Can Bessel's equation be solved using only Frobenius method?

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    Bessel Bessel equation
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods for solving Bessel's equation, specifically whether the Frobenius method can be used exclusively for this purpose. Participants explore the nature of Bessel functions, their representations, and the potential for alternative solution methods beyond series developments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of using series developments to solve Bessel's ordinary differential equations (ODEs), suggesting that Bessel functions can be expressed in closed forms.
  • Others highlight that their differential equations textbooks provide sections on series solutions for Bessel's equations, indicating a common approach in literature.
  • A participant points out that both Bessel functions and trigonometric functions can be expressed in terms of infinite series, raising questions about the differences in their treatment.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of recognizing Bessel ODEs and the prerequisites needed to solve them directly, emphasizing that familiarity with the functions involved is crucial.
  • One participant mentions the need for a factor of \(2^{2k}\) in the series representation, indicating a specific detail in the mathematical formulation.
  • Another participant asserts that while power series may be necessary for some methods, Bessel's equations can be solved using the defined Bessel functions as independent solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and exclusivity of the Frobenius method for solving Bessel's equation. There is no consensus on whether alternative methods exist or if series solutions are the only viable approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of recognizing the type of ODE being dealt with and the background knowledge required to approach Bessel's equations effectively. There are references to specific mathematical factors and the relationship between different types of functions, but these remain unresolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and educators in differential equations, particularly those interested in the methods for solving Bessel's equations and the theoretical underpinnings of Bessel functions.

A Malik
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can we use only frobenius method to solve bessel equation?
 
Last edited:
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A Malik said:
can we use only frobenius method to solve bessel equation?
Why do you want to use series developments to solve Bessel ODEs ?
On the contrary, the Bessel functions are closed forms which avoid the series developments.
 
JJacquelin said:
Why do you want to use series developments to solve Bessel ODEs ?
On the contrary, the Bessel functions are closed forms which avoid the series developments.

That's confussing. I mean I look in my DE book, even gotta' section on Bessel DE, and bam! Series solutions.
 
jackmell said:
That's confussing. I mean I look in my DE book, even gotta' section on Bessel DE, and bam! Series solutions.
Sorry, I cannot understand what is the confusion.
For example, in attachment, two ODEs are compared.
Both solutions can be expressed on closed form thanks to functions which are also infinite series. Of course, the name given to the functions are not the same : J0(x) and cos(x) for example. But I cannot see any other difference, except that cos(x) is more popular than J0(x). But popularity has nothing to do with maths.
 

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JJacquelin said:
Sorry, I cannot understand what is the confusion.
For example, in attachment, two ODEs are compared.
Both solutions can be expressed on closed form thanks to functions which are also infinite series. Of course, the name given to the functions are not the same : J0(x) and cos(x) for example. But I cannot see any other difference, except that cos(x) is more popular than J0(x). But popularity has nothing to do with maths.

Ain't there suppose to be a factor of 2^{2k} in there?

May I also ask how is that first equation solved directly if one does not know before-hand, it is a Bessel DE? I think we'd have to resort to power series. However, the OP I think is asking, is there another way other than power series to solve it?

By the way, thanks for helping us in here as you solve in an elegant manner, equations I can't solve and maybe others too. :)
 
yes there must be a factor
[2]^2k in denominator which will distinguish it from cos(x) series
yup... i was asking any other method to get solution of Bessel equation...
If we use power series method to solve it
what we have to suppose y(x)= ?
 
jackmell said:
Ain't there suppose to be a factor of 2^{2k} in there?

May I also ask how is that first equation solved directly if one does not know before-hand, it is a Bessel DE? I think we'd have to resort to power series. However, the OP I think is asking, is there another way other than power series to solve it?

By the way, thanks for helping us in here as you solve in an elegant manner, equations I can't solve and maybe others too. :)

You are right, I forgot the factor 2^{2k}. It is corrected below. Thank you for the remark.

if one does not know how to recognize a Bessel ODE, he cannot solve it directly. More over, if he doesn't know what are the first and second derivatives of the Bessel functions, he cannot put them back in the ODE and see if the equation is satisfied. Moreover and moreover, if he doesn'nt know the DE of the Bessel function, he has no chance to recognize it into the power series of the solutions of the ODE. That is why the best way is to acquire the ability to recognize if an ODE is a Bessel ODE or not.

But it is the same for the ODEs of the kind y''+y=0 :
if one does not know how to recognize a circular ODE, he cannot solve it directly. More over, if he doesn't know what are the first and second derivatives of trigonometric functions, he cannot put them back in the ODE and see if the equation is satisfied. Moreover and moreover, if he doesn'nt know the DE of the trigonometric functions, he has no chance to recognize it into the power series of the solutions of the ODE. That is why the best way is to acquire the ability to recognize if an ODE is a circular ODE or not.
The difference is that trigonometric functions are well known, that ODEs of the kind y''+y=0 are well known and that related background is known before hand, which is generally not the case for ODEs of the Bessel kind. The difference is that many people already aquiered the ability to recognize if an ODE is a circular ODE, but few have learned how to recognize a Bessel ODE.
 

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If you are referring to solving differential equations in terms of "elementary functions" that cannot be done so then, yes, you would have to use power series. However, it is very simple to solve Bessel's equations in terms of Bessel Functions that are defined as independent solutions to Bessel's equations.
 

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