Differential Equation with Bessel Function

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The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation involving Bessel functions, specifically the equation y''(x) + e^(2x)y(x) = 0 using the substitution z = e^x. The user derives a new equation w'' - w' + z^4w = 0 after substituting and simplifying. They compare this to a standard form of a differential equation with known solutions, determining values for parameters a, b, c, and p, leading to a proposed solution involving Bessel functions. However, a computer system yields a different solution, prompting questions about the correctness of the method and the potential need for alternative approaches to solving such equations. The user also seeks guidance on correcting the post's forum category.
PatsyTy
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<<Moderator note: Missing template due to move from other forum.>>

Good afternoon. I'm trying to solve a differential equation with bessel function solutions. I am trying to solve

\begin{equation*}
y''(x)+e^{2x}y(x)=0
\end{equation*}

using the substitution ##z=e^x##. The textbook this problem is from (Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, Third Edition) also includes that a differential equation in the form

\begin{equation}
y''+\frac{1-2a}{x}y'+\Big[(bcx^{c-1})^2+ \frac{a^2-p^2c^2}{x^2}\Big]y=0
\end{equation}

has a the solution

\begin{equation}
y=x^aZ_p(bx^c)
\end{equation}

I believe that I need to use this to solve the problem.

Using this substitution suggested in the problem I then have ##x=ln(z)## and I solve the derivatives of the functions of ##y(x)## in terms of a new function ##y(x)=w(ln(z))##.

\begin{equation*}
y(x)=w(ln(z)) \\
y'(x)=\frac{w'(ln(z))}{z} \\
y''(x)=\frac{w''(ln(z))-w'(ln(z))}{z^2}
\end{equation*}

Doing the substitution I get

\begin{equation*}
\frac{w''}{z^2}-\frac{w'}{z^2}+z^2w=0
\end{equation*}

multiplying through by ##z^2## to get rid of the denominators gives me

\begin{equation*}
w''-w'+z^4w=0
\end{equation*}

I then compare this to the differential equation of form

\begin{equation}
w''+\frac{1-2a}{z}w'+\Big[(bcz^{c-1})^2+ \frac{a^2-p^2c^2}{z^2}\Big]w=0
\end{equation}

and by inspection get the values for ##a##, ##b##, ##c## and ##p##

\begin{equation*}
1-2a=-1 \rightarrow a=1 \\
(bc)^2=1 \rightarrow b= \frac{1}{c} = \frac{1}{3} \\
2c-2 = 4 \rightarrow c=3 \\
a^2-p^2c^2=0 \rightarrow p= \frac{1}{3}
\end{equation*}

I then go ahead and put these values into the solution ##w=z^aZ_p(bz^c)## and then substitute ##z=e^x## back in and yet a solution of

\begin{equation*}
y=e^xZ_{1/3}\Big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\Big)=e^x\Big(AJ_{1/3}\big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\big)+BN_{1/3}\big(\frac{1}{3}e^{3x}\big)\Big)
\end{equation*}

where ##A## and ##B## are arbitrary constants.

If however I use a computer system to solve the D.E it gives a solution of

\begin{equation*}
y(x)=A J_0\left(\sqrt{e^{2 x}}\right)+B N_0\left(\sqrt{e^{2 x}}\right)
\end{equation*}

I do not believe these are equal and am unsure how to check. Also I am unsure if this is even the correct method for solving D.E with Bessel function solutions as I haven't seen an example using substitution and am having a hard time finding other resources on the method given in the text. Is there another method for solving D.Es with Bessel function solutions? Also is there a name for the method used above so I can try to find more resources on it?

Thanks for any help you can offer, I do appreciate it!

Edit: Also I just realized this is a homework question and is posted in the wrong forum. Miscellaneous question is how can I get this post switched to the correct form? Sorry about this!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Everywhere in your equations, you have ##w## and its derivatives as a function of ##\ln x##. This means it does not satisfy the equation you found as ##w'(f(x)) \neq w'(x)##. You need to have ##w## as a function of the same argument variable as you have in your equation, i.e., ##w(z) = y(\ln z)## or, equivalently, ##w(e^x) = y(x)##.
 
Last edited:
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Thank you, my prof mentioned the same when I handed it in. I'll be redoing it with the correct variables to make sure I understand it.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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