Changing Independent Variable in the Bessel Equation

In summary, by changing the variable to u = 2√x, the Bessel equation can be rewritten as u^2(d^2y/du^2) + u(dy/du) + (u^2 - 4)y = 0. This is obtained by substituting the new variable and using the operator d/dx = 2/u d/du. The correct coefficients are obtained, except for an additional factor of 2 on the dy/du term due to improper application of the product rule for derivation.
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Potatochip911
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Homework Statement


Given the bessel equation $$x^2\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} + x\frac{dy}{dx} -(1-x)y=0$$ show that when changing the variable to ##u = 2\sqrt{x}## the equation becomes $$u^2\frac{d^2y}{du^2}+u\frac{dy}{du}+(u^2-4)y = 0$$

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


##u=2\sqrt{x}##, ##du/dx=\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}=\frac{2}{u}##, ##x = u^2/4## and ##x^2=u^4/16##, since ##u=u(x)## we have $$\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dx}=\frac{2}{u}\frac{dy}{du}$$ and obtain the operator ##\frac{d}{dx} = \frac{2}{u}\frac{d}{du}## then $$\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)=\left(\frac{2}{u}\frac{d}{du}\right)\left(\frac{2}{u}\frac{dy}{du}\right)=\frac{4}{u^2}\frac{d^2y}{du^2}$$ plugging into the original now we obtain $$\frac{u^4}{16}\frac{4}{u^2}\frac{d^2y}{du^2}+\frac{u^2}{4}\frac{2}{u}\frac{dy}{du}-\left(1-\frac{u^2}{4}\right)y = \frac{u^2}{4}\frac{d^2y}{du^2}+\frac{u}{2}\frac{dy}{du}+\left(\frac{u^2}{4}-1\right)y=0$$ multiplying by 4 we obtain $$u^2\frac{d^2y}{du^2}+2u\frac{dy}{du}+(u^2-4)y=0$$ where I somehow have an additional factor of 2 on the ##dy/du## term despite getting the correct coefficients for the first and last term.
 
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Hi, attention ##\left(\frac{2}{u}\frac{d}{du}\right)\left(\frac{2}{u}\frac{dy}{du}\right)\not=\frac{4}{u^2}\frac{d^2y}{du^2}##, you must apply the product rule for derivation! ...
 
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What is the Bessel equation?

The Bessel equation is a second-order differential equation that is commonly used to describe oscillatory phenomena in various fields of science, such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. It was first introduced by the mathematician Friedrich Bessel in the early 19th century.

What is an independent variable?

An independent variable is a variable in an equation or experiment that can be changed or manipulated by the researcher. In the Bessel equation, the independent variable represents the input or driving force that affects the behavior of the system being studied.

Why is it important to change the independent variable in the Bessel equation?

Changing the independent variable in the Bessel equation allows scientists to study the effects of different inputs on the behavior of the system. This helps to understand the underlying mechanisms and make predictions about future behavior.

What are some examples of independent variables in the Bessel equation?

In the Bessel equation, the independent variable can represent various physical quantities, such as time, position, temperature, pressure, or frequency. For example, in the study of heat transfer, the independent variable may represent time, while in the study of vibrations, it may represent frequency.

How do you change the independent variable in the Bessel equation?

To change the independent variable in the Bessel equation, you can either manipulate the input directly or use mathematical techniques such as substitution or transformation to change the form of the equation. In some cases, changing the independent variable may also involve setting certain boundary conditions or initial values.

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