angle changes at rate . For the trajectories are outward logarithmic spirals; for they are outward straight rays.

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