Bessel's Eq. of order 0 and solution help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around Bessel's equation of order 3/2 and its series solution. The original poster seeks clarification on the series expansion of the Bessel function J_{3/2}(x) and the values of the coefficients in the expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss inserting the series solution into the ordinary differential equation (O.D.E.) to derive conditions on the coefficients. Questions arise regarding the choice of a_0 and the definition of the Bessel function.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided insights into the reasoning behind the coefficients and the definition of the Bessel function. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of choosing specific values for the coefficients in the series expansion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of standard practices in series solutions and the significance of choosing a_0=1 in the context of Bessel functions, which are classified as special functions.

mkkrnfoo85
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Hello all,
I'm studying for my diff/eq final, and I am having a lot of trouble understanding the answer to a question involving Bessel's equation of order 3/2. So, here's the question. please help::::::The following question concerns Bessel's Equation:

[tex]x^2y''+xy'+(x^2-(\frac{3}{2})^2)y=0[/tex]

The Bessel Function [tex]J_{3/2}(x)[/tex] is the Frobenius series solution which is finite at x = 0 Find the first three terms in its series expansion around x = 0.
Ok, so I have the definition of the Bessel Function as:

[tex]J_r(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_nx^{n+r}, a_0=1[/tex]

where 'r' is the root of the indicial equation:

[tex]r(r-1)+(1)r-(\frac{3}{2})^2[/tex]

The answer to this question says::

[tex]J_{3/2}=x^{3/2}(a_0+a_1x+a_2x^2+a_3x^3+...)[/tex]

[tex]y=x^{3/2}(1+0x-\frac{1}{10}x^2+0x^3+...)[/tex]

I don't know how they changed the [tex]a_0,a_1,a_2,...[/tex] values to those numbers right there.
Thanks for the help.
-Mark
 
Last edited:
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just insert the series [itex]J_{\frac{3}{2}}[/itex] on your O.D.E. The only way the equality will hold is if all the therms on the O.D.E. are zero. That will give you a condition over the [itex]a_n[/itex]'s.
 
Last edited:
thx, Just one more question...

thanks, incognitO. That actually helped me put things together. I just had one more question:::

why does the term [tex]a_0[/tex] = 1??

Is it just part of the definition of the Bessel Function, or something else?
 
Definition, if memory serves me correctly, the terms alternate. You can find the solution in terms of [tex]a_{n+2} = f(n)a_{n}[/tex].
 
in series solutions with recurrence relations as the type mentioned by Dr Transport, is costumary to choose [itex]a_0=1[/itex], [itex]a_1=0[/itex] to find the first independent solution and then [itex]a_0=0[/itex] and [itex]a_1=1[/itex] to find the second independent solution. In the case of your Bessel function, this is not necesary science [itex]J_{-3/2}[/itex] is also a solution. So the choice of [itex]a_0=1[/itex] comes from definition, which makes Bessel functions special functions.
 
Last edited:
thanks.

Thanks incognitO, and Dr Transport. Really helped me with the understanding.

-Mark
 

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