Proving Hermite Equation with Hermite Polynomials

In summary, The Hermite polynomials are defined by the function F(x,h), and it can be proven that they satisfy the Hermite equation. Using the given sum, one can differentiate it term by term and plug it into the differential equation to solve the problem.
  • #1
No Name Required
29
0
Im stuck on this question :(


The Hermite polynomials can be defined through

[tex]\displaystyle{F(x,h) = \sum^{\infty}_{n = 0} \frac{h^n}{n!}H_n(x)}[/tex]

Prove that the [tex]H_n[/tex] satisfy the hermite equation

[tex]\displaystyle{H''_n(x) - 2xH'_n(x) + 2nH_n(x) = 0}[/tex]

Using

[tex]\displaystyle{\sum^{\infty}_{n = 0} \frac{h^n}{n!}nH_n(x) = h\frac{\partial}{\partial h}F(x,h)}[/tex]

Can someone give me a bit of a push in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
Who's [itex] F(x,h) [/itex] ...?

IIRC, it has to have some exponential, right...?

Daniel.
 
  • #3
No Name Required said:
Im stuck on this question :(


The Hermite polynomials can be defined through

[tex]\displaystyle{F(x,h) = \sum^{\infty}_{n = 0} \frac{h^n}{n!}H_n(x)}[/tex]

Prove that the [tex]H_n[/tex] satisfy the hermite equation

[tex]\displaystyle{H''_n(x) - 2xH'_n(x) + 2nH_n(x) = 0}[/tex]

Using

[tex]\displaystyle{\sum^{\infty}_{n = 0} \frac{h^n}{n!}nH_n(x) = h\frac{\partial}{\partial h}F(x,h)}[/tex]

Can someone give me a bit of a push in the right direction?

What's wrong with "just do it!"? Just go ahead and differentiate that sum, term by term, (your hint essentially says that you can do that), plug into the differential equation and see what happens.
 

1. What is the Hermite equation and why is it important?

The Hermite equation is a differential equation that arises in many areas of physics and mathematics, particularly in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. It is important because it allows us to describe the behavior of physical systems in terms of Hermite polynomials, which have many useful properties and applications.

2. What are Hermite polynomials and how are they related to the Hermite equation?

Hermite polynomials are a sequence of functions that can be used to solve the Hermite equation. They are defined recursively and have the form Hn(x) = (-1)nex2dn/dxn(e-x2). These polynomials satisfy the Hermite equation and can be used to find solutions to it.

3. How do you prove the Hermite equation using Hermite polynomials?

The Hermite equation can be proven using the properties of Hermite polynomials. By taking derivatives of the polynomials and using their recursion relation, one can show that the polynomials satisfy the Hermite equation. This proves that the Hermite equation is a valid solution to the equation.

4. What are some applications of the Hermite equation and Hermite polynomials?

The Hermite equation and Hermite polynomials have many applications in physics and mathematics. They are used to describe the behavior of quantum mechanical systems, such as the harmonic oscillator. They also have applications in statistical mechanics, where they are used to describe the probability distribution of a system. Additionally, Hermite polynomials are used in approximation theory and signal processing.

5. Are there any limitations to using Hermite polynomials to solve the Hermite equation?

While Hermite polynomials are a powerful tool for solving the Hermite equation, they do have some limitations. They are only applicable to certain types of problems, such as those involving the harmonic oscillator. Additionally, the use of Hermite polynomials may not always provide an exact solution, and numerical methods may be required for more complex systems.

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