Bessel functions of the first kind

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties and derivatives of Bessel functions of the first kind, specifically examining the relationship between the derivative of the Bessel function when scaled by a constant and its implications in proving integral properties and orthogonality.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of Bessel functions, questioning the validity of specific derivative relationships. There is discussion about using series expansions and the product rule in differentiation. Some participants express uncertainty about the correct application of the chain rule in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the differentiation of Bessel functions. There is an acknowledgment of errors and attempts to clarify the relationships involved, particularly in the context of proving orthogonality properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific properties and identities of Bessel functions, indicating that the discussion is framed within the context of proving integral properties and orthogonality, which may impose certain constraints on the assumptions being made.

John 123
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Homework Statement


Can anyone tell me if:
<br /> \frac{d}{dx}J_k(ax)=aJ&#039;_k(x)<br />
where a is a real positive constant and
<br /> J_k(x) <br />
is the Bessel function of the first kind.
Regards
John


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



 
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I believe that the answer to that is no. I believe that...

\frac{d}{dx}J_k(ax) = a J_k^{&#039;}(ax)
 
But doesn't
<br /> J_k(ax)=aJ_k(x)?<br />
 
Sorry, but that is not the case.
 
Then that is my error.
To find the derivative of
<br /> J_k(ax)<br />
presumably one has to differentiate the series expansion?
John
 
John 123 said:
Then that is my error.
To find the derivative of
<br /> J_k(ax)<br />
presumably one has to differentiate the series expansion?
John

You can express the derivative of a bessel function in terms of other bessel functions. See the "Selected identities" list at the end of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessel_function
 
Hi Dick
The question I am asking derives from proving the integral property of Bessel functions of the first kind. This amounts to showing the orthogonal properties of Bessel functions.
Part way through the proof I need to show that:
<br /> u&#039;_1(x)=r_ix^(\frac{1}{2})J&#039;_k(r_ix)+\frac{1}{2}x^{\frac{-1}{2}}J_(r_ix)<br />
where
<br /> r_i<br />
is a distinct positive zero of
<br /> J_k(x)<br />
 
Hi Dick
I need to show that if:
<br /> u(x)=x^{\frac{1}{2}}J_k(r_ix)<br />
Then:
<br /> u&#039;=r_ix^{\frac{1}{2}}J&#039;_k(r_ix)+\frac{1}{2}x^{\frac{-1}{2}}J_k(r_ix)<br />
This, of course, uses product rule but the derivative of:
<br /> J_k(r_ix)<br />
I am unclear about?
Incidentally
<br /> r_i<br />
is the ith distinct positive zero of
<br /> J_k(x)<br />
This is part of proving the orthogonality of Bessel functions
<br /> J_k(r_ix)<br />
with respect to the weight function x.
John
 
It's just the chain rule. If h(x)=f(a*x) then h'(x)=f'(a*x)*a. It's a special case of the general chain rule, if h(x)=f(g(x)) then h'(x)=f'(g(x))*g'(x). It's just like saying the derivative of sin(2*x) is cos(2*x)*2.
 
  • #10
Thanks Dick
John
 

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