Series solution about a regular singular point (x=0) of xy''-xy'-y=0

In summary, the indicial equation for the differential equation xy''-xy'-y=0 about the regular singular point x=0 is r(r-1)+ar+b=0, where a=-1 and b=0. This leads to two possible values of r, r=0 and r=1. However, the solution for r=1, y1=Co(1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!...), is incorrect as it does not satisfy the original differential equation. For r=0, the recurrence relation is Cn=Cn+1(n). However, this method only provides one independent solution and another method must be used to find the second independent solution.
  • #1
Pinedas42
12
0

Homework Statement


Find the indicial equation and find 2 independent series solutions for the DE:
xy''-xy'-y=0 about the regular singular point x=0


Homework Equations


y=Ʃ(0→∞) Cnxn+r
y'=Ʃ(0→∞) Cn(n+r)xn+r-1
y''=Ʃ(0→∞) Cn(n+r)(n+r-1)xn+r-2


The Attempt at a Solution


Finding the indicial eq.
Stan. form y''-y'-(1/x)y=0

p(x)=x*(-1)=-x
q(x)=x2*(-1/x)=-x

Making ao and bo both zero for

r(r-1)+aor+bo=0

so r=0,1

Solving for the equation I finish with (I'll skip a few steps, confident in this portion)

Cor(r-1)xr-1+Ʃ(0→∞) [Cn+1(n+r+1)(n+r)-Cn(n+r+1)]xn+r

Inside the brackets = 0 so the recurrence relation is

Cn=Cn+1(n+r) , n=0,1,2,3...

For r=1, Cn=Cn+1(n+1)

Co=C1, n=0
C1=C2(2)=Co/2, n=1
C2=C3(3)=Co/2*3, n=2
C3=C4(4)=Co/2*3*4, n=3

I conclude y1=Co(1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!...)
which is the series for ex, though our professor wants this in series form.

For r=0, Cn=Cn+1(n)

Co=0, n=0
C1=C2, n=1
C2=C3(2)=C1/2, n=2
C3=C4(3)=C1/2*3, n=3

I'm not to sure how put this into summing terms, the zero is throwing me off.
I'd like to know if I'm on the right track with this. I feel like I did everything as I was supposed to, but something is giving me gut feeling that some portion is erroneous.

Thanks for the help, if you choose to lend it to this tedious problem lol :zzz:
 
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  • #2
Bumpity. Does anyone even have perhaps a hint that something is wrong?
 
  • #3
Pinedas42 said:

Homework Statement


Find the indicial equation and find 2 independent series solutions for the DE:
xy''-xy'-y=0 about the regular singular point x=0

Homework Equations


y=Ʃ(0→∞) Cnxn+r
y'=Ʃ(0→∞) Cn(n+r)xn+r-1
y''=Ʃ(0→∞) Cn(n+r)(n+r-1)xn+r-2

The Attempt at a Solution


Finding the indicial eq.
Stan. form y''-y'-(1/x)y=0

p(x)=x*(-1)=-x
q(x)=x2*(-1/x)=-x

Making ao and bo both zero for

r(r-1)+aor+bo=0

so r=0,1

Solving for the equation I finish with (I'll skip a few steps, confident in this portion)

Cor(r-1)xr-1+Ʃ(0→∞) [Cn+1(n+r+1)(n+r)-Cn(n+r+1)]xn+r

Inside the brackets = 0 so the recurrence relation is

Cn=Cn+1(n+r) , n=0,1,2,3...

For r=1, Cn=Cn+1(n+1)

Co=C1, n=0
C1=C2(2)=Co/2, n=1
C2=C3(3)=Co/2*3, n=2
C3=C4(4)=Co/2*3*4, n=3

I conclude y1=Co(1+x+x2/2!+x3/3!...)
which is the series for ex, though our professor wants this in series form.
Your conclusion is wrong. You can see this if you plug ex into the original differential equation. It's not a solution. Remember you're working on the case where r=1. What's the power of x in the lowest-order term?

For r=0, Cn=Cn+1(n)

Co=0, n=0
C1=C2, n=1
C2=C3(2)=C1/2, n=2
C3=C4(3)=C1/2*3, n=3

I'm not to sure how put this into summing terms, the zero is throwing me off.
I'd like to know if I'm on the right track with this. I feel like I did everything as I was supposed to, but something is giving me gut feeling that some portion is erroneous.
C0 can't be equal to 0. By definition, it's the coefficient of the lowest-order non-vanishing term. Because the two values of r differ by an integer, this method won't give you a second independent solution. You'll have to find the second solution another way.
 

1. What is a regular singular point?

A regular singular point is a point where a differential equation cannot be solved using a standard power series method. It is a point where the coefficient of the highest order derivative is undefined or infinite.

2. How can a regular singular point be identified?

A regular singular point can be identified by examining the coefficients of the differential equation. If the coefficient of the highest order derivative is undefined or infinite, then the point is a regular singular point.

3. What is the process for finding a series solution at a regular singular point?

The process for finding a series solution at a regular singular point involves using the Frobenius method, which utilizes a series in powers of x to solve the differential equation. The coefficients of the series are determined by substituting it into the differential equation and solving for each term.

4. Can a regular singular point have a unique solution?

No, a regular singular point cannot have a unique solution. This is because the Frobenius method results in a series with two linearly independent solutions, giving a general solution with two arbitrary constants.

5. Are there any applications of series solutions at regular singular points?

Yes, series solutions at regular singular points have applications in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields. For example, they can be used to solve differential equations that arise in the study of oscillating systems, such as in the analysis of electrical circuits or mechanical vibrations.

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