Chloe L.

Sole
SLXCHL001

How Couples Interact

Applied
Mathematics
2OD

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Contents
1 Introduction

2 One Person

2.1

Simply Single . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.2

The Lone Wolf Joins the Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.3

The Tax Return Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.4

Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 A Couple
3.1

3.2

3.3

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A Validating Couple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

3.1.1

Solution S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

3.1.2

The Pursuit of Happyness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

An Avoiding Couple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

3.2.1

Case A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15

3.2.2

Case B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

3.2.3

Case C

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

A Volatile Couple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

3.3.1

Case A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

3.3.2

Case B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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3.3.3

Case C

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Introduction

Mathematical modeling allows us to make logical sense of the progression or

change of anything over time. This process of modeling the real world to mathematical solutions allows us to interpret how situations would differ under other
conditions. It also allows us to predict outcomes that we can observe in order
to test our model and adapt it to make it more accurate. An accurate model
would provide us with an understanding of the system and why it changes the
way it does.
People interact in observable ways, couples specifically for this project. In
order to create an accurate model of the system a good understanding of lots
of data is required. We will be taking a completely theoretical approach.
Our approach will be to assign to each person a function which is a mathematical description of that persons emotional state, positive indicating happiness and negative indicating sadness. Since a persons emotional state changes
over time we need to ensure that the function assigned to that person is a
function of time.
So person X will have an emotional state x(t) and person Y will have an
emotional state y(t).
We will be considering a variety of cases ranging from a single individual
unaffected by external sources to a number of types of couples. From these we
can build up a general understanding of how couples interact.

One Person

Assuming that everyone has a single natural state of being we can assign, per
individual, a constant indicating that persons natural state. Thus from here
on-wards xe is person Xs natural state of being, his/her equilibrium point.
We can assume that this constant is not too different from zero and define it
such that a positive xe indicates that X is a naturally happy individual and a
negative xe indicates that person x is naturally unhappy.

2.1

Simply Single

Considering the case of a single person, person X. After a disturbance, if

the disturbance is not unusual or due to other people, we assume that Xs
emotional state tends to return to the equilibrium point xe gradually. This can
be represented simply by the mathematical equation:
3

dx(t)
= r(x(t) xe )
dt

(1)

This equation is a logistic differential equation where r is a constant representing the fractional rate at which individual X returns to their equilibrium
state. We can define r such that a large r indicates that Xs emotional state
returns to xe fast.
In order to get Xs emotional state as a function of time we need to solve
the logistic differential we set up in equation 1. This is a simple separable
differential. The solution to this differential is as follows:
dx(t)
= r(x(t) xe )
dt
dx
= rdt
(x(t) xe )
Z
Z
dx
= r dt
(x(t) xe )
ln|x(t) xe | = rt + ln|k|
x(t) xe = kert
Thus we get out emotional state of person X being:
x(t) = kert + xe

(2)

Now if we solve for the constant of integration, k, with the given initial value
of x(to ) = x0 we get:
x(t0 ) = x0 = kert0 + xe
k = (x0 xe )ert0
So it follows that the analytical solution with the given initial value is:

x(t) =

(x0 xe )ert0
+ xe
ert

(3)

Figure 1: Setting r = 0.5, xe = 0.2 and varying x(t0 ) = x0 .

Figure 2: x(0) = 5, r = 0.5 and

varying xe

Figure 3: x(0) = 5, xe = 0.2 and varying

r

From figures 1, 2 and 3 we can see that the larger r is the faster it tends to
the line x(t) = xe , that changing the value of xe changes the line to which the
solution decays and the greater the x(t0 ) = x0 the longer it takes for the solution
to get close to the line x = xe . These values indicate that the larger the r value
the faster person X returns to their natural state and the larger the disruption
from their natural state the longer it takes to return to the equilibrium point.
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From these plots and our definition of r we find that r cannot be negative as
then the person would never return to their natural state.

2.2

The Lone Wolf Joins the Pack

However in the real world there are hardly any cases where this is true as there
will be influences due to other people or unusual things that happen to the
individual. If we now take this into account we have to adapt our differential
to containing a function of time that indicates how the individual is influenced
by events or people around them. This function needs to include if the event
influences X negatively or positively and how strongly X is influenced by them.
Our new differential is:
dx(t)
= r(x(t) xe ) + d(t)
dt

(4)

Where d(t) is the mathematical representation of these external influences

and how they influence person X. This differential is no longer separable. It
is now a linear inhomogeneous ordinary differential equation. We will now set
about solving this equation:
dx(t)
+ rx = d(t) + rxe
dt
Solving for the homogeneous part:
dx(t)
+ rx = 0
dt
Z
Z
dx
= r dt
x
ln|x| = rt + ln|C|
x = Cert
Variation of parameter: C = C(t) and then differentiate
dx(t)
= C 0 ert rCert
dt
Substitute back into equation 4.

C 0 ert = d(t) + rxe

C 0 = (d(t) + rxe )ert
Z
C = C 0 dt
Thus for x(t) of an unknown influence function d(t) we have:
Z
x(t) =

2.3


 rt

rt
e d(t) + re xe dt ert

(5)

The Tax Return Blues

Let us now put our individual X in a situation and model x(t). Consider the
case where X has to do his/her income tax return instead of watching a favorite
series. This mildly irritating to X so we can assume that our d(t) for this
scenario is a negative constant. If X was at their natural state of being before
they remembered to do their tax return then x(t0 ) = x0 = xe .
Using these conditions we can now obtain our function x(t) using equation
5.Suppose d(t) = k where k is a positive constant.
Z
C=
C=

 rt

e d(t) + rert xe dt
kert
+ ert xe + C1
r

Substituting this back into equation 5:

h kert
i
x(t) =
+ ert xe + C1 ert
r
k
x(t) = + xe + C1 ert
r
k
x0 = xe = + xe + C1 ert0
r
Solving for C1 :

C1 =

k rt0
e
r

Thus our solution for Xs emotional state for this situation becomes:

x(t) =

k
k
+ xe + er(t0 +t)
r
r

(6)

Looking at this solution we can see that the presence of a d(t) = k has
shifted the equilibrium to a new point. This makes logical sense as for that
period of time person X is continually influenced by the fact that he/she is
doing tax return so until the source of the discomfort is removed the emotional
state of X will tend to a new equilibrium off set to the negative side.
Now to plot this to get a visual understanding we set our constants to some
believable values. We decide k = 4, xe = 0.2, r = 0.8 and t0 = 0. Now we have
a function that we can plot:
x(t) = 4.8 + 5e0.8(t)

Figure 4: x(t) = 4.8 + 5e0.8(t) , d(t) = 4 and the new equilibrium state is -4.8

Looking at figure 4 we can see that initially when X remembers about the
existence of the income tax return they become mildly annoyed very fast but
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tend to a certain level of annoyed and remain there for a while until the source of
annoyance is removed and their natural happiness equilibrium is restored once
more.
From equation 6 we can see that the new equilibrium happiness is equal to
kr + xe which in the case of our plot is -4,8.

2.4

Riding the Emotional Roller Coaster

If we now consider X going to Ratanga Junction we find that the initial excitement wears off as the queues get longer and the thrill of the roller coasters
no longer beat the annoying queues. We choose to model the decay of the excitement by using an exponential decay. So from equation 5 our d(t) becomes
d0 et/T where d0 > 0.
Using the same initial values as before and our new d(t) we can now solve
for our new dynamic. Remembering that
Z


 rt

rt
e d(t) + re xe dt ert

x(t) =

We can substitute our new d(t) function and evaluate the integral.
Z

 rt t/T

e d0 e
+ rert xe dt

C=
C=

ertt/T d0
+ ert xe + C1
r T1

Substituting this back into x(t)

x(t) =

et/T d0
+ xe + C1 ert
r T1

Now with our initial value of x(t0 ) = x0 = xe

x0 = xe =

et0 /T d0
+ xe + C1 ert0
r T1

Solving for C1

C1 =

et0 /T d0  rt0 
e
r T1

Thus our solution to the emotional state of X in our scenario is

x(t) =

et/T d0
+ xe + C1 ert
r T1

(7)

where

C1 =

et0 /T d0  rt0 
e
r T1

If we wish to find the time of maximum happiness of X we differentiate our

solution for x(t), equation 7, and set it equal to zero.

x(t)0 =

d0 et/T
rC1 ert = 0
Tr 1

0
If we now set K to rTd1
the above equation simplifies down to

Ket/T = rC1 ert

rC1
et(r1/T ) =
K 
rC1
t(r 1/T ) = ln
K


1
ln rC
K
tmax =
r T1
Now in order to plot this we need to choose some values for all our parameters.
Parameter
d0
xe
x0
T
r
t0

Value
5.0
0.2
xe
3.0
0.5
0.0
10

With these parameters our x(t) becomes:

x(t) = 30et/3 + 0.2 30et/2
and our tmax becomes:

tmax =

ln(1.5)
2.43
0.5 1/3

We can plot this function.

Figure 5: With our parameters as defined above

Looking at figures 6 and 7 we can see that as T increases x(t) increases and
as r increases x(t) decreases.

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Figure 6: Keeping r = 0.5 and

varying T

Figure 7: Keeping T = 3.0 and

varying r

A Couple

In a marriage between X and Y the main external influence on X is Y . Mutatis

mutandis for Y . This means that there is this back and forth interaction between
the two. This coupled interaction can be represented mathematically by the
following system of differentials:

dx
= r(x xe ) + I(y)
dt
dy
= s(y ye ) + J(x)
dt

(8)
(9)

where I(y) is Y s influence on X and J(x) is Xs influence on Y . These two

functions encompass how positive or negative the partners words or actions are
when in a specific state and how those words and actions effect the person of
interest.
For simplicity we assume that I(y) and J(x) are linear and define them as:
(
a+ y
I(y) =
a y

if y 0.
if y < 0.

J(x) =

b+ y
b y

if x 0.
if x < 0.

(10)

where a determines how strongly X is affected by Y s state and b determines

how strongly Y is affected by Xs state.
We assume that for a marriage to last both partners need to be happier
married than single or equally happy and that a marriage will fail if both are
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happier single. We also assume that the marriage is fragile if one of the partners
is happier single.

3.1

A Validating Couple

To make equation 10 represent a validating couple we assume a = a+ = a > 0

and b = b+ = b > 0. If we now only consider a steady state we must assume
that x = xs and y = ys where these two solutions are unchanging in time (they
are constant).
dx
dt

Following from our assumptions above we find that if xs andys are constants
= 0 = dy
dt .

3.1.1

Solution S

Using these assumptions in conjunction with equations 8 and 9 we get a solution

for xs and ys being:

I(y) + rxe
r
J(x) + sye
ys =
s
xs =

(11)
(12)

where

I(y) = ay

J(x) = by

(13)

After completing a stability analysis we find that the solution 11 and 12 are
only stable if:

0<
thus:

ab
<1
rs

a
<1
r
b
<1
s

Interpreting these conditions we find that if ar < 1 it implies that the rate
at which person X returns to their natural state is greater than the rate at
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which they are influenced by their partners, Y , state. So X relies more on

himself/herself than Y for Xs happiness. Mutatis mutandis for Y .

3.1.2

The Pursuit of Happyness

If xs > xe then person X is happier married than single. Similarly for Y . If

both of those conditions are satisfied then the marriage will last. Lets look
at what other conditions need to be satisfied in order for the afore mentioned
conditions to be true.
For person X: xs > xe
a
xs = ys + xe
r


a b
xs =
xs + ye + xe
r s
a
ab
xs xs = ye + xe
rs
r


a
ab
xs 1
= ye + xe
rs
r
xs =

a
r ye

+ xe

ab
rs

Using this new definition for xs that is independent of ys we can evaluate

our inequality xs > xe .
a
r ye

+ xe

ab
rs

> xe

a
ab
ye + xe > xe xe
r
rs
s
xe > ye
b
For person Y we obtain an expression for ys independent of xs in the same
fashion as we did for our xs expression.

ys =

b
s xe

+ ye

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ab
rs

Following the same steps as we did for person X we get that for person Y
to be happier married than single then:
r
ye > xe
a
If both xe sb ye and ye ar xe conditions are met then the marriage will
last and if xe sb ye and ye ar xe is true then the marriage is doomed. The
marriage is fragile for both cases of xe sb ye and ye ar xe being true and
ye ar xe and xe sb ye .
If we now only considering the case where both X and Y are happier married
than single we know that
r
ye > xe
a

s
xe > ye
b

(14)

we can combine these two inequalities and we get

0<

ab
<1
rs

(15)

Inequality 15 is independent of xe and ye thus it is still possible for X and

Y to both be happier even if one or both of xe and ye are negative. This is an
expected result as because both influence each other the affect of the influence
of the one on the other pulls the natural equilibrium point up when certain
conditions are met. Even when xe and/or ye is negative the conditions can still
be met and do not give rise to a contradiction.

3.2

An Avoiding Couple

To model our system given in equations 8, 9 and 10 to an avoiding couple we

have to now assume that a = 0, a+ = a > 0 and b = 0, b+ = b > 0. And
still assuming steady state, like we did for the validating couple. We have to
consider the different case due to the possibility of having xs and ys of different
signs.

3.2.1

Case A

Considering the case of xs > 0 and ys > 0 then our solution becomes:

15

xs =

a
ys + xe
r

b
ys = xs + ye
s

(16)

Using the same argument as we did for the validating couple to reach an
expression for xs and ys only dependent on xe and ye we get:

xs =

a
r ye

+ xe

ys =

ab
rs

b
s xe

+ ye

ab
rs

(17)

Now we can use equation 17 to get a condition only dependent on parameters

to make xs > 0 and ys > 0.
xs > 0
a
r ye

+ xe

ab
rs

>0

thus
a
ye + xe > 0
r

and

ab
>0
rs

(18)

a
ye + xe < 0
r

and

ab
<0
rs

(19)

OR

simplifying 18 we get that

a
ye > xe
r

and

1>

ab
>0
rs

(20)

ab
rs

(21)

simplifying 19 we get that

a
ye < xe
r

and

1<

Only condition 20 will make the marriage last though as it is the only condition that satisfies the system still being stable as indicated by our stability
analysis previously mentioned.

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3.2.2

Case B

For the case where xs < 0 and ys < 0 our solution S becomes:
xs = xe

ys = ye

(22)

In this case it is possible for the marriage to be lasting because a marriage

can last if the partners are both equally happy single or together and in this
case both partners are equally happy single or together. This solution shows
that person X is completely uninfluenced by their partner. Similarly for Y .
Here both person X and Y are naturally unhappy and are not influenced by
their partners state but at least there is a possibility that they can be unhappy
together.

3.2.3

Case C

Now we consider if xs and ys have opposite signs. Looking at the system when
xs < 0 but ys > 0 we can obtain the solutions
ys = ye

xs =

a
ye + xe
r

(23)

Person Y is completely uninfluenced by person X whereas person X is influenced by Y . In this case the marriage will be lasting if ar ye > 0 and since
we know that a/r > 0 our only condition for this marriage to be lasting is that
person Y needs to be naturally happy. This we know to be true because our
case dictates that ys = ye > 0.

3.3

A Volatile Couple

To model our system given in equations 8, 9 and 10 to a volatile couple we have

to now assume that a = a > 0, a+ = 0 and b = b > 0, b+ = 0. And still
assuming steady state, like we did for the other two types of couples. Just like
for the avoiding couple we have to consider multiple cases due to the fact that
we can have different signs for xs and ys .

3.3.1

Case A

For the case where xs > 0 and ys > 0 our solution S becomes:
17

xs = xe

ys = ye

(24)

Here both partners considered are naturally happy people and are completely
uninfluenced by their partners emotional state so a lasting marriage is possible.

3.3.2

Case B

Considering the case of xs < 0 and ys < 0 then our solution S becomes:

xs =

a
ys + xe
r

b
ys = xs + ye
s

(25)

Following the exact same process as the avoiding couple case A we find that,
once again, only condition 20 will make the marriage last.

3.3.3

Case C

Now we consider if xs and ys have opposite signs. Looking at the system when
xs < 0 but ys > 0 we can obtain the solutions

xs = xe

b
ys = xe + ye
s

(26)

Person X is completely uninfluenced by person Y whereas person Y is influenced by X. In this case the marriage will be lasting if sb xe > 0 and since
we know that b/s > 0 our only condition for this marriage to be lasting is that
person X needs to be naturally happy. But xs = xe < 0 so by the definition of
this case X is a naturally unhappy person. This case therefore has no possibility
of a marriage working out.

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