Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-topics-in-applied-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2010/a/2/c/i/solution

The equal-diffusivity Fisher reduction uses equal diffusion coefficients and the invariant relation . The second equation then requires , while the first becomes . They agree when
This reduction requires compatible initial and boundary data on that invariant relation. Tuning a parameter alone does not force arbitrary solutions of the two-field system onto it. For positive physical , the displayed normalization also requires . More generally the line works when ; the same positivity restriction remains for .
Let and with , . The profile equation is . Multiplication by and integration gives
Consequently : the increasing front moves left, with the state invading . Linearization at its leading edge gives real monotone exponents only when , yielding the usual Fisher front speed range. A convenient exact example is
Substitution verifies it and the figure shows its leftward displacement. The source uses for the end limits after defining ; they denote the same spatial coordinate here.
Figure 1.
An increasing Fisher front translates left as the occupied state invades
. Details.

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