Differential Eq- Power Series Solution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a power series solution for the differential equation (x² - 1)y'' + 3xy' + xy = 0. Participants detail the substitution of power series into the equation, utilizing summation notation for derivatives y', y'', and the series itself. Key transformations involve changing indices in summations to align terms, ultimately aiming to derive a general solution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of neat notation in presenting mathematical equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations, specifically second-order linear equations.
  • Familiarity with power series and their convergence properties.
  • Knowledge of summation notation and index manipulation in series.
  • Proficiency in mathematical notation, particularly LaTeX formatting for equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of Frobenius for solving differential equations with power series.
  • Learn about convergence tests for power series to ensure valid solutions.
  • Explore examples of second-order linear differential equations with variable coefficients.
  • Practice rewriting summations with different indices to improve clarity in mathematical expressions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on differential equations and series solutions, as well as anyone looking to enhance their skills in mathematical notation and problem-solving techniques.

sami23
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Find a power series sol'n: (x2-1)y'' + 3xy' + xy = 0

Homework Equations


let y = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=0) Cnxn
let y' = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=1) nCnxn-1
let y'' = [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn-2

The Attempt at a Solution


I wrote the differential eq as: x2y''-y''+3xy'+xy=0

Substituting back into the differential eq and multiplying the x2 gives:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=2) n(n-1)Cnxn-2 + 3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=1) nCnxn + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to n=0) Cnxn+1 = 0

For the first 2 terms I let k=n-2 , n=k+2 which would give:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk+2 - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk

For the 3rd and 4th term I let k=n which would give:
3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=1) kCkxk + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) Ckxk+1

The new series would be:
[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk+2 - [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) (k+2)(k+1)Ck+2xk + 3[tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=1) kCkxk + [tex]\Sigma[/tex] (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) Ckxk+1

I don't know how to make the starting value of each index the same (from [tex]\infty[/tex] to k=0) and how would I get to the general solution?
 
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First off a tip. Write your summations like this: \sum_{n=a}^\infty. This will look like [itex]\sum_{n=a}^\infty[/itex], which is a lot neater. Secondly put the tex brackets around your entire equation, not just the summation symbols.

This will make your equation look like:
[tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_n x^n[/tex]

Let's start with a simple example. Take [itex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty c_{n-1}x^{n-1}[/itex]. We want to write this series as [itex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k[/itex]. Let's take a look at the first series.

[tex] \sum_{n=1}^\infty c_{n-1}x^{n-1}=c_0 x^0+c_1 x^1+c_2 x^2+...[/tex]

We obviously want [itex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k[/itex] to be equal to this. So how would you express k in terms of n?

[tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_k x^k=c_0 x^0+c_1 x^1+c_2 x^2+...[/tex]?
 
Last edited:

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