# 2nd Order Linear ODE (tough)

1. May 13, 2015

### joshmccraney

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
$$ay''-(2x+1)y'+2y=0$$ subject to $y(0)=1$ and $y(1)=0$ where $a$ is a non-zero constant.

2. Relevant equations
Not too sure

3. The attempt at a solution
I know an analytic solution exists since I solved with mathematica. My thoughts were to try a series expansion, but since the analytic solution is in closed form and is using the imaginary error function, I'd rather not waste a lot of time with a power series guess if someone knows (or sees) something insightful.

Any ideas or clever tricks?

Thanks!

2. May 13, 2015

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
I would use two methods. First, let u= 2x+ 1. Then du/dx= 2 so $dy/dx= (dy/du)(du/dx)= 2(dy/du)$ and $d^2y/dx^2= (d/dx)(dy/dx)= d/dx(2dy/du)= 4 d^2y/du^2$. So the equation becomes $4\alpha d^2y/du^2- 2udy/d+ 2y= 0$.

Now look for a power series solution. Let $y= \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nu^n$.
Content abridged by a mentor.

Last edited by a moderator: May 13, 2015
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