Not words but DIAGRAMS

Linear301 ECE301Fall2008mboutin.jpg

If W(t)=Z(t) then it is linear

Non-Linear System

take $ \,\ x(t) = 3t^2, y(t) = t^3 $

and $ \,\ a = 2, b = 3 $

The system squares the function that goes in.

Then we get

$ \,\ Z(t) = 2t^4 + 3t^6 $ and

$ \,\ W(t)= (2t^2+3t^3)^2 $

we see that Z(t) and W(t) are not equal so they are not linear.

Linear System

I am taking the same values except now the system just multiplies it by 4.

$ \,\ Z(t) = 8t^2 + 12t^3 $ and

$ \,\ W(t)= 4(2t^2+3t^3) $

and BAM we get a linear function because Z(t)=W(t)

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett