【正文】
ribed by a finite number n of state variables will be considered here. Then the state can be represented by an n ponent state vector ? ?12 Tnx x x x? It belongs to an n dimensional vector space defined over the field C. For Continuoustime system, the state is defined for all time in some interval, for example, a continually varying temperature or voltage. Discretetime system have their state defined only at discrete times, as with the monthly financial statement or the annual State of the Union message. Continuoustime and discretetime systems can be discussed simultaneously by defining the times of interest as T. For continuoustime system T consists of the set of times ? ?01 kt t t . In either case the initial time could be ?? and the final time could be ?? in some circumstance The state vector x(t) is defined only for those 01[ , ]t t t? . At any given t, it is simply an ordered set of n numbers. However, the character of a system could change with time, causing the number of required state variables (and not just the values) to change. If the dimension of the state space varies with time, the notation t? could be used. It is assumed here that ? is the sam